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Oprah donates $2 million to feed families in Nashville

Oprah Winfrey making a big donation from her COVID-19 relief fund to help a city that she has a special connection with.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — "I wanted to serve. I wanted to serve in my own community because my whole goal was just to give back to what is given to me."

Oprah Winfrey's childhood connection to Nashville and her Alma Mater... Tennessee State University.

Leading to a two million dollar donation from her COVID-19 relief fund. 

"But I wanted to make sure that for this moment in time, we got food into the hands of people who most needed it." 

She knows that between deadly tornadoes just three months ago and the coronavirus pandemic, Nashville's vulnerable communities are hurting. 

Mothers like Aje Frazier just trying to hold it together for her son while also focusing on nursing school and working in the intensive care unit. 

"I know where I work, we didn't get hazard pay, we didn't get any extra money, any extra bonus."

Winfrey's contribution leading to a collaboration with Mount Zion Baptist Church and TSU.

The online resource for families is called Nashville Nurtures says Bishop Joseph Walker. 

"And Nashville nurtures is there for folks to come alongside, still contribute, and can feed families even going forward."

But for now, it's helping to hand out 10,000 $200 dollar gift cards to Kroger. 

"I think that when you're down on your opportunities and you feel like you have nowhere to turn and somebody hands you $200 dollars for groceries, that, the fact that that happens, means that more goodness can come."

For Frazier, it means knowing she can feed her family. 

"It's definitely what's gonna keep me afloat over the next month or so." 

"We are better together and Nashville is a resilient city and I'm excited about the days to come. And we'll get through it together."

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