It is no secret that 2020 was a year that brought many different challenges for many different people. This year, several individuals sadly lost jobs, loved ones, and overall stability. Something noticeable from 2020 was how people seemed to come together to spread kindness and help those in need. Coming together during a time in which individuals may be struggling helped spread more positivity throughout all the struggles and challenges being encountered.
The holiday season in 2020 looked different than most. Family gatherings were postponed, people were masked-up, and many struggled financially due to the hardships that the previous year presented.
This season, in Griffith, a group of caring individuals decided that they would like to donate and distribute Christmas dinners to those who deserved and needed them.
On December 25, 2020, Griffith residents Jodie Barham, Daniel A. Perez, Daniel J. Perez, and Griffith Public Schools faculty member Leah Dumezich delivered Christmas dinners to 14 families all across the Griffith area.
The idea to deliver Christmas meals and provide for families came from eight-year Griffith resident Jodie Barham.
“I knew people were going to get presents for Christmas, but how many families we’re going to have a great meal that goes with it? I’ve been there when I was young. I want to pay it forward and show our community we all can come together during these hard times,” Barham said.
The initial goal made by Barham was to feed two to three families in Griffith, but once he shared his idea, many residents and school board meeting members and attendees wanted to pitch in to bless a greater amount of Griffith residents during the season.
“It is important to give back to our students and community because we are forging impactful relationships, unity, and empathy for our children and families. We cannot simply state what is right and wrong. We need to take action to show students what humanity looks like. We are instilling values in our students and building trust and compassion in our community,” said Dumezich, director of exceptional learners at Griffith Public Schools.
Each dinner costs $55 for those who wanted to donate. The meal came with either ham or turkey, three sides, rolls, and a dessert. The families in need received these meals free of charge.
The idea of delivering Christmas meals to those in Griffith who were in need was brought up at a Griffith Public Schools board meeting by resident Jodie Barham. At this meeting, people volunteered and offered to pay for multiple meals to help more dinners get to families in need.
“I’ve lived in Griffith for 26 years and believe our town is best served by those doing things that bring us together,“ said Daniel A. Perez.
During the difficult times in which 2020 had brought, it was important to Griffith residents and Griffith Public School staff to show humanity and take care of those in need. Spreading holiday cheer can be seen in many different ways, but this year it was seen through compassion, humanity, and love.
Resident Spotlight
Hardworking, humanitarian, and humble are just three words that describe Griffith Resident Jodie Barham.
Jodie Barham has been a resident of Griffith for eight years but previously had been a lifelong resident of Gary. He graduated from Calumet High School, ITT Tech Institute in Merrillville, and is currently a Warehouse Supervisor at the Horseshoe Casino.
“I enjoy being in Griffith. I feel welcome here and it is nice and peaceful. It’s non-judgmental and I have some very awesome neighbors,” Barham said.
Barham was the head coordinator of delivering Christmas meals to those in need in Griffith.
“There is a lot of negativity that is going on around the nation -- the looting, rioting, shooting, everyone that lost their jobs due to COVID-19, and businesses not opening back up anytime soon. This is what got my heart pumping to figure out how I was going to help whoever needed assistance,” Barham said.
Not only did Barham deliver Christmas meals, but he was also a part of handing out Thanksgiving meals in the previous month beforehand.
“During Thanksgiving, I wanted to give a turkey to a family. Upon doing so, I heard the story of what they’re going through due to COVID-19. After that, I decided to donate my time to fix them a complete Thanksgiving meal. With Christmas coming up, I wanted to be able to bless more families,” Barham said.
After Thanksgiving, Barham decided to start a Facebook group called “Griffith DADS” to help unite men in the community through charity events and helping residents throughout Griffith.
When not participating in humanitarian events, Barham spends his time with his wife, Tawana, and two sons, Kyler and Josiah.
Barham would like to recognize the following people for their kindness and generosity: Jason and Erin Jacques, Tiffany Barham, Tabitha Barham, Gary Alvarez, Kenosha Harris, Emily and Eric Connor, Kathy Planer, Tawana Barham, Roz Pondo, Kathy Rueskan, Leah Dumezich, Daniel A. Perez, and Daniel J. Perez.