We had the good fortune of connecting with Cornelius Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cornelius, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Operation D.E.F.R.O.S.T was initially established for the purpose of self-healing. I sought to address my personal challenges with abandonment, anger, and poverty by extending assistance to individuals within my community who were facing similar difficulties.

Two people holding signs that say 'FREED FOOD & CLOTHES' outside a building, with a clear sky in the background.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Operation D.E.F.R.O.S.T. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that mentors kids aged 5-12. We also help the community by giving out groceries, meals, and clothes every week in the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta area.

There are a lot of food pantries in Atlanta, and I’m not saying we’re better than any of them because we all put in time and effort to help people. But I can tell you that you’ll always feel loved and welcome when you come to our center.

Since we’re self-funded, our biggest challenge is finding ways to cover costs to keep our mission going. But by the grace of God, we’re still going strong 10 years later.

Smiling woman in blue shirt holding a clipboard and a tray of food at a community food drive event, with donation and support messages.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
It really depends on why my best friend is visiting. If they’ve been having a tough time and need some peace, I’d suggest nature trails, High Falls Park, or even walking the belt line. If they’re here to party, then I’d say downtown or the Buckhead area. You could also grab a bite at Ponce City Market since there are tons of restaurants there.

People gather in an indoor space with tables and items for sale or display, some wearing hats and jackets.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom’s the only one who comes to mind. She raised me in a single-parent home, so we went through a lot of tough times, which made our relationship pretty rocky. But no matter what, she never gave up on me and kept teaching me things that made me who I am today.

Website: https://www.operationdefrost.org

Instagram: @operationdefrost

Facebook: @operationdefrost

Group of children and adults gather in a purple-walled indoor play area with colorful decorations and artwork.

Image Credits
Operation D.E.F.R.O.S.T events. Flyers for food pantry and 10 year celebration.

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