The Season of Giving: Organizations Benefitting the Community This Winter
Fynn Grindle, Staff Writer
The Season of Giving: Organizations Benefitting the Community This Winter
__________________________________________________________________________
As the fall semester ends and the weather chills, various organizations across the state prepare initiatives in giving back to the community. Though certainly not a full list, here are a few opportunities to support this season. Those further interested may also look into any local nursing homes, hospitals, soup kitchens, churches, schools, pet shelters, libraries, or neighborhoods.
The Empty Stocking Fund
Birthed in Atlanta, 1927, the Empty Stocking Fund (ESF) provides children toys and gifts during the holidays as well as other materials during the year, such as school supplies. Individuals may support through volunteer work, donations, sponsoring a child, participating in the JROTC drive, and other mediums.
Learn more at https://emptystockingfund.org/
The Pantry at HMUMC
Created and administered by the Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church, The Pantry provides food to those of the community in need, with no eligibility requirements necessary. Distributions occur on Saturdays. Individuals looking to contribute may volunteer, attend events, or donate monetarily.
Learn more at https://hmumc.org/thepantry
Angel Tree Atlanta
Founded by The Salvation Army, the Angel Tree program ensures children in need receive personalized gifts. Supporters may check local corporations and stores for an Angel Tree decorated with paper tags detailing a child’s age, name, gender, and other appropriate information to purchase a present.
Learn more at https://angeltreeatlanta.org/
Toys for Tots Atlanta
A Marine Corps Reserve-organized program, Toys for Tots collects donated toys and distributes them to families in need during the holiday season. Contributors may donate toys through their Amazon wish list, volunteer work, or local drop-off sites as listed online.
Learn more at https://www.toysfortots.org/
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Named Georgia’s leading pediatric healthcare provider, at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, individuals may volunteer their time, attend fundraising events, donate gifts, or send a message through the hospital’s SmileGram program to a patient.
Learn more at https://www.choa.org/donors-and-volunteers
Helping Mamas
Through their various Georgia locations, Helping Mamas works to provide mothers and families in need with baby essentials and menstrual products. Supporters may donate items, donate monetarily, or volunteer at their warehouse or mobile distribution sites.
Learn more at https://helpingmamas.org/
Atlanta Humane Society
As a no-kill shelter, the Atlanta Humane Society provides sheltering, fostering, adoption, veterinary care, and advocates for animal welfare. Modes of support include donations, volunteer opportunities, shelter work, fostering, and attending related events.
Learn more at https://atlantahumane.org/
Lost-n-Found Youth (LnFY)
Lost-n-Found Youth combats and minimizes homelessness for members of the LGBTQ+ community through emergency services, housing, prevention, and hotlines. Contributors may donate, volunteer, purchase wish list items, or support the LnFY Thrift Store.
Learn more at https://www.lnfy.org/
