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.
Special thanks to Irene Barton for help in compiling this list. As executive director of Cobb Collaborative, Barton is a great resource for those interested in plugging in to help folks in need. www.cobbcollaborative.org.
Aloha to Aging
www.alohatoaging.org
The following items are needed for the Day Club: Clorox wipes; Lysol spray; 6-inch dessert paper plates; 8 1/2-inch lunch paper plates (no styrofoam please); small bowls; large cans of fruit and vegetables; decaf coffee; 9-ounce plastic cups; copy paper, and Publix, Kroger or Costco gift cards. Items can be dropped off at either Aloha to Aging location: West Cobb (Tuesdays only, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.), 5145 Due West Road, Powder Springs, inside Burnt Hickory Baptist Church; East Cobb (9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays), 4608 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta.
C.H.O.I.C.E.S.
www.choicesforkids.org
The Center Helping Obesity In Children End Successfully (C.H.O.I.C.E.S.) fights childhood obesity with a multifaceted approach. C.H.O.I.C.E.S. is a resource to families with overweight and obese children, through collaborative partnerships with fitness trainers, physical and psychological health professionals, motivational speakers and dietitians. Variety of volunteer opportunities from office to event to hands-on cooking.
Cobb School Social Workers
www.cobbsuccessforall.com
Can use donations to their fund for uniforms, food, etc. May have need for tutors, general volunteers for front office, media center, etc. Contact the school close to you and see what their needs are.
Cobb Senior Services
www.cobbcounty.org
There are several opportunities to contribute to the Senior Santa program. Financial donations of $30 or more are welcome. Adopt a senior and fulfill their specific Christmas wish list. Donate gift certificates from Walmart, Kroger, Publix, etc. Donate new unwrapped gifts that are gender specific. Volunteers welcome for the 11th annual Senior Santa party, a special event for current clients who are homebound. 770-528-5368.
Destiny’s Daughter of Promise
www.ddpgirls.org
The Kennesaw nonprofit prepares teen girls for college, careers and a successful life by offering programs and opportunities for young women to excel in leadership, community involvement, education, and personal growth and development. Mentors are needed.
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, 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.
Forever Fed
www.foreverfed.org
Forever Fed is distributing 350 Christmas food boxes to families in need, as well as hosting mobile pantries in communities experiencing high need. Groups, businesses and individuals can donate nonperishable foods, such as peanut butter, jelly, canned beans, canned soups, breakfast-style snacks and hygiene items. To donate, contact Susan@ForeverFed.org or phone 678-883-3314.
KSU CARE Center
www.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.
Lekotek
www.lekotekga.org
The Kennesaw organization uses adapted toys, educational materials, computer equipment and iPads to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities who can have fun and learn along the way. There are many volunteer opportunities, through volunteering a few hours or making an ongoing commitment.
MUST
www.mustministries.org
The Cobb County nonprofit provides food, housing, employment, clothing assistance to individuals in distress. Current needs are for new socks and undergarments for men, women and children of all ages and sizes.
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 where he or she can experience family and the love of Jesus. Financial gifts are always welcome, and organizers are asking for prayers. Prayer cards available at the website can be printed and shared with friends, family members and faith communities.
678-671-2279.
Operation Christmas Child
www.samaritanspurse.org
Representatives will be collecting donations of filled shoeboxes at various locations in Cobb County Nov. 12-19. Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, collects boxes filled with clothing and accessories, craft items, school supplies, toys and personal care items (no liquids accepted, including toothpaste, shampoo, deodorants, etc.) and ships them around the world to children in need. Check the website for locations.
Simple Needs GA
www.simpleneedsgablog.com
Simple Needs meets unmet, but important, needs in several ways: Bringing a tent to a person living in the woods, providing birthday gifts to a homeless child, or connecting people to services that can help them. Donations needed of full-size toiletry items, new shoes for children or $25 gift cards to shoe stores, tents, candles, cleaning supplies (which cannot be purchased with food stamps), and new children’s books and toys for children living in shelters.
Tommy Nobis Center
www.tommynobiscenter.org
Helps people with disabilities find jobs. Most critical need is financial support. Vehicle donations also are welcome.
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