Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation Annual Day of Service 2025 Recap: Serving With Purpose in Durham, NC

On Friday, December 5, 2025, the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation held our Annual Day of Service in the heart of Durham, North Carolina. What began seven years ago as a simple mission to fight food insecurity has grown into one of our most impactful community traditions, and this year’s event was nothing short of incredible.

We began the morning bright and early by serving a warm and hearty breakfast to 248 of our unhoused neighbors. Plates were filled with turkey sausage, scrambled eggs, grits, hash browns, breakfast cakes, fresh fruit, juice, and hot coffee. Every interaction reminded us of why this work matters. A good meal offers more that nourishment. It offers comfort, dignity, and a moment of connection.

Once breakfast wrapped up, our volunteers shifted into the next phase of service. Together, we prepared more than 1,000 sandwiches to be delivered in lunch bags at Urban Ministries of Durham. Seeing our community come together with such focus, compassion, and energy was powerful. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds filled the room with a shared purpose: to help our neighbors feel seen and supported.

This annual event would not be possible without the generosity of our community partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to Bimbo Bakeries, Whole Foods, and Food Lion Feeds for contributing resources that helped us feed so many. We are equally grateful for every donor and every volunteer who showed up ready to serve. Your presence made a real and lasting difference.

Seven years later, our mission remains the same: to fight the food insecurity with consistency, heart, and community partnership. We are proud of the work we have accomplished, and even more excited about the work ahead.

We invite you to mark your calendars. Our next Day of Service will be held on December 4, 2026. We welcome volunteers, donors, and partners who want to stand with us to uplift our neighbors.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we will keep transforming lives, one act of service at a time.

Here is a link to a recap video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17mjZEabHe/

Help us Carry our Mission Forward

Giving is not just one day for us. It is our lifestyle.

At the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, we spend the entire year pouring love into our community. This year we not only fed our local neighbors we even made an impact globally and were able to support a project to feed youth in the Philippines. We also completed another round of our Success Looks Different Fireside Chat- Workshop skill development series for a local homeless shelter, continued our support of Seniors and Veterans with our annual cookout, and created or assisted with meaningful service projects that remind people that compassion is always in season.

Every project that we complete is powered by people who believe in service and want to make an impact that lasts beyond a moment. Your generosity helps us provide meals, build supply kits, support families, and continue creating experiences that uplift our communities in Durham, Roxboro, and beyond.

If you would like to support our mission, here are ways to give:

Make a donation to help us continue feeding and supporting our neighbors. DONATE TODAY!

Volunteer at one of our upcoming service events.

Sponsor a project through your business, organization, or group.

Share our Mission with someone who believes in community care.

Thank you for standing with us this year. With your support we will keep showing up, keep serving, and keep spreading love far beyond the calendar.

Giving is who we are. And we are just getting started.

Looking Ahead: Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation 2025

As we move forward in 2025, the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation is ready to make an even greater impact. Our mission remains the same to serve, uplift, and inspire. But this year, we’re taking things a little further.

We’re continuing our Success Looks Different for Everyone- Fireside Chat Series, proving that transformation isn’t about where you start, but about the consistency and commitment to growth. This year we’ll provide more opportunities for individuals to learn, develop and create their own paths to success.

For the first time, we’re partnering with Rise Against Hunger in May to package 1,000 meals for communities in Haiti or the Philippines. Hunger knows no borders and we are honored to expand our reach beyond our local community to fight food insecurity on a global scale. To donate or sign up for that project, click here https://www.riseagainsthunger.org/register/?id=701Pj00000AEg1eIAD .

We will continue our support of Seniors and Veterans at the Canterbury House in September in Roxboro, NC with our 2nd Annual Cookout in Honor of Mr. Wallace Umstead (Our Founder’s late father) giving them some great food and warm vibes.

Closer to home we will be sponsoring 4 families for Thanksgiving this year, making sure that they have a table full of food and a holiday filled with love. And as always, we’ll host our 7th Annual Feed the Homeless and Hungry Breakfast, in December, a tradition rooted in honoring Mrs. Cassandra W. Umstead ( Our Founder’s Late Mother) and ensuring that those in need don’t go forgotten.

But this is just the beginning. We are always open to working with new organizations and groups to expand our reach and deepen our impact. If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that when people come together for a common purpose, change happens.

In 2025, we’re also focused on educating the public about the work we do and how we can work together. Our foundation thrives on collaboration, and we want more people to understand how they can join us in making a difference. Our Founder is open to speaking engagements for this reason. If you want her to come speak to your group/organization please let us know. Connect With Us!

Here’s to another year of service, growth, and giving back.

Let’s make 2025 unforgettable. Are you in?

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM MISSTAKENID GIVES BACK FOUNDATION!

WELCOME TO 2025!

As we step into a new year, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible impact we’ve made together in our communities. Your support and dedication to our mission of “Empowering Communities through impactful service, one project at a time” have been truly inspiring.

This year, we’re excited to continue our meaningful work and announce a brand-new initiative that will expand our reach and impact. Stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to share what’s in store!

We’re also thrilled to open individual sign-ups for our larger volunteer projects in 2025. If you’ve ever wanted to get involved and make a difference, this is your chance to join our amazing volunteer squad. Together, we can achieve even greater things this year!

Here’s to a 2025 filled with service, growth, and positive change. Thank you for being part of the Misstakenid Gives Back family. Let’s make this year one to remember!

With gratitude,
The Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation Team

Outstanding Partnership Award: A Moment of Gratitude and Impact

December 12, 2024 was a proud moment for the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation.

We were honored to receive the Outstanding Partnership Award at the Families Moving Forward Annual Gala. This recognition highlights the impact of the programs we provide to support families and individuals on their journey to rebuilding their lives.

At the heart of this work is our signature workshop series, “Success Looks Different For Everyone: The Fireside Chat.”

These workshops aim to help residents at the family shelter:

Identify their transferable skills and talents

Build connections with community members

Explore new perspectives on what success can look like for them

The feedback we’ve received from Families Moving Forward staff is super inspiring.

They shared that our workshops are a highlight for residents and among the most highly attended programs at the shelter. This speaks to the power of creating safe, intentional spaces where people can feel seen, heard, and empowered.

For me, as the founder of this organization this work is deeply personal. I believe success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept; it’s a journey that looks different for everyone. Whether it’s reigniting a passion, taking the first step toward a dream, or finding the courage to start again, every step counts.

This award is a reminder of the strength that comes from community, collaboration, and compassion. It motivates us to continue our mission of giving back and helping others see the potential within themselves.

To everyone who supports the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation—thank you for believing in this work. Together, we can continue making a difference, one step at a time.

Let’s keep showing that success truly does look different for everyone.

Stay Connected!

Follow us for updates on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved.

#MisstakenidGivesBack #FamiliesMovingForward #SuccessLooksDifferent #CommunityImpact #GivingBack

Impact of the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation Day of Service 2024

December 6 & 7, 2024, the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation held its highly anticipated Day of Service Weekend, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. With the power of community and compassion, we came together to make a tangible impact on the lives of so many. Here’s a recap of our incredible two-day event.

Friday: Feeding Our Unhoused Neighbors in Durham

We kicked off the weekend by addressing one of the most immediate needs in our community: hunger. With the help of volunteers and generous donors, we were able to serve 250 of our unhoused neighbors in Durham. Providing warm meals to those in need is one of the ways we show that every person deserves dignity and care, and the gratitude we received from those we served was truly heartwarming.

Saturday: A Day Full of Giving and Love

On Saturday, the focus shifted to preparation and distribution. Our Founder also received a proclamation from the Mayor of Durham to commemorate the occasion.

It was a whirlwind of activity as volunteers assembled and distributed various essential items for different groups within our community:

Supply Bags for Our Unhoused Neighbors: These bags were packed with snacks, toiletries, and cold-weather essentials to help those living on the streets face the winter months.

Care Packages for a Family Shelter: These packages were filled with practical and comforting items to support families in transitional housing.

500 Sandwiches for a Local Homeless Shelter: Simple but impactful, these sandwiches ensured that a local shelter could feed their guests.

Senior Love and Winter Cheer Kits: Seniors and veterans at an assisted living facility in Roxboro, NC, received personalized kits with cozy items, personal care essentials, and heartfelt messages to brighten their day.

Items for the VA Hospice and Veteran’s Pantry: We also supported veterans in hospice care and contributed to a pantry that serves those who have served our country.

Each act of service was a reminder that small, thoughtful gestures can make a world of difference.

A Community United by Purpose

This weekend wasn’t just about giving back—it was about coming together as a community to create moments of hope and joy. None of this would have been possible without the amazing team of volunteers, donors, and supporters who shared our vision.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the impact of this year’s Day of Service Weekend, we are more inspired than ever to continue building bridges of kindness in Durham, Roxboro, and beyond. If you’re interested in joining us for future events or supporting our mission, we would love to hear from you! Together, we can make giving back a way of life.

Stay connected:

Follow the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming service opportunities.

Let’s keep the momentum going—because when we work together, the possibilities are endless.

mini video weekend recap

PROCLAMATION

Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation Day : A Celebration of Community Service

On December 7, 2024, the City of Durham, will unite to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: The Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation Day of Service. This Day officially proclaimed by the Mayor of Durham, Leonardo Williams, honors the tireless efforts of our foundation to uplift our community through acts of service and compassion.

For years the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, lead by founder Akeeya Umstead, has worked to create impactful programs that address pressing community needs from feeding the hungry, to providing resources to unhoused neighbors, families, and giving support to seniors and veterans. Now this special proclamation not only recognizes the work that we have done but also inspires us to go even further.

On this monumental day, we will have community members to join us in giving back. Activities will include:

Making and distributing 500 sandwiches for a local homeless shelter.

Creating care packages for families at a local family shelter.

Preparing supply packages with toiletries, snacks and warmth for unhoused neighbors.

Preparing special gift bags for seniors and veterans in Roxboro, NC.

Packaging special items from the needs list for the Veteran’s Administration Hospital Hospice and Veteran’s Pantry

This Day of Service reflects our collective commitment to building a stronger, more supportive community. We believe that when we come together, we can create real change and inspire others to embrace the power of giving.

Let’s make December 7, 2024, a day to remember. Mark you calendar, join the movement, and help us celebrate this incredible honor!

Together, we serve. Together we thrive.

The event will take place at I.R. Holmes Sr. Recreation Center at Campus Hills December, 7, 2024, starting at 10:00 am, volunteer slots have been filled.

Engage in Corporate Social Responsibility: Volunteer in 2024

Corporate volunteer matching programs and Volunteer Time Off (VTO) are incredible ways to give back to your community while maximizing the impact of your contributions. At Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, we want to educate individuals on how to utilize these benefits in 2024 to make a difference.

What is Corporate Volunteer Matching?

Corporate volunteer matching programs allow companies to match the hours their employees spend volunteering with financial donations to the non-profit organization. If your employer offers this, you can double your impact with every hour you spend giving back!

What is Volunteer Time Off (VTO)?

Volunteer Time Off (VTO) is paid time off employees can use to volunteer at non-profits or community service events. Many companies offer this as part of their benefits package, allowing you to give back during working hours without using personal time.

How You Can Get Involved in 2024:

1. Check Your Company’s Policy: Speak with your HR department to see if they offer VTO or volunteer matching.

2. Partner with Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation: We have several upcoming events in 2024 and beyond, including hunger relief initiatives and community service events that need volunteers. Your time and corporate match could help us make an even greater impact.

3. Spread the Word: Encourage your co-workers to join in, making it a team effort!

By utilizing these programs, you can contribute more effectively and inspire others to give back.

Contact us at mgbfoundation.org@gmail.com to learn how you can participate in our 2024 volunteer opportunities and make a lasting difference. Or join our volunteer squad : https://forms.gle/vxhJsd8PxGEYiSHk7

Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation Day of Service 2-Day Event- A Community of Service! (December 6 & 7, 2024)

We are excited to announce that the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation will be hosting a special 2-Day Day of Service this December! Mark your calendars for December 6-7, 2024—two days dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our unhoused neighbors, veterans, seniors, and those experiencing food insecurity in our community.

What’s Happening?

Day 1: Friday, December 6, 2024

We will kick off the weekend by gathering volunteers to prepare breakfast for our unhoused/hungry neighbors. This event has been our annual event for 5 years and this will be our 6th year. This event has been done in honor our Founder’s Late Mother Cassandra W. Umstead, as she was key in instilling the willingness to serve into our Founder A. Umstead.

Our mission is to ensure that our unhoused neighbors feel the warmth and care of the community as they receive nourishing meals made with love.

Day 2: Saturday, December 7, 2024

On this second day of service, we will have a short program, acknowledging the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation Day of Service! After that we will have some fun.

Volunteers will prepare sandwiches that will be delivered to a local homeless shelter. We will also begin assembling essential supply bags filled with toiletries, snacks, and other daily necessities for distribution.

Volunteers will be delivering the supply bags to a family shelter, seniors, veterans, and the unhoused community in Durham and Roxboro, NC. These bags will include items like soups, instant coffee, toiletries, and snacks.

This day also marks our special outreach in honor of our Founder’s late Father Wallace Umstead to senior and veteran living facilities, where we will bring joy and comfort to those who have served our nation and those in need.

Why This Event Matters

At the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, we believe that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. By coming together as a community, we’re not only providing critical resources to those in need but also showing that they are seen, cared for, and valued. Our 2-day Day of Service is more than just a chance to give back—it’s an opportunity to be a part of something greater, something that will leave a lasting impact on the lives of hundreds.

How You Can Get Involved

We need YOU to help make this event a success! Whether you’re available for one day or both, we welcome all volunteers with open arms. Here’s how you can participate:

Volunteer your time to help prepare and distribute sandwiches and supply bags.

Donate supplies such as snacks, toiletries, and socks.

Spread the word to friends, family, and colleagues to join us in making this an unforgettable event.

Save the Date!

Don’t miss this chance to give back and make a meaningful difference this holiday season. Be a part of our Day of Service and help uplift our community!

Dates: December 6-7, 2024

SIGN UP FOR THE 2 DAY EVENT NOW: https://forms.gle/KtY83ruZiLRo9Z3Z9

Together, we can create a brighter, more caring community—one act of service at a time.

Follow us on social media for updates or contact us at mgbfoundation.org@gmail.com for more information!

Impactful Group Volunteer Opportunities at Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation

At Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, we believe in the power of community and the impact that comes from working together. Group volunteer efforts not only help address urgent needs in our neighborhoods but also foster a sense of unity and purpose. When individuals come together to serve, they inspire each other and create lasting change.

Whether it’s organizing pop-up events, helping out with skill development workshops, packing supply bags for those in need, or participating in hunger relief projects, our group volunteer opportunities offer something for everyone.

These experiences allow teams, families, and friends to join hands and make a difference in just a few hours, with a high impact that extends far beyond the event itself.

At Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, we are committed to educating and engaging volunteers, ensuring that every person understands the value of their contribution. Together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities.

Join us on our mission to make giving back accessible and meaningful for all.

Join our Volunteer Squad Today!!! Click this link: https://forms.gle/UFxaJ38buc3ju8cbA

For groups of over 5 people, please send an email to mgbfoundation.org@gmail.com