PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — The news stories of the day may not directly affect your family, but they could affect your sense of security. On Nov. 20, 2024, the top stories included three preventable tragedies. A 3-year-old with a gun shot and killed himself, a police officer shot and killed a man in Virginia Beach and in Norfolk, a hit-and-run driver killed a woman.

Carl Williams is a member of a youth support group named Andrew’s Brothers. The group meets with young men monthly at the historic Third Baptist Church and the children are often treated to community and recreational events in the region.

“Every day we see it on television; we see it in the neighborhoods and we hear it too,” Williams said. “We hear from others saying listen, ‘When it’s going to get better?’ That’s why we are here- the Andrew Brothers- to show kinds of love and it can get better. A little while back, a young man came to me and said he lost hope in society. He doesn’t have a dream anymore.”

As legend has it, Third Baptist was part of the Underground Railroad. Today, it is helping Portsmouth children escape the invisible chains associated with poverty, crime, mental health, discrimination and other social issues.

10 On Your Side’s Regina Mobley and Andy Fox met Andrew’s Brothers two years ago at the Hampton Roads Auto Show.

Once again, just before Christmas, new bikes will be given to children in need. It’s a gift that’s wrapped with a lesson.

“It’s a moment of euphoria that a child, eyes get big and they go out and ask ‘which one?’ We say to them, ‘Which one do you want’ and just the love comes out of them to say, ‘I would love that one’. And then when they go get it, they sit on it…It’s just a moment of yes. This is what we live for being there for someone else, loving someone else, caring for someone else. The child doesn’t understand at that time but grows up in the future to understand this is how you show love and love comes back to you,” Williams said.

Williams said the giveaway offers residents in Hampton Roads a chance to present a symbol of mobility for potential leaders of the future.

“Please help us here at the Baptist, the Andrew Brothers, to give back, to give to the community, to give to someone else who desires something on Christmas,” Williams said.

Dozens of bikes were donated last year. If you’d like to donate this year, call Third Baptist Church in Portsmouth at 757-393-9312.