Saturday afternoon saw 1201 Commerce St. in Pine Bluff swarming with excited children and parents.
The occasion was the 2024 Bobby Rush Christmas Giveaway. The gathering took place at the First Ward Living Grace Pantry and was sponsored by Central Moloney, Saracen Casino Resort and the Arkansas Food Bank.
Deborah Allen, founder and director of First Ward Living Grace, said the original goal was to collect 1,000 toys to distribute among less fortunate children. That goal was happily met, and exceeded, reaching 1,500 total gifts for kids.
Allen further explained she always likes to put a name to her charitable events, so she came up with Bobby Rush Christmas Giveaway. She contacted Rush for permission to use his name, without expecting any direct support from the world-renowned local celebrity. However, in true Rush fashion of community spirit, he rearranged his busy schedule to return from touring in California to be on hand in support of the special day.
His efforts to make a personal appearance reflect Rush’s genuine love and concern for the town where he got his start in the music business. It further displays the sincere affection he holds for young people and deep connection to his own childhood roots.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“This is a way to bring young and old people together for a great cause,” Rush said. “I want to do all I can while I can because I know the day will come when I won’t be able, and I don’t want to have any regrets.”
Asked how he managed to work the giveaway into his hectic itinerary, Rush said, “I put off everything else I was doing.” In the last week alone, he has appeared in Portland, San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles and back to his home in Jackson, Miss., for a children’s museum opening the previous night.
Regarding his latest project, a collaboration with musician Kenny Wayne Sheppard, Rush said, “It’s noteworthy how an old guy like me and a young guy like him can fall in love with each other’s music.” Together, the duo has recently written and recorded songs to be released on an 11-song album in early 2025. Rush said, “They are all so good, we’re having trouble deciding which one to put out as the first single.” That single drop is expected for Jan. 21.
He further said, “It’s all these sponsors and volunteers here today who are making it a merry Christmas. I’m not here to do anything but just be here.” He added in reference to the chilly conditions of the day, “I’ve got on two pair of thermal underwear.”
For the giveaway, the pantry partnered with additional sponsors including Pastor Lafayette Woods, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Divine Dancers of the Delta, LEAPS Initiatives LLC, VEX Vendors Exchange, Lucille’s Community Mobile, Lloyd Franklin, the Whitfield family, Chris & Jada Hart, Dollar General, Hands of Nichi, Arkansas Community Foundation Pine Bluff, Abraham & Linda Carpenter, Angela Fair Baker, CASA, Sherwin Williams and a host of volunteers.
Central Moloney President and CEO Chris Hart was on hand to help pass out gifts. He said, “Central Moloney is honored to be a part of this community and any opportunity we get to bless them back we like to take advantage of. What better way to say ‘Merry Christmas’ and ‘We love you’ than filling bellies.”
Holiday music for the afternoon event was provided by Pine Bluff’s DJXL.
Leading up to the opening, cars were lined up for several blocks. Margarette Williams offered a prayer before launch of the giving, asking all to bow their heads before a mighty God. As police allowed the recipients to proceed, busy volunteers passed out everything from whole turkeys to winter coats and bicycles. Automobile trunks were filled to overflowing as grateful citizens partook in the abundant generosity from the many sponsors. Some 1,600-plus families were blessed by the giveaway.
Addressing First Ward Living Grace Pantry’s mission, Allen stated, “We feed homeless people, less-fortunate children, folks in the projects and the elderly every Wednesday and Thursday. And we take food to the hungry where they are. One of our long term goals is to provide a live-in shelter for Pine Bluff’s homeless population.
“Before we relocated to Commerce Road, I was at the old Southeast School for five years,” Allen said. “When the city bought that property, we had to find a new home for our ministry. It was God’s own hand that got us where we are today. Ivan Whitfield and Bill Jones with Sissy’s Log Cabin got us a 15-year lease on this location at one dollar per year.” She laughed and added, “And Bill paid the 15 dollars.”
Grocery baskets full of whole turkeys were passed out to hundreds of families who took part in the giveaway. (Special to The Commercial/Richard Ledbetter)
Blues musician Bobby Rush takes time to visit with some of the many volunteers for Saturday’s Christmas giveaway. From left: Mae Washington, Bobby Rush, Darla Barr, Arlene Campbell, Bernestine Farris and Thelma Sanders. (Special to The Commercial/Richard Ledbetter)
Bikes were among the gifts young people received at the Bobby Rush Christmas Giveaway. (Special to The Commercial/Richard Ledbetter)