Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlon Miller Jr.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Marlon. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My family always calls me Deuce because I am a Junior. I was about six years old when I started noticing homeless people on the streets. I used to keep asking my mom if I could have money for them and normally, I would get it. I used to ask so much that she wouldn’t always have money to give. Over the years, I always used to wonder things like how did they become homeless and did they not have a family to stay with. When I turned 10, I asked my mom if I can start helping the homeless. She did not think I was serious at first. She told me to do some research about what I wanted to do to see if I really was passionate about it. A few months later, I finally went to her about what I wanted to do and how I wanted to do it. I started going around to different businesses asking for donations of money so I could start making compassion bags. My mom, sister, and I started making them and passing them out. We went to downtown Atlanta and other shelters in and out of my community that needed it. We started getting donations from different people and organizations. My mom made some flyers for Deuce Hands and then social media platforms were created. I started going to different events to spread information about Deuce Hands. Deuce Hands has been growing more and more. We decided to start doing Christmas fundraisers to help Henry county students and we have been doing that every year. We got some volunteers to assist Deuce Hands. Most of the volunteers are from my soccer team. We have been helping someone in need every month from the beginning which was 2017.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I first started asking for money, a lot of people wanted to know if I was using their money for good. After we made some flyers and my mom made a website to show proof.
Another challenge that Deuce Hands faces is funds from the beginning to now. It would not be a problem if I did not promise myself to do something at least once a month. To start raising more funds, we sell Deuce Hands T-shirts, compilation cookbooks, bracelets, and sugar scrubs. It is harder to do things without donations because we have to worry about money and how we are going to pay for things or help people in need.
My last challenge is that I am a kid. My mom has to drive me everywhere. I play soccer, I am in three organizations at my school, and I still have to maintain good grades. A lot of times, I don’t really have any free time because we are so busy.
Please tell us about Deuce Hands.
Deuce Hands mission is to supply the homeless and less fortunate with basic need essentials. Deuce Hands, Inc. received its 501c3 non-profit status in 2017. We help someone in need every month. We make compassion bags that include toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, lotion, etc and sometimes water & snacks. We do community service also. I started the organization when I was ten and now I am thirteen. Most people my age don’t realize how bad and important homelessness is. We sell Deuce hands T-shirts, Deuce Hands compilation cookbooks, and M& M sugar scrubs made by my sister Madison and I. All of the funds from the stuff we sell go towards our mission. We do a Christmas fundraiser for Henry County students every year. We get things for them that they need and want. I help other organizations throughout the community. I have been to a lot of different events and expos. The thing that makes me proud is how we help someone every month consistently. Deuce Hands always needs volunteers because my mom, sister, and I can not do it all alone. That is why our motto is: Deuce Hands Are Better Than One. Deuce means two because I am a junior that means that with more people helping, we can reach out to more homeless and less fortunate people faster.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is when my family and I went to Disney World for the first time. It was really fun and it was even better because my family was there.
Pricing:
- Deuce Hands T-shirts $15
- M & M Sugar Scrubs $5
- Deuce Hands Compilation Cookbooks $10
- Deuce Hands bracelets 1 for $3 or 2 for $5
Contact Info:
- Website: www.deucehands.org
- Email: Deucehands06@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deucehands06/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deucehands/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/deucehands?lang=en
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2DSNIqFunlDWt62pjLrrKQ
Image Credit:
Tawanda Miller
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