Local businessman Charles Danzy III wanted to lend a hand this holiday season so he arranged to provide a home-cooked meal and warm hats and gloves to local veterans.

Things didn’t go as planned. With the pandemic, no one showed up for the giveaway.

It didn’t deter Danzy.

He switched gears and sent the meal of ham, turkey, string beans, mashed potatoes and gravy and rolls to the YWCA Canton homeless shelter, providing food for the 47 women and children calling the facility home during the holidays.

Kate Sedgmer, director of marketing for the shelter, said the meal was a surprise.

“Anytime we are blessed with a meal donation – especially a hot meal – we are so appreciative,” she said.

After the trip to the shelter, Danzy and his volunteers headed to Refuge of Hope in Canton to hand out hats and gloves. The organization was hosting a coat giveaway Wednesday. Danzy’s donation gave the giveaway a boost.

Danzy, who owns DCD Construction Services, partnered with FIND, a non-profit organization at Friendship Baptist Church, as well as individual donors, including Massillon Law Director Justin Richard, Friendship Baptist Pastor Reginald Hye and Alibi owner Mike Rashid for the giveaway.

NuNu’s Daycare at the church made the meal.

Danzy expressed regret at not being able to help his target market but said he still was able to provide help to those who need it.

“Veterans always get the short end of the stick,” Danzy said. “It’s just the beginning of what we are going to be doing on a regular basis.”

Article published by Canton Repository. Click here to view.