Dec 25, 2024
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Not everyone gets to experience Christmas moments with family and loved ones, but a personal trainer wants to ensure the Washington, D.C. homeless community does.  “So what's the best gift you can give to others, that's a smile on their face on Christmas Day,” said Nathaniel Squall, also known as “Nate,” owner of Bodied by Nate.  For the past five years on Christmas, Squall, his wife Tierra, his mentees and volunteers come together to serve the unhoused community with their "Grace in Giving" Christmas drive. Families reunite at Reagan National Airport on Christmas Eve "I just want them to feel joy. I want them to feel love. I want them to feel comfort. I'm. I want them to know someone cares,” he said.  This Christmas, they continued spreading joy and love by giving away clothes, food, toiletries and more. A line began forming as early as 6 a.m. as many were excited to receive the free items. "It's rough. So it's always, a beautiful moment when we see these vendors...It's like a blessing for them, you know, amazing for me,” said Marcus Young, who attended the event. Tierra Squall has been helping her husband Nate with the Christmas drive over the past two years. She said it’s a joy to see even more donations and people in need show up every year.  (Ya-Maries Sesay/DC News Now) "I want them to feel that they are loved, and that there's hope and that god cares about them,” she said. Santa takes a swim at Hagerstown YMCA ahead of busy Christmas Eve night Squall uses his personal training experience to ensure the food served is healthy options.  "I can't change your body, but I can change your mind. Another way that I focus on changing the body, I make sure some of the food I give is less sweet, less sugary. And I say that because most of those who are out here are diabetics. So it's a health tip the whole entire way,” he added. On Christmas morning, volunteers spent time giving out free items and having conversations with those part of the homeless community. "Everybody thinks it's about getting but it's really about giving and we don't preach that enough. It's about hope," said Markell Taylor, a volunteer and Squall's mentee.  "Normally I just want stuff but it feels good to give back," said Charles Hall, another one of Squall's mentees.  Washington Commanders fans doing some last-minute shopping on Christmas Eve The group is leaving a mark not just on the homeless population--- but also on the next generation.  "I might want to be like him one day, giving back to the community and all," said Aric Harris, volunteer and Squall's mentee.  Organizers said they hope the event continues to grow next year. 
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