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/

A Beautiful Day of Service: The Annual Wallace Umstead Legacy Cookout 9/12/25

The Annual Wallace Umstead Legacy Cookout was a true celebration of community, joy, and legacy. On this special day, our team, volunteers, and partners came together to honor seniors and veterans in memory of our founder’s late father, Wallace Umstead. The atmosphere was filled with love, music, laughter, and heartfelt moments that will not be forgotten.

Special Guests and Honors

We were honored to welcome the Mayor of Roxboro, who brought a special acknowledgement from her office and the City of Roxboro. In addition, we received a touching letter from Governor Josh Stein, acknowledging the event and the importance of uplifting seniors and veterans in our communities. We also welcomed a State House of Representatives Member and the new Executive Director of the facility, making the day even more memorable.

Residents’ Voices and Legacy Moments

The residents’ gratitude was the highlight of the day. Some of the newer residents expressed how thankful they were for the celebration, while others who had known Wallace Umstead shared private conversations about how deeply they miss him. One resident reminded us of the reality that seniors are often forgotten. Our response was simple but heartfelt: you are not forgotten, and you are still a shining light in this world.

Volunteers and Community Spirit

Our volunteer squad, made up of family and friends, was truly top notch. Their dedication and energy kept the event running smoothly and ensured that every resident felt valued. Our DJ kept the music flowing and the smiles wide, making the celebration feel like a true family gathering.

Gratitude to Our Sponsors

This event would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors. AuthoraCare Collective went above and beyond, not only providing immense support but also donating thoughtful door prizes for both residents and staff. Roxboro Savings Bank and UTZ Snacks also played a significant role in helping us create such a joyful and memorable event. We are so grateful for their commitment to supporting seniors and veterans.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

The Wallace Umstead Legacy Cookout is more than just an event — it is a reminder of the importance of honoring our seniors and veterans, keeping their stories alive, and making sure they always feel valued. We are proud to continue this tradition in memory of Wallace Umstead, whose legacy of love, service, and community shines through every smile and every word of gratitude shared.

At Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation, we remain committed to uplifting and serving our community, one project at a time. The cookout is a reflection of what happens when love, service, and partnership come together to create impact.

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?

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

DONORS WE THANK YOU!

Donors,

As we bid farewell to another incredible year, we find ourselves reflecting on the journey that we have shared together at the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation. Your unwavering support has been the heartbeat of our mission, and we are filled with overwhelming gratitude.

To every donor who believed in our cause and contributed generously, thank you for being the driving force behind our initiatives. Your kindness has touched lives, sparking positive change in ways that words can scarcely capture.

This year your donations helped pave the way for our new Professional Skill Development workshop series at a new local homeless shelter, pay a visit to our friends in Cancun, Mexico where they needed supplies and food to help feed 200 school aged children, and most importantly helped us continue to fight food insecurity here in our hometown of Durham, NC feeding over 250 people at our annual holiday breakfast. Your commitment to making a difference has empowered us to reach new heights, and we are thrilled to share these victories with you.

Beyond the tangible impact, it is the spirit of generosity and compassion that truly defines our community. Each contribution is a testament to the belief that, together we can create a brighter future for those in food insecure areas and underserved populations.

To our donors you are the heartbeat of our organization. Your support extends far beyond financial contributions – it’s a beacon of hope, source of inspiration, and a powerful affirmation that goodness prevails when we unite.

As we look forward to the opportunities and challenges that the new year holds, we do so with immense gratitude for the incredible community that surrounds us.

Thank you from the depth of our hearts, for being the driving force behind our mission. Your generosity is the spark that ignites positive change and we are honored to have you by our side.

It is our hope that you would continue to support our initiatives in the new year as we will continue fighting food insecurity and helping people build skills to help them in their daily lives. Visit this link to help us kickstart the new year: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=V5NRN5PU2YQEJ

Your gift of $5, $10 , $20, $50, $100 helps us with every project/program that we have in store for 2024!

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with love, prosperity, and fulfillment.

With heartfelt thanks,

Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation

#grattitude #thankyou #communitysupport #makingadifference #nonprofitlove #givingback #misstakenidgivesbackfoundation #misstakenidgivesback #donors

Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation Day of Service Proclaimed by Mayor of Durham, NC

The year 2023 has been a great year for the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation and has garnered recognition of its remarkable contributions to the community.

Mayor Leonardo Williams has officially declared December 7, 2023 as the “Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation Day of Service” in honor of the impactful work undertaken by this outstanding nonprofit.

Celebrating Community Commitment:

This proclamation is more than just an acknowledgment; it is a testament to the dedication and unwavering commitment of Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation to creating positive change. The organization, renowned for “pop up community service”, fighting hunger and promoting professional development, has become a beacon of hope and a driving force behind numerous transformative projects.

A Day of Unity and Action:

Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation hosts an annual Feed the Homeless/Hungry service project for the designated “Day of Service” and for the next year and years to come is hoping to include other projects/events to bring together the Durham Community. Volunteers, community members, and local businesses are invited to join hands in making this day truly exceptional. From community clean-up initiatives to educational workshops and outreach programs, there are countless ways for everyone to contribute to the spirit of service.

Inspiration for Other Organizations:

This proclamation not only recognizes Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation for its outstanding service but also serves as an inspiration for other organizations to strive for excellence in their community engagements. It underscores the pivotal role that nonprofits play in the overall well-being and development of our neighborhoods.

Expressions of Gratitude:

In response to the Mayor’s proclamation, Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation founder expressed deep gratitude for the honor. This as an opportunity to further amplify the organization’s impact, inspiring increased community involvement.

On December 7,2023 after serving 230 people breakfast in Durham, NC the founder, Akeeya Umstead, had a luncheon to highlight this event with friends and family and gave a small speech as this honor is also a tribute to her late Mother, as the day of service falls on her birthday.

If you would like to make a donation to the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation for future projects, please visit our donation page: https://mgb-foundation.org/donate-today/

Our 5th Annual Feed the Homeless/Hungry Holiday Breakfast Dec 7, 2023 was a Success!!

We had a chance to go back to where we started feeding large groups, Urban Ministries of Durham for our 5th Annual Feed the Homeless and Hungry Holiday Breakfast.

We had a great time serving in the community and we were able to provide a hearty meal to 230 people that are either suffering from homelessness, food insecurity or both.

Not only did we purchase items our team also worked the industrial kitchen and prepared a delicious breakfast menu consisting of turkey sausage, turkey bacon, grits, hasbrowns, eggs, fruit, breakfast pastries, juice, coffee, water. Aside from preparing the breakfast we helped pass out lunch bags that were also donated from other organizations.

The population that we served was very thankful and expressed gratitude. As a treat, we had our resident DJ, Tobias Mayor Morrison spinning the holiday hits while they enjoyed their meal. This brought great joy to all and contributed to the wonderful experience.

We would love to thank all of those that volunteered their time and a special thanks to all of the individuals that gave monetary donations.

We would also like to thank our community sponsors for this event : Indulge Catering and WEGMANS.

It really takes a village and numerous donations to prepare a meal for over 200 people. If you would like to donate to future events for 2024 please click on our donation page!

WE will continue this event in 2024, and it will take place on December 6, 2024 in Durham, NC.