The Story Behind the Help 447 Foundation’s Holiday Giveaway on Charleston’s East End

By Traci Phillips | Black By God: The West Virginian

As the holiday season approaches in Charleston and across the Kanawha Valley, many families are balancing joy with rising costs and quiet financial strain. For The Help 447 Foundation, that reality is what fuels their annual Turkey and Ham Giveaway—an effort rooted in dignity, service, and a deeply personal family legacy.

The foundation’s name, “447,” carries special meaning. It was the police number of founder Troy Clagett’s late brother, a man remembered for his quiet dedication to helping others. What once identified him on a uniform now represents a broader commitment to showing up for the community, especially during moments when help matters most. The foundation was created in his honor, carrying forward a legacy grounded in care and respect.

Last year, Troy organized the first giveaway with a simple motivation: helping felt necessary. Volunteers, partners, and neighbors came together, blending their efforts in a spirit of community supporting community. The event wasn’t flashy, but it was genuine. Families lined up knowing they would be met with respect—not questions—and that sense of dignity defined the day.

This year, The Help 447 Foundation hopes to serve 1,500 families from Dunbar to Charleston, offering turkeys, hams, and essential supplies to households feeling the impact of inflation and food costs. The 2nd Annual Turkey and Ham Giveaway will take place on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 12:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 432 Shrewsbury Street on Charleston’s East End. For many families, the timing couldn’t be more important.

When asked what needs he’s seeing in the community that make the giveaway so necessary, Troy shared a philosophy that guides the foundation’s work:

“Selfless help. People’s lives are already hard without a litmus test. I believe life is hard enough to have to explain why you need assistance.”

That belief is central to Help 447’s approach. There are no requirements to prove hardship, no explanations demanded. Help is offered freely, grounded in trust. In a region where pride and privacy often keep people from asking for assistance, removing those barriers can make a real difference.

Funding for the giveaway comes from grants, contributions, and donations secured throughout the year. It’s an ongoing effort, but one the foundation remains committed to because the impact is immediate and tangible—even a single turkey or ham can ease pressure on a household during the holidays.

Beyond seasonal giveaways, the foundation’s work continues year-round. Under the leadership of Mr. Jamaal Davis, Help 447 runs mentorship classes at the Juvenile Center in downtown Charleston, with plans to begin programming at the South Central Regional Jail. They also support other organizations during the holidays, reinforcing the belief that communities are strongest when efforts work together.

As Charleston prepares for this year’s giveaway, Troy hopes people will get involved however they can—by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. Updates and event information are shared through The Help 447 Foundation’s Facebook page, where the organization regularly connects with the community.

Above all, the message remains simple: families are not alone, and they don’t have to explain their need to deserve help.

Learn more and follow The Help 447 Foundation here.