Iraq War Vet creates “Team Give Back”

The Rian Mack 3rd Annual Christmas Dinner for the Homeless was held on Dec. 9th at the Greensboro Sports Complex in Greensboro.

This is an event that Mack, a native of Caswell County, started three years ago after returning from Iraq. This war veteran wanted to give back to her community, which at that time was Greensboro. Specifically she wanted to give to those who may be encountering a hardship during the Christmas
holidays. To assist with her desire of giving to the community, she recruited a team of volunteers consisting of family, friends and community volunteers that shared in her vision of giving back.

This year, generous help was provided by several family, friends, and local businesses in the Greensboro area including: Hunter Lee Enterprise, Triad Rental Station, Lankford Protective Service, Box Board Products, Gallins Foods, Inc., Greensboro Branch NAACP, Bentleys Restaurant &
Lounge, Stephanie’s Restaurant, East Cone Blvd. McDonalds & BoJangles, Stone Workz Graphic Design, Covenant International,Space Walk of Piedmont Triad, Keith, Carter & Associates, Roslyn M. Crisp & Associates, Sammy’s Cycle World, Impact Church, AMF All Star Lanes, AT&T (Greensboro Triad), Lane & Associates Family Dentist.

This year more than 600 adults and children were provided with used and new clothes and toys, food and fun for everyone. The Greensboro Sports Complex was generous enough to provide the use of their facility and staff in order to allow the children to have a fun filled day.

Mack said, “Uplifting and empowering our community is something that I love to do. It’s the little things that make a difference, and I have learned that at any point we all could be in a situation where we may need a little assistance.

That one item of clothing could make a difference for a person getting a job to get back on their feet. That one toy to that child could be the hope that he or she needs to bring a twinkle back into their eyes. Lastly, that meal could have made the difference of saving someone’s life. I was always taught that ordinary people can make extraordinary things happen and together we did just that.

James Goodyear, Greensboro Sportsplex General Manager, said, “The Greensboro Sportsplex, a facility owned and operated by the City of Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department, was honored to be a part of the 3rd Annual Charity Christmas Dinner this year. Rian Mack has made many lives and souls
happy with her inspiring story and passion to give back to the community. We were able to serve so many families in need with not only food and clothing but good will and cheer this season. Our community continues to amaze and show that Greensboro is truly one the best places to be. We look forward to working with Rian and her team of volunteers again soon.”

Mack’s determination to make a difference, and her team of supporters touched the lives of many this year. Not only did they manage to touch the lives of those here in the triad area, remaining items were donated to a village in Uganda providing them with much needed clothing.