This Thanksgiving, one man living in Omaha says he's thankful for one thing many people take for granted - the clothes on his back. Today, he's working to pay it forward.
James Chol is one of the so-called Lost Boys of Sudan. He grew up in a refugee camp without luxuries like new clothing.
This holiday, James Bol Chol and his family are gathering around a different sort of table - trading a turkey for mounds of clothing donations.
"It feels really good to do this during Thanksgiving day because this is part of being thankful and also remembering the life that we went through by giving back to the community we came from, said James Bol Chol, founder of Clothing World for Needy People.
Chol's been collecting shirts, pants, and more for the better part of two years to clothe refugees in Kenya.
"They mean a lot because we believe the beauty of the human being is in clothes. It makes people feel positive," said Chol.
This project has special meaning to Chol. He grew up in a refugee camp after fleeing war torn Sudan at age 12. He cared for a dozen other children in the camp, saying they went without necessities like clothing and shoes.
"We were all naked. We don't have clothes on. That was a part of life in the camp," said Chol.
That's where he later met his wife before moving to the U.S. Chol later founded the charity, Clothing World Needy People. and the donations have been pouring in ever since.
"I think a lot of people appreciate it because it is a life that I went through. When I came to the US, I should be thankful to the government of America and the people of America for welcoming me and my family and the community of the refugees to be here," said Chol.
"Also showing that being a good samaritan is good because we have been helped like that before," said Barach Kuan, a volunteer.
Next week, Chol is traveling to Kenya to drop off his donations at the very camps where he grew up. He says that giving back to his homeland is the greatest gift of all.
"There is something wonderful that you share with the rest of the world," said Chol.
Clothing World for Needy People is in need of clothing donations and funding for shipping. Learn more by clicking here.
