Five years after his death, Miles Blackwell is still making a difference in the community.

Earlier this month, the 4Miles Blackwell Foundation met to bring Christmas cheer to local children. The group spent time with under-privileged children, making crafts and enjoying snacks and games. Santa Claus and Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks also made an appearance and distributed gifts the group raised money to purchase.

Miles, who was 16 when he died in a car crash, was a popular student-athlete at Athens High School. He was also known for volunteering his spare time with disadvantaged children through the Limestone County Boys & Girls Club and other organizations.

After his death, his family and friends founded the 4Miles Blackwell Foundation to continue Miles’ legacy of service.

More than 100 children had a Christmas thanks to the foundation, according to foundation member Brandy Percell. Each child received four gifts as well as a Christmas lunch and crafts made with help from volunteers.

“The Foundation is looking forward to enhancing this annual event in the years to come to show kindness and love to our community,” Percell wrote in a message to The News Courier.