ET Online: How Tyler Perry Continues to Give Back to His Community through the Atlanta Police Department

Renowned filmmaker Tyler Perry has been involved in several philanthropic efforts over the last few weeks. On Friday, July 17, the talented actor made the news when he donated 1000 $50 gift cards to residents of his Atlanta community.

It has been a tough few months across the globe and especially in the United States with the nationwide protests against social injustice hitting the country which already had its economy crippled due to the novel Coronavirus pandemic.

Throughout this dark period, iconic producer Tyler Perry has been helping his community through various philanthropic acts. On Friday, July 17, Perry once again came through for his Atlanta community.

The "Madea" franchise star donated 1000 $50 gift cards to Kroger for Atlanta residents. The cards were personally handed out to members of the community by the officers of the Atlanta Police department.

Perry revealed the donation was a way to help out families who have been severely affected by the novel Coronavirus outbreak. In his words:

"This is about the community that I love, that I live and work in. This is about good people who are in need of a hand up not a handout."

The media mogul also talked about his partnership with the Atlanta Police department. He revealed he joined forces with them to help promote unity between the police and the community members.

Over the last few weeks, there has been tension between the Atlanta community and the police following the death of George Floyd on May 25.

The media mogul has also been involved in several other acts of philanthropy during the new Coronavirus pandemic-induced lockdown.

Things came to a head following the death of Rayshard Brooks on June 12. Brooks, 27, was fatally shot twice in the back after an altercation with police officers outside a local Wendy's fast-food restaurant.

The police department has since been making efforts to get on the good books of the community. While sharing the Kroger gift cards to members of the city, one police officer said:

"On behalf of the Atlanta Police Department and Tyler Perry, we wanted to give you that token of our appreciation."

Following the death of Brooks, Perry pledged to pay for his funeral, and he also promised to cover the cost of the college education of his four children.

Meanwhile, the media mogul has also been involved in several other acts of philanthropy during the new Coronavirus pandemic-induced lockdown.

In April, Perry paid for groceries of seniors and high-risk shoppers at 29 Winn-Dixie locations in New Orleans and 44 Kroger stores in Atlanta. The customers were very grateful for the kind gesture and took to their social media to show their appreciation.

The COVID-19 outbreak has had grave effects on the American economy and has caused many to lose their jobs. Still, with the continuous philanthropic efforts of the likes of Perry, many families may be able to stay afloat until things return to normal.