To Holston Home, the newborn in their care was named "Jimmy Holston." To Margaret and Allan Atkins, he became their son Rodney. Today, country music star Rodney Atkins is to the staff, children and Director Charles Hutchinson, "Our poster boy for Hope."Atkins returned to his first home in Greenville, Tennessee this week to help celebrate their newly renovated campus. He spent part of the day performing a special acoustic concert, signing autographs and getting to know the children one on one. Atkins also participated in the official ribbon cutting ceremony in which the "Rodney Atkins Youth Home" was named and dedicated. He wrapped up the day's events with a tour of the new buildings.
"This is absolutely one of the greatest things of my life," says Atkins. "This isn't a career achievement. This is a life achievement. Just to have the opportunity to try and positively affect those kids' lives is wonderful. I am so thankful for the folks at Holston Home and their hard work. They absolutely are some of the greatest people alive. It's really hard to express how grateful I am to be a part of Holston's mission."
Atkins, who was adopted from Holston Home when he was a baby, has been a strong supporter of the children's home for some time. He became a major spokesperson for the Greeneville-based home that serves children unable to live with their families as well as becoming the celebrity spokesperson for the National Council For Adoption.
At his concerts nationwide, Atkins frequently talks about Holston Home and what it has meant to his life. The music star also takes time when he is able to visit the campus and meet with the children and young people there. He was instrumental in securing a grant from the Academy of Country Music and Lifting Lives that provided guitars and music lessons to the Holston Home kids.
"So many people worked on this project and have showed these kids what unconditional love is," Atkins said. "I'm proud to be a part of something that shows kids that."
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