THE CITIZEN BLOG
THE CITIZEN BLOG
Over 172,000 meals packed for metro Atlanta families for the 2022 9/11 Day of Service
On Monday, September 12, close to 400 volunteers spent the day at the Georgia World Congress Center packing more than 172,000 meals for families across metro Atlanta, commemorating the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance.
Photos by City of Atlanta Government
On Monday, September 12, close to 400 volunteers spent the day at the Georgia World Congress Center packing more than 172,000 meals for families across metro Atlanta, commemorating the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance.
Now an annual day of service in Atlanta, this is the 3rd year Hands On Atlanta has partnered with MyGoodDeed (d.b.a. 9/11 Day) the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that created the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Their mission is to take back the day, transform the anniversary of 9/11 into a national day of doing good, and in the process rekindle the spirit of unity that arose in America in the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Together, we’ve engaged thousands of volunteers and packed over 500,000 meals for metro Atlanta families!
Atlanta Mayor, Andre Dickens and members of the Mayor’s Office joined the meal pack and spoke to the volunteers, sharing his energy, the impact and power of today’s event and thanking all the volunteers and organizers for their efforts.
For this year’s event we teamed up with Meals of Hope, Brave Public Relations, the Georgia World Congress Center, and the Atlanta Community Food Bank (the recipient of the 172,000+ meals) for a meaningful and fun day of service. Guest emcee and WSB-TV evening anchor, Karyn Greer kept the energy in the room electric and brought authenticity to the work and the purpose of uniting in service.
Ashley Graylee, a volunteer from Novelis summed up the event perfectly saying, “Coming together and doing something good for others, it just feels good, and it feels like 21 years later we are still honoring those who have lost so much.”
Learn more about 9/11 Day and how you can get involved at www.911day.org and for more meal packing opportunities and events or to discover other ways to fight food insecurity across metro Atlanta visit www.handsonatlanta.org/food.
feeling inspired?
You don’t have to wait to do something good. From September, 20-27, 2022, we’re teaming up with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation for Hands On Atlanta Week - Atlanta’s biggest week of service. There are hundreds of opportunities and events you can sign up for addressing food insecurity, education, environmental sustainability and more throughout the week.
8 Things to do for Hands On Atlanta Week
If you can’t tell by the amount of projects and events we’re promoting the week of September 20-27, we’re stoked for the 2022 Hands On Atlanta Week presented by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation! So, to help get you out of the office/home and into the community as quick as possible, we’ve pulled together this list of 8 Things to do for Hands On Atlanta Week to help get you started.
If you can’t tell by the amount of projects and events we’re promoting the week of September 20-27, we’re stoked for the 2022 Hands On Atlanta Week presented by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation!
With so many awesome and impactful opportunities to get involved, it can sometimes feel like trying to find something to watch on Netflix - spending more time scrolling and searching than actually watching. So, to help get you out of the office/home and into the community as quick as possible, we’ve pulled together this list of 8 Things to do for Hands On Atlanta Week to help get you started:
Sign up to be a poll worker through the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
On September 20, 2022, celebrate National Voter Registration Day (a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating our democracy) by signing up to be a poll worker. If you’re a “techie” your help is most needed to manage the electronic voting machines.
Be one of 5000 guests at 500 tables across metro Atlanta
On September 21, 2022 join Equitable Dinners and rock your civic engagement by being in the 5000. Launched by a one person play, each table will share stories, connect with strangers and neighbors, and be inspired to make a positive difference.
Pitch in for the Piedmont Park Green Market
Have fun volunteering while enjoying the fresh air, learning about locally grown produce and supporting the Piedmont Park Conservancy on September 24, 2022! Green Market volunteers play an important role in supporting healthy lifestyles and encouraging sustainable communities.
Sign up for Discovery
Interact with students from Title 1 schools in the Metro Atlanta community. In a structured environment, volunteers will help students have new experiences and visualize brighter through enriching activities.
Volunteer with the AIDS Walk
Volunteers help bring our walk to life! Volunteer with AIDS Walk Atlanta on Saturday, September 24, 2022 to gain some knowledge and give back to your community. Sign up and volunteer to be a part of the magic.
Join the AUMI Recovery Walk
By volunteering with the Antioch Urban Ministries, Inc. Recovery Walk, you’ll help heighten awareness of drug addiction, foster fellowship and to collaborate resources within the community.
Volunteer at Five Points Farm
Head downtown on Sunday, September 25 to help one of Atlanta's most unique community gardens - the Five Points Farm - a member of the AgLanta Grows-A-Lot program. Volunteers help with weeding, planting, watering, harvesting and doing site beautification projects.
Help at the National Black MBA Atlanta Conference
As a volunteer with the National Black MBA Association 44th Annual NBMBAA® Conference, you can expand your network, share your skills, gain experience, and have an impact on the efficient operation and continued success of the Conference. Various shifts and roles start September 27, 2022.
BONUS:
Gather your family and friends to volunteer to pick up litter on the Beltline on a day and location convenient for you! Check out this DIY opportunity and help keep the Beltline clean and safe for everyone.
Explore ALL of the ways you can do something good for the 2022 edition of Hands On Atlanta Week!
CELEBRATE SERVICE WITH HANDS ON ATLANTA WEEK 2022
The 2022 edition of Hands On Atlanta Week, presented by The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, looks to engage 10,000 people in support of 50 nonprofits and schools with over 200 unique and meaningful volunteer projects and events from Sept. 20-27, 2022. The eight days of service will be celebrated alongside Arthur Blank’s 80th birthday, highlighting his commitment to a more equitable and engaged Atlanta.
Atlanta’s largest week of doing good to mobilize thousands for eight days of service from Sept. 20-27, 2022
The 2022 edition of Hands On Atlanta Week, presented by The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, looks to engage 10,000 people in support of 50 nonprofits and schools with over 200 unique and meaningful volunteer projects and events from Sept. 20-27, 2022. The eight days of service will be celebrated alongside Arthur Blank’s 80th birthday, highlighting his commitment to a more equitable and engaged Atlanta.
From the launch of early voting to fighting food insecurity to protecting our environment, each day of Hands On Atlanta Week will be themed to highlight a specific impact area of focus. Marquee events for the week include a mural painting, beautification and book drive at the Arthur M. Blank Family Youth YMCA, a large meal packing event at 970 Jefferson St. (home of West Side Future Fund, Food Well Alliance, Urban Recipe, and Second Helpings Atlanta), and a STEAM kit pack and little library build with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta.
“We are honored to partner with Hands On Atlanta for a wonderful week of service in Atlanta – a city that our Chairman, Arthur Blank loves with his whole heart. This week is a time for us to host meaningful service events that are important to the city and align with our priority areas of giving. From supporting youth by providing access to books, to positively impacting Atlanta’s Westside through healthy food access - we are excited to serve. This is also a time for celebration as we recognize Arthur’s 80th birthday and his incredible impact on the Atlanta community,” said Fay Twersky, President of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
The Atlanta community is invited to join in the celebration of service all week long. Participants can expect hundreds of meaningful and safe in-person and engaging virtual projects and even be a few surprises.
“The quickest way to solve the growing, immediate challenges in our community is by serving others. We’re thrilled to have the support and partnership from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and over thirty corporate sponsors for Hands On Atlanta Week, to bring service to thousands across metro Atlanta – providing opportunities for those who need some help and for those who want to help,” said Jay Cranman, President and CEO of Hands On Atlanta.
Hands On Atlanta Week will take place from Tuesday, Sept. 20 – Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022. Learn more and sign up to serve with your family and friends at: www.handsonatlanta.org/week
Celebrate + Support Democracy
The 2022 edition of Hands On Atlanta Week, powered by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, will kick-off supporting Democracy with National Voter Registration Day!
The 2022 edition of Hands On Atlanta Week, powered by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, will kick-off supporting Democracy with National Voter Registration Day!
National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating our democracy. First observed in 2012, it has quickly gained momentum ever since. Nearly 4.7 million voters have registered to vote on the holiday to date.
more ways to do something good
Become a Poll Worker
Georgia citizens interested in becoming a poll worker can complete a short form at www.GaPollWorker.com. This year we especially need tech-savvy workers to help manage the electronic voting machines.
Food Pantry Warehouse Associate
Volunteers will assist BTG with loading/unloading food deliveries; with weighing, sorting, and storing food; preparing food boxes; and organizing and cleaning warehouse.
Warehouse Warrior with Helping Mamas
Help ensure basic needs (diapers, period products, etc.) are met for women and children by assisting with general warehouse work and processing donations.
Meal Distribution with Streetwise
Pack food boxes, sort food, load food into our clients' cars, assist in Farmers Market & clothing room. Volunteers will also assist with operational and administrative tasks.
HANDS ON ATLANTA WEEK
Join Atlanta’s biggest week of service Sept. 20 - 27, 2022! Explore more in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities and events here.
Fight Food Insecurity + Hunger
Our partner organizations on the frontlines of the fight for food security (often working on shoestring budgets) rely solely on volunteers to collect, organize and distribute food. Join us today to support their work.
According to our partners at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, food insecurity describes a household’s inability to provide enough food for every person to live an active and healthy life.
Before the pandemic, 1 in 7 children in the metro Atlanta area were identified as food insecure – but as a result of COVID-19 and it’s ripple effects, those rates have increase by around 20%. Since March of 2020, the Atlanta Community Food Bank experienced a 300% surge in requests for food assistance. In the same timeframe, Hands On Atlanta volunteers helped distribute almost 16 million meals to families across metro Atlanta.
Food is an urgent basic need – and those who struggle to feed their families, feel it each and every day. Students are unable to concentrate in the classroom, families who are food insecure experience more frequent and severe health issues, and socioeconomic growth is affected. The good news is, you can help. Our partner organizations on the frontlines of the fight for food security (often working on shoestring budgets) rely solely on volunteers to collect, organize and distribute food. Join us today to support their work.
more ways to do something good
Equitable Dinners
Be one of 5000 guests at 500 tables across metro Atlanta where people of all backgrounds come together to have vital conversations on race.
MUST Mobile Pantry
Volunteers will meet the bus on location in Marietta to help with pantry setup, client registration, food distribution, and clean up.
Food Box Distribution
Volunteers will set up the outdoor food distribution area, bring boxes and bags of food outside, load food into vehicles, and more!
Grady Fresh Food Cart
Volunteer at the Fresh Food Cart at the Grady Ponce De Leon Center and sort, pack and distribute food directly to patients.
HANDS ON ATLANTA WEEK
Join Atlanta’s biggest week of service Sept. 20 - 27, 2022! Explore more in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities and events here.
Protect ATL's Environment
Atlanta is the “City in the Trees” and we’re calling on you to help protect and preserve our greatest natural resource! Every little action counts, from taking a trip to the recycling center to removing invasive plants.
Atlanta is the “City in the Trees” and we’re calling on you to help protect and preserve our greatest natural resource! Every little action counts, from simply taking a trip to the recycling center to removing invasive plant species at your favorite park or volunteering at your local farmers market. We’re focused and committed to a greener, more sustainable Atlanta for generations to come.
more ways to do something good
Show your pride for the parks!
Park Pride believes great parks have the power to improve our quality of life and strengthen the fabric of our cities. We couldn’t agree more! Explore volunteer opportunities with Park Pride and their “Friends of the Parks.”
Wylde Center Plant Sale Prep
Help Wylde Center's Plant Sale preparation and operations, volunteers can come in with zero experience and leave ready to start their own garden.
Grace Community Food Pantry
Pantry volunteers will aid in sorting food items and stocking the shelves of the Food Pantry, and supporting other critical tasks.
Food Bank Distribution
Higher Calling Foundation is looking for volunteers to aid in food distribution to the DeKalb Community. You’ll pack and place food in vehicles.
HANDS ON ATLANTA WEEK
Join Atlanta’s biggest week of service Sept. 20 - 27, 2022! Explore more in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities and events here.
Increase Educational Equity
We know that a solid educational foundation enables a path for students to strong careers, and social & economic growth. Join us to improve educational outcomes for Atlanta students today.
We know that education enables a path for students to strong careers, and social & economic growth, but 1 in 5 Atlanta students will not graduate from high school, and only 34% of elementary school students are reading at grade level. Parents are facing financial pressures, teachers are overwhelmed and under resourced, but our students are hopeful. Our education-focused partners are supporting students from birth to graduation.
Together, we’re making big strides by connecting students to educational opportunities, caring for teachers and school staff, meeting urgent needs in the classroom, fighting the summer slide and reviving the love of learning. Whether you spend time on campus working directly with students, visit a warehouse to pack school supplies, or evaluate scholarship applications from home… join us in the fight to improve educational outcomes for Atlanta students today.
more ways to do something good
Join Discovery
Interact with students from Title 1 schools in the Metro Atlanta community. In a structured environment, volunteers will help students have new experiences and visualize brighter through enriching activities. Find a location and sign up!
Operation Clean Sweep
Help transform the City of Atlanta into a city that offers residents, businesses, and visitors a clean, safe, healthy environment, and high quality of life.
City Bridges Food Pantry
Volunteers will help prepare for food distribution by unloading grocery store deliveries, stocking shelves and packing boxes for families.
Mobile Food Pantry with C.H.O.I.C.E.S.
In partnership with the Atlanta Braves Homeplate Project & Hispanic Heritage Month, volunteers will distribute produce, meat, and nonperishables to families.
HANDS ON ATLANTA WEEK
Join Atlanta’s biggest week of service Sept. 20 - 27, 2022! Explore more in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities and events here.
Increase Educational Equity
We know that education enables a path for students to strong careers, and social & economic growth, but 1 in 5 Atlanta students will not graduate from high school, and only 34% of elementary school students are reading at grade level.
We know that education enables a path for students to strong careers, and social & economic growth, but 1 in 5 Atlanta students will not graduate from high school, and only 34% of elementary school students are reading at grade level. Parents are facing financial pressures, teachers are overwhelmed and under resourced, but our students are hopeful. Our education-focused partners are supporting students from birth to graduation.
Together, we’re making big strides by connecting students to educational opportunities, caring for teachers and school staff, meeting urgent needs in the classroom, fighting the summer slide and reviving the love of learning. Whether you spend time on campus working directly with students, visit a warehouse to pack school supplies, or evaluate scholarship applications from home… join us in the fight to improve educational outcomes for Atlanta students today.
more ways to do something good
Volunteer with the AIDS Walk
Volunteers help bring our walk to life!
Volunteering with AIDS Walk Atlanta is a great way to gain some knowledge and give back to your community. Sign up and volunteer to be a part of the magic.
Volunteer for the 2022 Komen Georgia MORE THAN PINK Walk®
The MORE THAN PINK Walk is made possible by our amazing team of volunteers. Leading up to the event and on Saturday, September 24, 2022, there are plenty of ways you can join in and lend a hand to make this breast cancer walk a success.
Piedmont Park’s Green Market
Have fun volunteering while enjoying the fresh air, learning about locally grown produce and supporting the Piedmont Park Conservancy.
Restore and Urban Greenspace
Volunteers will help remove invasive Japanese chaff flower using their hands along with small hand tools like loppers and hand saws at Cascade Springs Nature Preserve.
Grace Community Pantry
Pantry volunteers will aid in sorting food items and stocking the shelves of the Food Pantry, and supporting other critical tasks.
HANDS ON ATLANTA WEEK
Join Atlanta’s biggest week of service Sept. 20 - 27, 2022! Explore more in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities and events here.