Pastor and Project H.O.O.D. founder Corey Brooks says this Christmas, the greatest gift isn’t presents or programs, but the chance to finish his center debt-free — building safety through healing and education rooted in biblical truth and excellence.

As Christmas approaches on my Walk Across America, my thoughts turn to the children of my South Side Chicago neighborhood. These precious boys and girls, many of them from broken single-parent homes, hang their stockings and dream of gifts and joy.

We have no choice when it comes to the world that we are born into. But we do have the power of choice as we grow into this life. Some have it harder and these kids do, having been born into a world of limited opportunity and government dependency.

I can tell you that deep down what they really want this Christmas is not the latest trending toy, but real opportunity, genuine safety, quality education and unbreakable hope. 

ELITES CALL THE SOUTH BACKWARD — BUT WALKING IT REVEALED AMERICA'S NEXT BOOM

I've seen their faces up close for years. I remember Devin Howard, a young man who came to Project H.O.O.D. trapped in poverty and violence, feeling like the streets were his only option. Through our vocational programs, he learned the construction trade, gained confidence and now leads a life of dignity and purpose in the construction industry.  Or the countless boys I've mentored who light up when someone........

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