AtlantaWill Benson thought back to his baseball sessions in Sandtown Park, the little fields he had to practice on, and his dream of getting to the top of the hill to play on the big fields. As the No. 14 overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, he eventually made it to the Minors and, eventually, the big leagues.
Benson, nevertheless, hasn’t forgotten the people who supported him along the way.
In the second toy drive held at Kingdom Difference Church and Sandtown Park, Benson and his charity organization, Future is Near, provided more than 130 items to over 40 families in need on a cloudy, chilly, and windy Saturday morning.
Benson stated, “To be honest, I really think that’s just the Lord working through me, and I always grew up looking at other professional players do that for their community.” “I always consider what LeBron James has accomplished for Ohio and what he still doing for his area. I hope to find myself inside that enclosure.
Benson visited the park and church of his early years, strolling about and thinking back on all of his recollections. The Reds outfielder distributed a variety of Christmas gifts and posed for pictures with families. He likened the toy campaign to the song “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” by The Jackson 5.
A’s outfielder Lawrence Butler and other Future is Near board members, including Benson’s mother Ramona, joined Benson.
Butler declared, “It’s all about giving back to the community.” Thus, it would be wonderful if we could return to our home park, assist a few families, and create some Christmas memories.
Benson has been involved in the Metro Atlanta area through Future is Near since getting drafted. The nonprofit’s mission is to provide inspiration, resources, and guidance to enable young people to realize their potential and change the world.
The group has organized a range of activities, including the Sandlot Stars Youth Camp in Georgia, which helps children improve their baseball abilities, and “Walk Through the Streets of Atlanta,” which distributed food and supplies to those in need in the city.
Celebrated is Will Benson’s second annual Christmas toy drive, which benefits Atlantan families.
Albert Lindsey, a servant pastor of the Kingdom Difference Family Fellowship, stated, “Will has always been that type of person.” Will’s mother called me as soon as he was drafted to tell me that he wanted to volunteer for the church. Thus, that basis has always existed, and Will is a person of consistency and continuity.
In November, Benson was inducted into the South Fulton Hall of Fame as a result of his dedication to supporting young baseball players and his community. He wants the activities held by his organization to become more significant and expansive in the upcoming years. Benson thinks he can do it with the support of those closest to him.
Benson remarked, “[Their support] means the world to me. It means everything.” “It helps me identify who is truly in my inner circle and who is eager to work with me to improve my neighborhood and, ultimately, the entire world.”