Voice of the Fatherless Child brings holiday joy to families in need

On Sunday, December 17, 2023, Voice of the Fatherless Child (VOFC), a local nonprofit, helped Milwaukee families get into the holiday spirit by delivering trees, gifts and decorations to families in need. This year they stopped at 10 homes, bringing the holiday spirit to people’s doorsteps. VOFC founder Monte Mabra, said as a child he always dreamed of a Christmas with a real tree, the lights and gifts underneath it. Now he’s giving that experience to other families as a holiday surprise. This year was even more special, as it marked the celebration of 11 years of their “Single Parent Christmas Giveaway.” The giveaway supplied families in need with a live tree, lights, tree topper, decorations, gifts and more. Among the families that VOFC helped this year was that of 4-year old son of Ebony Johnson. Ebony, along with her two friends, Bobbie Dyson and Lashonda Jackson, were killed on November 3, 2023 after driving home from a concert. The individual that hit them was fleeing the Milwaukee police on a high-speed chase hitting Ebony’s car. Ebony’s son was someone that could use some ‘Christmas magic.’

Mabra said he finds families through Facebook and other organizations in the community. Along with sponsors Home Depot Port Washington, America Works and Hupy & Abraham, families received the full Christmas experience, thanks to volunteers like A.J from Home Depot, who deliveed and set up everything for the families. “The joy of giving is the paycheck,” said Mabra.