This past Saturday, Senior Kemon Holmes’ A.O.B. Entertainment hosted its very first “Toy & Coat Drive” at the Dean & Barbara White Community Center. Over 200 kids from the community recived gifts from the event.

Holmes, also known as DJ Super, came up with the idea while brainstorming with his business partner.

“I had in my head to give out toys to kids and also make them feel like they don’t have to be needy to get these toys . . . any kid that’s 0-12 can come get these toys,” he said.

Holmes told his mom who was immediately supportive.

“She was like ‘Let’s do it.’ I was like “OK, let’s do it,” he said. 

A.O.B. stands for Above, Over, Beyond, and Holmes had big plans for this drive, including fun  music and showcasing Christmas characters such as Santa Claus , while also having some other things like face painting.

“A.O.B. stands for going the extra mile,” he said. “We can’t just stop at the coat and toy drive. We got to add a little bit extra.”

Doing a drive as big as this has its trials and tribulations. 

“Honestly, every day there’s some new obstacles I have to overcome, but I’m still excited,” Holmes said. “I’m still happy we’re almost there. I mean it’s crazy how fast it’s coming as well.” 

“I’m also getting support from my job at Chili’s, getting support from my family, a lot of friends, school, definitely some teachers have definitely been looking out. Just people like that. Small businesses [such as] hair salons, barber shops have also helped,” he said.

The culinary classes at MHS and their teacher Ms. Patti Tubbs also baked cookies.

The event has helped Holmes recognize what the season is really about.

“I didn’t realize what I was doing at first. It took me until now to realize that what I’m doing is so much bigger than I thought,” he said. “It’s in my heart.”