Tyrone father and son donate $400 to Huntingdon Salvation Army
Tyrone’s total goes from $703 to $1,103 thanks to the generosity of the Hall family
Ozell and Tommy Hall
High school students are rarely given credit for putting others ahead of themselves, but the spirit of Christmas and giving back to the community is strong with at least one TAHS student.
Sophomore Tommy Hall had just sold his Ford truck and after finishing his own Christmas shopping with the money, he still had about $200 left.
That’s when he heard about the fire at Salvation Army in Huntingdon that destroyed toys and clothes for 200 needy families.
We came to Tyrone with only the shirts on our backs, and there were 70-80 people who I never met before giving us stuff when we got here
— Ozell Hall
“We were Christmas shopping when [Tommy] told me that the school was doing something for the Salvation Army Church,” said Tommy’s dad, Ozell Hall, “we talked about him maybe giving some money to the cause.”
Tommy decided to give all the money he had left to the Salvation Army.
“I didn’t have too many plans for the money,” said Tommy, “so I thought, why not? That way some kids could have presents.”
What Tommy didn’t know was that his dad had already decided to match his donation.
“I thought whatever he decided to give, I was going to match,” said Ozell, “I had no idea he was going to give it all and he didn’t know until today that I was going to match it.”
Turns out, losing everything is something the Halls know all too well.
“We’ve been there before, so we know,” said Ozell.
Tommy and his family are originally from Gulfport, Mississippi. The Halls experienced two house fires and lived through Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
After Katrina devastated their town, Ozell decided he’d had enough and decided to move far from the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. They chose Tyrone because Ozell’s best friend from the military is from here and offered to host the Halls until they could find a place of their own.
“We came to Tyrone with only the shirts on our backs, and there were like 70-80 people who I never met before giving us stuff when we got here,” said Ozell, “So every year I try to do something to give back.”
A big man with long hair and a white beard, Ozell makes a perfect Santa and takes advantage of it every year by giving presents to local kids.
“I never accept anything in return,” said Ozell.
This year Ozell’s son followed his dad’s example and helped those in need himself.
“I’m proud of him,” said Ozell.
My name's Carly Crofcheck. I've been in the Tyrone Eagle Eye for four years and I'm a Senior at TAHS. Last year I was the Editor in Chief, this year...
Janet Webster • Dec 23, 2015 at 7:04 am
The most generous people, with the kindest hearts…. are the ones who give…. not because they have excess…. but because they know what it is like to have nothing.
God Bless You Hall Family.
Jon Leonard • Dec 22, 2015 at 9:50 pm
Congratulations. Tommy very proud of you. I am your grand father’s cousin.
Amy Case • Dec 22, 2015 at 9:29 pm
What a heartwarming story! God bless the Hall family. Tommy is a true inspiration and a sweet young man. Merry Christmas!
Tiffannie Hall • Dec 22, 2015 at 5:26 pm
I’m Tommy’s little sister and honestly every time I smile and tear up at the same time. I tear up because I remember all the times we have lost stuff and had nothing and I smile because even when we don’t have much we still manage to make it there while helping other families also I love how wonderful my father can be. Way to go Santa Clause and his super tall elf son. I love ya’ll both.
steph • Dec 22, 2015 at 3:04 pm
Very sweet I had tears in my eyes…we are lucky to have ur family in our community. And you raised ur son with a very caring and loving heart.