Giving Back for Thanksgiving
As the holidays approach, many people are preparing for winter festivities and family celebrations. At the same time, many others are preparing to face the loneliness, discomfort, or strain that comes with the “giving “ season. The holidays are not only about family and festivities, but also about sharing love and community with others. In the spirit of this, this article provides some opportunities to give back to the local community during the holiday season.
Food Service Organizations:
When eating delicious home cooked meals, consider providing the same to others in the community by supporting these organizations:
Open Hand Atlanta
Open Hand Atlanta encourages underserved communities by providing those with critical illness or disability with fresh and nutritious meals. They pride themselves on being one of the “largest community-based providers of home delivered meals in the US.” During this time, Open Hand encourages people to help out by delivering meals to those in need. Find out more about volunteering here:
https://openhandatlanta.org/volunteer/
Meals on Wheels Atlanta
Meals on Wheels Atlanta aspires to encourage senior independence by providing meals, shelter, and community in the local area. They aim to fight pervasive problems within the Atlanta area like social isolation, poverty, and food insecurity. You can help out by delivering or preparing meals and stocking the MOWA meal pantry. Get involved here:
Food4lives
Food4Lives is a Georgia Tech and Emory student founded organization dedicated to feeding and educating the homeless population in Atlanta. They focus on making genuine connections, preparing fresh meals, and creating a community. You can help them by cooking meals, donating items, or serving food in the community kitchen. Learn how to help here:
https://food4lives.org/volunteer.html
Education and Mentoring Opportunities:
The holidays are a great time to pass on your skills or wisdom to those who need it! You can do so by getting involved with these organizations:
Hands on Atlanta
Hands on Atlanta works to drive the Atlanta community to civic engagement. Their work centers around providing mentorship and tutoring for Atlanta youth, as well as fighting food insecurity. You can help from home by mentoring or tutoring young community members virtually. Find out how to start here:
https://www.handsonatlanta.org/relief
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta
Big Brothers Big Sisters is helping children reach their full potential by pairing them with one-on-one mentors, or “Bigs”. Their Bigs aid them with educational and social skills and guide them during their formative years. Learn how to support these local youth here:
https://www.bbbsatl.org/be-a-big
Animals Support Opportunities:
Dogs and cats are more than just presents for the holidays; you can take care of these animals by volunteering at these local shelters:
Paws Atlanta
Paws Atlanta provides hands-on care to homeless animals within the Atlanta area. They foster dogs and cats, provide food and veterinary services, and encourage adoption from their shelters. Volunteers can help by caring for the animals, cleaning, and maintaining the shelters, or fundraising for the organization. Sign up to help here:
http://www.pawsatlanta.org/volunteer
Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelters
Furkids is another local organization that works to care for homeless animals. They foster cats and dogs and provide shelter services across the Atlanta area. Learn how to volunteer here:
