MOB Traffic goes the distance with hope for the holidays. 

Hope of the City extended its holiday season this year after delivering essentials to more than 6,000 families and their children during its annual drive-through event. Although best known for giving families clothing, hygiene kits, food, a holiday meal, and toys for the children, Hope for the City had a secondary goal to provide food to more than 35,000.

"Many people don't know that there are nearly 100,000 kids right here in our city that live at or below poverty," said Mike Bodine, founder and CEO of Hope for the City. “If not for the love and support of the Las Vegas community, they wouldn't have a Christmas.”

This year, their hope for the city continued long after the event, as donations were still being received at food pantries five days after Christmas and more than fifteen days after the annual event. Currently, pantries are open at Central Church – Henderson on Wednesdays and Saturdays, Central Church – Sunrise Mountain on Wednesdays, and Boy Scouts Of America – Las Vegas on Thursdays. Pantries open at 7 a.m. and close when individual location supplies are exhausted. 

“Every Wednesday, there is a line around the block at Central Church - Sunrise Mountain on 1460 Tree Line Dr. near my home,” says Paul Ames, events manager for Masters of Barricades (MOB Traffic). “It’s one of the ways Central Church embodies what it means to be a church, through countless outreach programs that help people all year long.”

Ames says their efforts are one of the reasons MOB Traffic is proud to support Central Church and Hope for the City. This year, it provided 500 28-inch cones and 500 pedestrian rail units to help facilitate efforts during the nonprofit’s most significant event of the year. And while this is only one example of how MOB Traffic works with the community, it is one of the most memorable.

Built with a vision that no one needs to go hungry, Bodine and his team of volunteers have launched and operated more than 1,000 pop-up food pantries that served more than 1.4 million people in need approximately 25 million pounds of food. But numbers alone aren’t what make Hope for the City unforgettable. 

Ask Bodine what he remembers most about the inaugural event in 2020, and he’ll recall the faces of three children, ages 4-9, bright with anticipation. They were all crowded around a back seat window, taking in the lights and smiling at volunteers (some in costume) handing out toys, warm clothes, and food.

This year, there were a few more surprises as Central Church and Hope for the City continued to gain support. Maxx Crosby, defensive end for Las Vegas Raiders, was one of the volunteers on hand during the event. He stayed on to sign footballs and T-shirts for many children. Others received a high five as they passed by. 

“If you help just one person, that means you’re making a positive impact,” he said. “For us, we’re trying to help as many people as possible.”

Crosby’s sentiment was shared by many this year. Billy Womack made a personal donation this year—$1 million—to help break the cycle of poverty and transform lives. He also joined the volunteers for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony that will be remembered forever by anyone in attendance. 

“Seeing the outpouring of support from these individuals and others is very uplifting,” said Ames. “MOB Traffic was very proud to be among the presenting sponsors with the Maxx Crosby Foundation, Paul Padda Law, Convoy of Hope, Three Square, Sysco, Raising Cane’s, Walmart, Wynn Resorts, Rock Star Garage, and others because it truly demonstrates how Hope for the City has truly brought our community together.”

To join MOB Traffic and the growing list of area businesses that support Hope for the City, please visit their business sponsor page at Hope for the City. If you are interested in making an individual donation, visit the donation page. 

A $50 donation provides one child with a holiday gift, food, and cozy giveaways during the magical drive-through experience. And, after the holidays, donations help keep food, clothes, and basic hygiene supplies within reach for thousands of families all year through Hope for Kids.