Because many of our friends and neighbors struggle financially every day, there are many charities that work hard to help people in need. Here’s a list of local nonprofits that have additional needs for the holidays. While you’re at it, consider bringing a basket of homemade goodies, fresh fruit or colorful flowers to show your appreciation for the staff and volunteers at these nonprofits.
Cobb Senior Services
www.cobbcounty.org
There are several opportunities to contribute to the Senior Santa program. Make a donation of new, unwrapped items. Donate gift cards to stores such as Publix, Kroger, Target, etc. Adopt a senior and complete their wish list. Volunteers welcome for the 11th annual Senior Santa party, a special event for current clients who are homebound. 770-528-5368.
MUST
www.mustministries.org
The Cobb County nonprofit provides food, housing, employment and clothing assistance to individuals in distress. Clients are invited to visit the toy shop; donations are needed to stock those shelves. Donations needed of new, unwrapped toys, stuffed animals, puzzles, board games, electronics, books, dolls, sports equipment, T-shirts, underwear, hats, coats and gloves. Email ToyShop@mustministries.org for more information. Gifts also welcome for teens and adults.
Acworth Police Department Christmas Shoppe
www.acworthpolice.org
Every year, the Acworth Police Department invites parents in need to come and select holiday gifts for their children at the station’s Christmas Shoppe. The community can assist with the Christmas Shoppe by donating new, unwrapped toys and clothes for school-aged children. Donations can be dropped off at the police department anytime before Dec. 20. Other collection sites include Henry’s, Center Street and The Flag Shop. 770-974-1232, Ext. 1115.
Toys for Tots
www.toysfortots.org
Toys for Tots is a national program started by the Marine Corps. Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys to distribute to children in need during the holiday season as a way of spreading joy to the less fortunate. Below is a list of Toys for Tots collection sites in Acworth.
• Acworth Animal Hospital, 4310 Toccoa Drive, Acworth.
Contact is Amber Tanchin. Donations accepted through Dec. 18. 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays; 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
• Day’s Chevrolet, 3693 North Cobb Parkway, Acworth.
Contact is Jennifer Still. Donations accepted through Dec. 15. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays.
• Edwards Heating & Air, 4200 Industrial Center Lane, Acworth. Contact is Anna Marie. Donations accepted through Dec. 14. 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Omega Learning Center — Acworth, 5330 Brookstone Drive, Acworth. Contact is Jenn Lynch. Donations accepted through Dec. 18. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Priority Realty Group, 11 Waterbend Place, Acworth.
Contact is Stephen Corrao. Donations accepted through Dec. 20. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Lekotek
www.lekotekga.org
The Kennesaw organization adapts toys, educational materials, computers and iPads for kids with special needs. Toys are loaned to families each month to help their children learn through play. Lekotek welcomes donations of durable toys (especially sensory toys, no plush items) for the lending library, as well as iPads and computers (there are some specifications for computers).
Simple Needs GA
www.simpleneedsga.org
Simple Needs GA’s fast-growing Spirit of Christmas program helps agency-referred families have the merry Christmas they deserve. Last year, the Marietta-based nonprofit brought brand-new presents and other useful items to 158 children. Volunteer opportunities include buying requested presents; wrapping gifts; making deliveries; sorting and organizing; and more. For information, email brenda@simpleneedsga.org.
Santa’s Caravan
www.heritagepres.com
Acworth’s Heritage Presbyterian Church has a Christmas ministry that provides toys and clothes for children. Families also receive boxes of food to help them through the holidays. Donations of stocking stuffers, books, diapers, pull-ups and wipes, and nonperishable food items are welcome. Contact Susan Korbett at kkorbett@aol.com for details.
CHOICES
www.choicesforkids.org
The mission of the Center Helping Obesity In Children End Successfully Inc. (CHOICES) is to be a parent and child resource center for the clinically diagnosed and at risk children of obesity. Since 2002, CHOICES has delivered its message of health to more than 80,000 children and adults through cooking classes, workshops, summer camps and health expos. Donations needed to serve more families with the free Cooking with CHOICES healthy cooking series for families with children at risk for obesity, as well assist with finishing the new Community Teaching Kitchen, scheduled to open in 2019. info@choicesforkids.org.
KSU CARE Center
http://care.kennesaw.edu/
The Campus Awareness, Resource & Empowerment (CARE) Services offers support to students who have experienced homelessness, food insecurity and/or the foster care system. Donations of food for the pantry and monetary donations to the scholarship can make a huge difference in the life of a student. There is a wish list to help students at Christmas. For details, contact Marcy Stidum at 470-KSU-7565, mstidum@kennesaw.edu, or
care.kennesaw.edu.
Family Promise Cobb County
www.familypromisecobbcounty.org
Family Promise serves housing-insecure families with children, by providing shelter through community faith partnerships. While the family has shelter, the day center staff stays busy working to help the adults find jobs, learn budgeting, and connect with benefits and services that will help them. The nonprofit has asked for donations of gas cards and Walmart or Target gift cards to help the families being served.
New Horizons for Children
www.nhfc.org
The nonprofit serves international orphaned children by finding local host homes where each child can spend four to six weeks with a family and can experience family and the love of Jesus. Financial gifts are always welcome, and organizers are asking for prayers. Prayer cards available on the website can be printed and shared with friends, family members and faith communities. 678-671-2279.
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