THE CITIZEN BLOG
THE CITIZEN BLOG
Keeping greenspaces clean with Mike Kerfeld!
Meet Mike Kerfield, a volunteer dedicated to not only food insecurity, and housing affordability, but also sustainability. He is a member of our Civic Leadership Program, and describes himself as tall, positive and open-minded, all the makings of a fantastic volunteer!
Meet Mike Kerfeld, a volunteer dedicated to not only food insecurity, and housing affordability, but also sustainability. He is a member of our Civic Leadership Program, and describes himself as tall, positive and open-minded, all the makings of a fantastic volunteer!
Read more about Mike in our interview below!
Which Nonprofit Organization(s) do you volunteer with?
What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?
Food insecurity and housing affordability are the two issues that stand out to me, because of their depth and breadth across neighborhoods across Atlanta.
What do you love most about an organization you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer with them?
I love Piedmont Park because it is a massive, beautiful public space where one can find Atlanta residents from all over the city. I volunteer my time doing clean up work and landscaping to maintain its beauty and hopefully keep people coming back!
How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?
I have met great people from all over the world while volunteering at the Park. I find myself having diverse conversations that enrich my perspective and keep me curious.
What skills have you honed or what have you learned through your experience as a volunteer?
I am now a seasoned operator of a Carryall with Dump Bed! Also my landscaping and general communication skills have leveled up during my time volunteering.
Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?
One morning I borrowed a pressure washer from the local Home Depot and spent the day enhancing the area around the clubhouse. There's something very satisfying about power washing and seeing others enjoy your work afterward!
Why Atlanta? What do you love about this city and/or tell us a bit about some of your favorite Atlanta things - people, places, things to do, etc.
Atlanta is a special place and its people have impacted the world in so many ways. Its diversity in people, ecosystems, and industry is second to none, and I think people are proud to call Atlanta home. From civil rights to music to sports to food to lots of other areas, Atlanta has truly influenced everything.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in getting involved with volunteering?
Make an account at handsonatlanta.org and start signing up for projects! It's super easy and so very fulfilling.
Volunteering in April? Share where, when and if others can join you or how they can get involved.
Join me at the park on April 28 for my regular Sunday Mornings at the Park! Sign up at handsonatlanta.org. View all Piedmont Park Conservancy Volunteer Opportunities.
Perserving Green Spaces with Piedmont Park
We’re excited to introduce you to Piedmont Park Conservancy our nonprofit partner fighting to preserve greenspaces in our community! Their mission is to enhance and preserve Piedmont Park as a vital, urban green space, and as a cultural and recreational resource that enriches the quality of life for all Atlantans.
We’re excited to introduce you to Piedmont Park Conservancy our nonprofit partner fighting to preserve greenspaces in our community! Their mission is to enhance and preserve Piedmont Park as a vital, urban green space, and as a cultural and recreational resource that enriches the quality of life for all Atlantans.
Read more about Piedmont Park in our interview below!
Can you share some impact stats or comments about the work being done by your organization?
During 2023, we had 2834 volunteers give back to the Park by dedicating 9551 hours of their time. Our volunteers helped support Green Market, lead history tours, collect litter throughout the Park, spread mulch in high-traffic areas, remove overgrown vegetation, and so much more! Piedmont Park would not be the same if it were not for our fantastic volunteers.
What’s the history of your organization? How and why did it get started?
Since 1989, the Piedmont Park Conservancy has dedicated itself to preserving, protecting, and enhancing Piedmont Park for all Atlantans. Operating under a collaborative agreement with the City of Atlanta, the Conservancy has raised and contributed more than $110M to restore the park and build and maintain new features. In addition, the Conservancy offers a wide range of programs to visitors of all ages and backgrounds and with the help of thousands of volunteers annually, serves as the park's primary steward and keeper.
What kind of programming do you offer to the community?
We provide volunteer opportunities, guided history tours, EnviroVentures Camp, venue rentals, Green Market, field trip programs, and a rotation of seasonal events (such as swim-in movies, biking club, and canning classes). In addition, we oversee the Active Oval, dog parks, and the pool. Check out all of our programs at https://piedmontpark.org/programs/
“Volunteers make a dramatic difference in Piedmont Park by helping with the ongoing restoration and preservation of the park, leading historic park tours, and supporting the Conservancy’s programs and events.”
What’s your biggest highlight or success from the past year?
We are beyond proud of the number of volunteers and hours served in the Park, which are back to where they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the area along the south side of Lake Clara Meer was cleared out so well by volunteers that you can now see straight across the Lake, which previously had no visibility.
How many volunteers do you need every month, and can you describe the experience of serving with your organization for the volunteer? What do they do? What’s a day in the life as a volunteer with your organization?
The number of volunteers we need/have the capacity for varies with the season. We can always use volunteers to help collect litter no matter the season because people visit the Park year-round. These are very relaxed opportunities where folks can walk around the Park and help keep it beautiful.
Our conservation/beautification projects adjust for the seasons. In the spring, we spread mulch, lay pine straw, and clean out flower beds. All of this is in preparation for our busy season. In the fall, volunteers help remove overgrown vegetation, aid in managing all the leaves, and prepare the Park for winter. We strive to be in tune with the needs of the Park and work hard to have volunteers do projects that serve its best interests.
What types of projects do you offer? What are your biggest projects available, and needs from volunteers? Tell us about a few different offerings.
We have individual opportunities where folks can sign up as they are available to give back. Folks can choose from opportunities such as Pick Up & Pitch In, conservation/beautification projects, leading history tours or any other offerings as they are needed in the Park.
We can also have group volunteer projects. These are a great chance for your team/club/company to give back, connect, and be in nature. For these types of opportunities, it is recommended to contact Loren Lownes at llownes@piedmontpark.org.
“I absolutely love getting to be able to work in Piedmont Park. Weather permitting, I try to take time during lunch each day to get out in the Park. I go to see what our patrons are experiencing, scope out projects, and enjoy being outside in one of Atlanta’s premier greenspaces.”
What do volunteers love about working with your organization?
Volunteers love a chance to be outside (especially if the weather is nice) and see the impact they are making. Whether that be seeing all the weeds they remove, all the litter collected, the flowers planted, or tour patrons enjoying learning about the Park, our volunteers can see how they make the Park a better place for all Atlantans.
What’s going to be happening with your organization in 2024 that you’re really excited about?
We are celebrating our 35th Anniversary in 2024, and to mark this milestone, the Conservancy will undertake an ambitious and comprehensive park master planning initiative starting this spring. Our plan will center on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to add new acreage and green space to the park, ensuring it remains a local and regional treasure for decades to come.
In addition, we will undertake $2.5M in park enhancements to better our park for now and the future, including park beautifications, infrastructure improvements, and new park amenities.
As we commit to the park’s care in our next 35 years (and beyond), we will create an operating reserve fund to provide a solid underpinning and sure-footedness for the Conservancy. Finally, we will launch a public awareness campaign to build additional support for our work. We are excited to be celebrating 35 years of caring for the park we all love.
Let’s leave our readers with a list of ways they can jump in and get involved. Tell us how we can support you!
There are so many ways folks can jump in and help us celebrate 35 years of the Conservancy! The best way place to learn more about Piedmont Park Conservancy, our happenings, and how to get involved is to check out our website, https://piedmontpark.org/
Volunteer through Hands On Atlanta with Piedmont Park Conservancy!
Creating Healthy Choices with Omar King!
We’re excited to introduce you to Omar King, a member of our Civic Leadership Program leading the charge against food insecurity and preserving greenspaces! He describes himself as warm hearted, inquisitive, and genuine person, and these attributes ring true throughout his service in our city. In addition to volunteering, Omar is young professional working as the Finance & Accounting Systems Supervisor at UPS. We’re excited to watch him continue doing good in Atlanta, and inspiring others to join in the fun!
We’re excited to introduce you to Omar King, a member of our Civic Leadership Program leading the charge against food insecurity and preserving greenspaces! He describes himself as warm hearted, inquisitive, and genuine person, and these attributes ring true throughout his service in our city. In addition to volunteering, Omar is young professional working as the Finance & Accounting Systems Supervisor at UPS. We’re excited to watch him continue doing good in Atlanta, and inspiring others to join in the fun!
Read more about Omar in our interview below!
Which Nonprofit Organization(s) do you volunteer with?
Over the last eight months I’ve exclusively volunteered with The Center Helping Obesity In Children End Successfully, Inc. (C.H.O.I.C.E.S.) but I also enjoy volunteering at the Truly living Well and Wylde Center community gardens whenever possible.
What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?
Food insecurity is a cause close to my heart. The sobering fact that 30% of black children in America lack reliable access to food drives me to seek ways to make a positive impact. Consequently, much of my volunteer work has revolved around food distribution and community gardens. I believe that food distribution efforts are crucial for addressing immediate hunger needs exacerbated by systemic barriers to economic progress, which perpetuate poverty levels in our communities. Community gardens, on the other hand, offer a path forward by empowering former food desert communities with education on food cultivation and nutrition, enabling them to become self-sufficient. Unfortunately, our communities face significant health challenges like diabetes and high blood pressure, directly linked to limited access to healthy foods and education about nutritious food options. Moreover, inadequate access to food hampers children's ability to learn in school. These are the reasons why my involvement with The Center Helping Obesity In Children End Successfully, Inc. (C.H.O.I.C.E.S.). has been profoundly meaningful to me.
What do you love most about an organization you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer with them?
For the past eight months, I've been fortunate to volunteer monthly with The Center Helping Obesity In Children End Successfully, Inc. (C.H.O.I.C.E.S.). Under the guidance of the remarkable leader, Chef Ashley, I've observed firsthand how she harnesses the talents of all volunteers to serve the community effectively. Whether orchestrating large or small food distribution drives or soliciting donations at events like MLK Sunday Supper, Chef Ashley demonstrates dynamic and innovative problem-solving methods that are truly inspiring. Witnessing these approaches has been the highlight of my volunteering experience.
How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?
Volunteering has provided me with an additional avenue to connect with people in both my personal and professional spheres. Each April, during Global Volunteer Month discussions, I eagerly step forward to take on coordination responsibilities. On one occasion, I spearheaded a corporate UPS Marketing team event at the Truly Living Well Urban Farm in Atlanta, GA. Here, twenty-five dedicated colleagues joined forces, dedicating three hours to tasks such as compost processing, flower bed cultivation, landscaping, and seedling planting and watering. Our collective efforts aligned with TLW's overarching goal of ensuring communities have reliable access to fresh produce, particularly for those facing financial constraints. Through these experiences, I've come to appreciate the significance of integrating volunteering into my personal and professional identity. I believe it enhances the perception of being a collaborative individual, willing to roll up my sleeves—both literally and figuratively—to accomplish tasks effectively.
What skills have you honed or what have you learned through your experience as a volunteer?
Throughout my professional career, I've mainly held analytical roles that required intense focus and solitary work to complete tasks. While there were opportunities to present my work, my role as an individual contributor limited my interactions with others and hindered the development of my interpersonal skills. That's why I decided to start volunteering—to seek out leadership opportunities and improve my public speaking abilities. During our annual Thanksgiving Food Distribution event at Atlanta Tech, we had the opportunity to provide meals for 2500 families. In these volunteer roles, I took on responsibilities such as directing other volunteers. One memorable occasion during the Thanksgiving event highlighted the need for quick thinking and coordination. While we had enough food for families in our standard line, we faced delays in staging meals and lacked volunteers to assist with the Door Dash line, which served families unable to attend in person. Coordinating incoming volunteers and orchestrating the logistics to redistribute food and manpower to the lagging part of the operation was challenging, but we successfully resolved the situation within the hour. Managing the event operations and navigating the diverse personalities of the volunteers tested my problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?
They passed me the aux cord!!! I got to play DJ and control the vibe of the volunteer atmosphere as we packed and prepared the food for the morning’s distribution. That morning we had a bus load of volunteers from Morgan State in Baltimore who were on a men’s retreat in Atlanta and decided to volunteer with C.H.O.I.C.E.S while in the city. The first song I played was Kirk Franklin’s Stomp. You could feel the spirit lift in the room. Everyone was dancing and smiling and packing with purpose. As the afternoon went on, I tested the young men music knowledge by playing songs like Optimistic by Sounds of Blackness or Encore by Cheryl Lynn and they danced right along with everybody else. Form me, small moments like this build community and foster connection. Any small contribution you make at a volunteer event can help other people feel comfortable to be themselves as well!
“The thing I love most about Atlanta is its green spaces! Atlanta is affectionately known as a “city in the forest.” My absolute favorite thing to do during the spring and summer months is to visit Piedmont Park. Whether it’s attending the annual Jazz Festival or weekly food truck crawl I know I can always count on having a great time in nature at the Piedmont Park/Atlanta Botanical Garden. I’m an annual cardholder at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and have volunteered to clean Piedmont Park so I feel invested in their success. Preservation of these green spaces is very important to me. ”
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in getting involved with volunteering?
Approach volunteering with an open mind. If you tend to be organized and proactive, you might find yourself at a volunteer event that seems less structured, and you might feel tempted to take charge and improve efficiency. While there's certainly a time and place for such contributions, it's also important to recognize that volunteering is about more than just completing tasks. It's an opportunity for everyone involved to connect and learn from one another. So, in the downtime between your first task and when you are given your next time, ask a fellow volunteer what inspired them to be here today. You may make a new connection that makes your life better and our community stronger.
Volunteering in April? Share where, when and if others can join you or how they can get involved.
You can find me at the C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Mobile Food Pantry on April 11th and 12th at the Rosel Fann Recreation Center, 365 Cleveland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30354. We host this event on the 2nd Friday of each month. We are in need of volunteers to serve as Bag Packers to prepare food for distribution. As always, the vibe is to “Serve the community while having fun!” Generally, volunteers can sign up through Hands on Atlanta.
Please list anything else you think our community should know about you, your volunteer service, or your commitment to Do Something Good!
ATLytics Data for Hope: I am an Instructor in The ATLytiCS Data for Hope Education Program. The program is a twelve-week training program committed to empowering ATL residents to pursue work in the data analytics field, subsequently providing new pathways to economic opportunity. I leveraged my industry experience, to provide students with hands-on demonstrations and instruction in a variety of Analytics technologies (Excel, Tableau, SQL), skills, and best practices through lessons, code-along, and interactive exercises. I was there to provide students in-class project support while coaching them through code debugging and technical problem-solving. In addition to the lessons, we also provided them real world interview case study examples and coached them on their resume and presentation skills.Audio Content Creator for GARRs: I’m a weekly contributor to The Georgia Radio Reading Service, Georgia’s premier provider of information for individuals who are visually impaired or otherwise print-impaired. I produce and edit audio recordings; the topics read aresourced from articles in the news, opinion, sports, business, living, and calendar sections of USA Today. I am also building my voice acting portfolio.
Serving moms and babies with Helping Mamas!
Meet Helping Mama’s, our nonprofit partner serving mom’s and babies throughout Georgia. They’ve served over 200,000 individuals and provided over 3 million essential baby supplies. We had the chance to catch up with their team to learn more about their mission and impact!
Meet Helping Mamas, our nonprofit partner serving moms and babies throughout Georgia. They’ve served over 200,000 individuals and provided over 3 million essential baby supplies. We had the chance to catch up with their team to learn more about their mission and impact!
Read their interview below!
Tell us about your organization – what’s your mission, and what does it mean to the our community?
At Helping Mamas, we’re on a mission to elevate the well-being and dignity of women by providing diapers, period products, and other essential baby supplies. We harness the power of community support so that all families can thrive.
What’s the history of your organization? How and why did it get started?
Helping Mamas was started in 2014 by social worker Jamie Lackey who felt compelled to start collecting and distributing baby supplies once she learned that people receiving public assistance couldn’t use that money to purchase diapers. After seeing moms use plastic bags or reuse disposable diapers, she knew something needed to be done. Ten years later, Helping Mamas has become the biggest baby supply bank in the state of Georgia.
“In 2023, Helping Mamas distributed 2.2 million diapers, over 1 million essential supplies, and 800,000 period products to families in need.”
What kind of programming do you offer to the community?
Helping Mamas partners with over 150 nonprofit organizations, hospitals, governmental agencies, and other entities throughout the state of Georgia that help children in need. Helping Mamas gives diapers and essential items to these organizations, who in turn distribute them to families and individuals directly. The partners we work with address most of our societal problems and need including: Homelessness, Domestic Violence, Foster care, early childhood education, Hospitals, Child abuse, Food Insecurity (Food Banks/Pantries), Human Trafficking With our mobile distribution events we go directly into underserved communities to distribute supplies and we work with public assistance programs like TANF to provide a four month supply of diapers to moms who need them most.
What problem is your organization trying to solve, and can you tell us more about the issue?
Having a baby is extremely expensive. Even more so now post-pandemic. What used to be a $25 pack of diapers can now run about $50 and that is proving to be completely unsustainable for working families. Research suggests that 1 in 2 families experience diaper need and there are no federal social programs that allow for diaper purchases. 28% of families struggling with diaper need reported skipping meals so that they could afford diapers. At Helping Mamas, we are trying to bridge that gap so families do not have to choose between food and diapers.
How do volunteers support your mission? What impact do they have on your work? What difference do they make?
Volunteers are integral to our day to day operations. While we service the entire state of Georgia and operate out of a 9000 square foot building, we are a very small team of 10 people. We would never be able to keep up with the demands of our partners and the community without the help of our volunteers inventorying in donations, helping us to fill orders & load vans, and even set up for events. Our warehouse operates on volunteer labor and we are beyond grateful for their support.
What’s your biggest highlight or success from the past year?
Through community support, we were able to increase the number of people we served last year by 20%. We also purchased a box truck which helps us distribute more diapers out into the community. And most importantly, we opened another office in Albany, GA which will allow us to serve south Georgia more effectively.
How many volunteers do you need every month, and can you describe the experience of serving with your organization for the volunteer? What do they do? What’s a day in the life as a volunteer with your organization?
We typically host over 200 volunteers a month. They can expect to work in our warehouse or inventory sort room.Volunteer tasks can include sorting, quality checking, and inventorying in all kinds of donations including clothes, wipes, food & formula, baby equipment, hygiene supply kits, period products and of course, diapers. Volunteers also help us with organizing the warehouse, loading our vans & box truck for events, distributing supplies, and whatever else we need help with at the time.
What types of projects do you offer? What are your biggest projects available, and needs from volunteers? Tell us about a few different offerings.
In addition to volunteering at our warehouse, volunteers can join us at our mobile distribution events. We love having volunteers out in the community with us and we can always use the extra hands as we can expect anywhere from 200 to 700 families at each mobile event. Volunteers can also engage with us by hosting a donation drive or creating kits. Creating hygiene or baby kits is one of the most beneficial ways to help outside of in-person volunteering and our moms love them!
“My favorite thing about working at Helping Mamas is being a part of an organization that is actively working to fill the small gaps in services that can sometimes be overlooked. If you think about this country’s big problems, diaper insecurity probably doesn’t make the cut. But the truth of the matter is, moms facing diaper insecurity cannot send their children to childcare, and moms without childcare cannot go to work. Providing diapers means we’re giving moms the ability to remain self-sustaining. And that’s something that brings me joy every day.”
What do volunteers love about working with your organization?
I think volunteers love Helping Mamas because not only are we passionate about the work we do, we are passionate about making our volunteers feel like they are a part of the team. We genuinely wouldn’t be able to do the work without them and we try to make them feel as important as they are to us.
What’s going to be happening with your organization in 2024 that you’re really excited about?
This is Helping Mamas 10 year anniversary. We are excited to celebrate 10 years of serving our community with essential items for moms in need.
Let’s leave our readers with a list of ways they can jump in and get involved. Tell us how we can support you!
Host a Drive
Make Community Kits
2024 High Five Party | Celebrating 1,000,000 volunteers
Welcome to the Hands On Atlanta High Five Party and our 35th birthday celebration
We’re so thrilled to celebrate 35 year of mobilizing the Atlanta community to tackle our city’s most pressing needs. From service trailblazers like Michelle Nunn and Bill Bolling to Mayor Shirley Franklin, Ann Cramer, and so many others, our work exists because of individuals who embody the example of the saying, “it takes a village.”
welcome to the hands on atlanta High Five Party and our 35th birthday celebration
We’re so thrilled to celebrate 35 year of mobilizing the Atlanta community to tackle our city’s most pressing needs, specifically today, (April 18) National High Five Day! From service trailblazers like Michelle Nunn and Bill Bolling to Mayor Shirley Franklin, Ann Cramer, and so many others, our work exists because of individuals who embody the example of the saying, “it takes a village.”
Y’all, our village has grown to 1,000,000!
Volunteering and service is in the DNA of Atlanta. While across the country volunteer numbers are down, here in the “City too busy to hate,” we’re growing. This year we’re going to engage more than 50,000 people, doubling where we were at just 5 years ago. We’ve still got a lot of work to do, as we’re only filling 1/3 spots on our opportunity calendar, but with the time, talent and treasure shared, we can close that gap.
And the awards go to…
Founder’s Award
Gayle Kahn
Presented by: Kent Alexander - Author, Attorney and Co-Founder of Hands On Atlanta
Gayle emerged as a standout/leader from our Discovery program - our Saturday program offered at 10-schools across Metro Atlanta, run by dedicated volunteers and AmeriCorps members. This program is the cornerstone to our educational equity work and the longest-running program.
School Legacy Award
Desmond Bright-Davies
Deja Johnson
Jessika Prayor
Presented by: Dr. Tameka Allen, Dean of Students, Charles Drew Charter School
These outstanding service leaders have made a lasting impact at one of our partner schools through service in our AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps is basically a domestic peace corps and with over 50 members serving 1,700 hours over the course of the school year, Hands On Atlanta runs one of the largest AmeriCorps programs in the state.
Nonprofit Legacy Award
Jeff Cantin
Presented by: Jadrien Grimes, Community and Civic Engagement Manager at Hands On Atlanta
We’re celebrating Jeff, a volunteer who has really made an impact with one of our 150 nonprofit partners. As part of our Civic Leadership Program, Jeff isn’t your average volunteer --- he represents the best of Atlanta. This year, our Civic Leadership Program participants have completed 225 service projects and engaged over 3,000 volunteers, while also raising $27,000!
1,000,000th Volunteer
Sydney Williams
Presented by: Andre Dickens, the 61st Mayor of the City of Atlanta
We’re thrilled to recognize Sydney, a dedicated volunteer with several of our nonprofit partners and our Discovery program, as our 1,000,000th volunteer. It’s a testament of how far we’ve come since 1989’s humble beginnings, and how our vision for making Atlanta the most engaged and equitable community is being realized.
JOIN THE SPRING FOR SERVICE
We hope you’ve been inspired by the incredible impact presented at our High Five Party! Ride the wave of momentum throughout April and join our Spring for Service. We have even more incredible individuals you can learn about/from, marquee events (including Earth Day, National Volunteer Week and Global Youth Service Day) or to join our peer-to-peer giving campaign.
LASTING IMPACT: MLK DAY 2024, 3 MONTHS LATER
The Hands On Atlanta MLK Days of Service serve as a day ON to give back and create equitable change across Atlanta, and this year helped to push us forward in our mission to mobilize the Atlanta community to tackle our city’s most pressing needs!
Throughout January 11-15, 2024, over 3,000 volunteers supported 50 nonprofits. We recently caught up with a few partners (Atlanta BeltLine, Hope Hill Elementary, and Wren’s Nest) to talk about the impact MLK Days of Service 2024 provided for them.
Keep reading to find out what happens after the buzz and excitement of the King holiday slows and these organizations get back to supporting their communities.
The Hands On Atlanta MLK Days of Service serve as a day ON to give back and create equitable change across Atlanta, and this year helped to push us forward in our mission to mobilize the Atlanta community to tackle our city’s most pressing needs!
Throughout January 11-15, 2024, over 3,000 volunteers supported 50 nonprofits. We recently caught up with a few partners (Atlanta BeltLine, Hope Hill Elementary, and Wren’s Nest) to talk about the impact MLK Days of Service 2024 provided for them.
Keep reading to find out what happens after the buzz and excitement of the King holiday slows and these organizations get back to supporting their communities.
WREN’S NEST BEAUTIFICATION
Wren’s nest is a cultural center, house museum, and National Historic Landmark in Atlanta's West End neighborhood. It is also the home of author and journalist Joel Chandler Harris. Their mission is to preserve storytelling traditions, cultivate the next generation of readers and writers, and celebrating self-expression.
“This project made an incredible difference and helped us complete projects that have been sitting on our to do list for a very long time. Our space is nicer for our staff and guests, and we now have more time to focus on other priority projects. Thank you, Hands On Atlanta! “ ”
Wren’s nest set a goal to beautify their campus and organize the museum’s basement. Volunteers helped build benches and a new shed, landscape, install shelving and execute a neighborhood cleanup. With over 150 volunteers from the community, Salesforce, Fiserv, ADP, Alston & Bird, and our AmeriCorps members engaged they were able to reach their goal.
HOPE HILL ELEMENTARY
Hope Hill Elementary is located in the center of a historical community and adjacent to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Social Change. The school’s namesake is Dr. John Hope, who was the first African-American President of Atlanta University and Morehouse College. Their vision is to empower all scholars to cultivate a sense of wonder and to investigate how the universe works, while applying experiential solutions to real world problems.
Their goal was to have the opportunity for their treehouse to be repaired and fixed for students, and for the volunteers to engage with students. 30 volunteers from Analytic Vision spent their day at Hope Hill making a difference.
“Hands on Atlanta was flexible and able to organize the event around the rain, and they also focused on the needs of the school.”
Through this project they have seen an increase in repeat volunteers, students served, and time for staff to focus on other initiatives.
ATLANTA BELTLINE
The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of public parks, multi-use trails, transit, and affordable housing along a historic 22-mile railroad corridor. Their mission is to build a more equitable and inclusive Atlanta and engaging partners by delivering transformative public infrastructure that enhances mobility, fosters culture, and improves connections to economic opportunity.
Through MLK Days of Service, 40 volunteers served at the Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail removing litter and junk in two hours from a two-mile segment of the trail.
“Through our collaboration, the BeltLine has seen an increased number of volunteers, and impact made in the community. Going forward to our next MLK Day the BeltLine would like to have more site locations and lead volunteers to continue making a difference.” ”
Through our collaborative efforts of the 2024 MLK Days of Service, our partners have increased their number of volunteers, repeat volunteers, clients served, and overall are on path to more equity across the city.
If your company is interested in creating this kind of lasting impact in our community, we’d love to help! Reach out to our corporate impact team today!
thank you to all of our incredible sponsors
Giving back and fighting economic disparity with Kennedi Harris!
We’re excited to introduce you to Kennedi Harris, a bold, passionate, and ambitious volunteer! ! Her passion for volunteerism shines through in her work as a member of our Civic Leadership Program, and with various organizations throughout Metro Atlanta.
We’re excited to introduce you to Kennedi Harris, a bold, passionate, and ambitious volunteer! ! Her passion for volunteerism shines through in her work as a member of our Civic Leadership Program, and with various organizations throughout Metro Atlanta.
Read more about Kennedi in our interview below!
Which Nonprofit Organization(s) do you volunteer with?
Discovery, Hands on Atlanta, Citizens of Georgia Power, Trees Atlanta, Empty Stocking Fund
What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?
Economic Disparity is a significant issue facing Atlanta today, and it means so much to me because I feel like the negative implications trickle down into many other facets of the city. Atlanta was once a place that was key for Black liberation and success. But the threat of education & income inequality led to growing issues such as: a lack of access to affordable housing, homelessness, and food insecurity. Community engagement is key to filling in the gaps left by this issue. That's why it is so important to engage people who are dedicated to this cause and this city to combat this.
What do you love most about an organization you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer with them?
As an Atlanta native, I love that the organizations I volunteer with are local to the place I call home. It's special to impact the community that you reside in. Just knowing that I'm pouring back into the people and places that raised me, makes all my efforts that much more special.
How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?
Volunteering has helped me both professionally and personally by expanding my network. In this program, I've met individuals who work at my company, that I may not have otherwise connected with. I've met people from other companies that I can call on in other industries, and most importantly I've networked with people that I can build personal relationships with, and really call them friends.
What skills have you honed or what have you learned through your experience as a volunteer?
One of the most valuable skills I've learned is leading a volunteer project. As a volunteer in the past, I was accustomed to showing up and getting directions. Through this program, I've learned and developed the skills needed to organize and execute a successful service project.
Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?
I want to highlight the relationships I've built in the Discovery program with the kids at Love T. Nolan. When you're showing up every other week, the kids really get to know you and the look forward to seeing you at that program. There was one kid in particular that was having an off day when he came to Discovery. He was visibly sad, and I knew that wasn't how he normally behaved. Myself and one of the volunteers who was a regular at Discovery asked him what was wrong, and he really opened to tell us that he was sad that his friend has been killed in a car accident. This was a 4th grader. Building that level of trust with the students, to where they feel like they can process their emotions, and then feel comfortable enough to share is really what showing up every day means.
Why Atlanta? What do you love about this city and/or tell us a bit about some of your favorite Atlanta things - people, places, things to do, etc.
It's home for me! When I think about Atlanta, I think about running through the fountains at Centennial Park. I think about my grandmother's favorite spot to get pancakes was The Beautiful Restaurant on Cascade. I think about taking the MARTA to Screen on the Green in Piedmont Park. I think about birthday parties at Skate Towne and Dixie Land and spending every weekend at Six Flags. I think about how I grew up with Black teachers, a Black dentist & doctor. I love this city for the community it's given me, the pride it's instilled in me, and everything it made me.
“My advice would be to join an organization or find projects that really mean something to you. There are tons of volunteer opportunities between Hands on Atlanta and other organizations. When you’re truly passionate about what you’re dedicating your time to, you can really spark your motivation to volunteer. ”
Volunteering in April? Share where, when and if others can join you or how they can get involved.
The Discovery Program with Hands on Atlanta is hosting its End of Year Pop Up on Saturday, April 13th! This event will celebrate students in our program & provide students with food, ice cream, giveaways, games, a reptile petting zoo, & more.
Please list anything else you think our community should know about you, your volunteer service, or your commitment to Do Something Good!
I have been volunteering with Hands on Atlanta and a plethora of other organizations since I was a little girl. My mother, Daphne, made it her priority to expose me to all types of people and projects, and to ensure that I knew the importance of giving back. To this day, she is the ultimate example of humility, gratitude, and what it truly means to Do Good.
Fighting Hunger on the Weekends with Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta!
We’re excited to introduce you to Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta, our nonprofit partner fighting food insecurity in our community! They began the 2022-2023 school year feeding roughly 800 children each weekend across 27 schools. With 2 years under their belt, we were excited to catch up with their team to discuss their mission, growth, and impact!
We’re excited to introduce you to Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta, our nonprofit partner fighting food insecurity in our community! They began the 2022-2023 school year feeding roughly 800 children each weekend across 27 schools. With 2 years under their belt, we were excited to catch up with their team to discuss their mission, growth, and impact!
Read more about Backpack Buddies in our interview below!
Tell us about your organization – what’s your mission, and what does it mean to the community?
The mission of Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta is to provide weekend meals to food-insecure children throughout metro Atlanta, to enhance their mental and physical health as well as their ability to learn. Approximately 200,000 children in the metro go hungry on the weekends, and through the support of countless donors, volunteers, corporate sponsors, partner organizations, and food sources, our service aims to eliminate that.
Can you share some impact stats or comments about the work being done by your organization?
We are a relatively new organization, but we are small and mighty. When starting in the 2022-2023 school year, we were feeding 800 children per week at 27 schools. Now, as we are closing in on the end of the 2023-2024 school year, we have tripled our service to feed nearly 2,500 children per week at over 50 schools. We are just scratching the surface, but our efficient model will make it possible to continue to grow to meet the need. To be efficient, we partner with local religious and civic organizations, who receive food from us to then pack into weekend meal bags and deliver to the schools they adopt every week.
What’s the history of your organization? How and why did it get started?
Here in Atlanta, Backpack Buddies started humbly back in 2017 at one synagogue in Dunwoody, Temple Beth Shalom, serving 10 children per week at Kingsley Elementary School. Our Founder, Ronald Robbins and his wife Samra, then shared the concept with other synagogues and churches in Atlanta. Over the next few years, 19 organizations in total were doing this important work, but were all hitting the same ceiling - they were running out of money sourcing food at retail and running out of space to store the food in their facilities. In early 2022, Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta was formed as an umbrella organization for all partners to roll up underneath. This has unlocked tremendous efficiency and growth as we are able to source food inexpensively at scale for everyone, can store it in our warehouse until the organizations need it, and leverage our brand to raise funds to fuel the mission.
“Our growth has to be the biggest highlight. To triple in size in just the first two years of existence is a proof point of our vision and model, as well as a testament to the power of our partners and volunteers.
Expect our service to reach 2,500 children per week by the end of this school year.”
What kind of programming do you offer to the community?
Several groups are impacted and served by our mission.
1. Children in need: Many children who receive free or reduced breakfast and lunch at school during the week do not have enough food at home on the weekend. That's where we come in. Through an efficient hand-off model in partnership with local religious and civic organizations, we are able to provide a weekend's worth of food every Friday to children in need, distributed at their school each week.
2. Local religious and civic organizations: By pairing these organizations with schools who have children in need, provide a turnkey service project that these organizations can use to engage their constituents and positively impact the community around them.
3. Corporations seeking CSR programs: Numerous turnkey team-building and sponsorship opportunities exist for corporations to positively impact the community around them.
4. The community at large: Numerous volunteer opportunities abound for individuals to support our mission and keep our system moving efficiently for maximum impact.
What problem is your organization trying to solve, and can you tell us more about the issue?
Studies show that roughly 1 in 6 children in metro Atlanta is food-insecure. That equates to roughly 200,000 children who do not have enough food to meet the needs of healthy development. Children who are hungry face many challenges, including being more vulnerable to illness, vulnerability, fatigue, stunted growth, and behavioral issues. This leads to a downward spiral that limits the potential of the child. By providing meals on the weekends, we get these kids fed so that they return to school on Monday nourished and ready to learn. Efficacy surveys have shown that student attendance and performance have been improved by participating in our program.
How do volunteers support your mission? What impact do they have on your work? What difference do they make?
Volunteers are involved in many ways. They come to our warehouse on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in two shifts - 9A-11A and 11A-1P. During these shifts, they pull food orders for our participating organizations and help load them into their vehicles. We also have volunteers involved with expressing gratitude to donors, driving our truck to make food sourcing pickups, supporting event activations, and serving on various committees such as Communications, Food Procurement, Recruitment, and Development. Without volunteers, we would not be able to impact as many children as we do. Of course, there are volunteer opportunities at the organizations that partner with us to get the food to the children.
What’s your biggest highlight or success from the past year?
Our growth has to be the biggest highlight. To triple in size in just the first two years of existence is a proof point of our vision and model, as well as a testament to the power of our partners and volunteers. This is further highlighted by the expansion to a larger facility in the summer of 2023 and the acquisition of our own truck in January 2024. It is wonderful for the community to see that if we are supported, good things will happen.
How many volunteers do you need every month, and can you describe the experience of serving with your organization for the volunteer? What do they do? What’s a day in the life as a volunteer with your organization?
During a given month, we'll have over 100 volunteers total working our regular warehouse shifts, not to mention several others who are serving on committees, thanking donors, and driving our truck to acquire food. During our regular shifts, volunteers pull orders of food in the warehouse and load them into the vehicles of our partners picking up. This is the core work and our volunteers work collaboratively in a safe, bright, fun environment - even though it is a warehouse! Music is always playing, and we are often sharing a good laugh. Everyone is happy to help, get a good little workout, and always happy to greet those picking up from us.
What types of projects do you offer? What are your biggest projects available, and needs from volunteers? Tell us about a few different offerings.
Volunteering for our regular shifts is the main need. At times, we also welcome larger groups to come for a collaborative service project together. We will recruit volunteers to join us for the Dunwoody 4th of July Parade, walking the route alongside our truck and engaging with attendees about our mission.
Who is your volunteer manager, and what’s their favorite thing about working for your organization?
Director of Operations Jonathan Halitsky leads the warehouse and event activities. An event marketing veteran, Jonathan loves applying his marketing and logistic experience to create a positive volunteer experience for all who work with us. The tangible impact of our mission, the incredible opportunity to build this offering, and an opportunity to connect with other service-oriented individuals really excite him about the work we are doing here.
“Most often, volunteers appreciate the fun environment, the active experience they have, the ease of getting involved, and the logical workflow in the space. ”
What’s going to be happening with your organization in 2024 that you’re really excited about?
We are poised and excited for continued growth. First, we expect our service to reach 2,500 children per week by the end of this school year. Second, we have embarked on a new phase of internal development that will help us lay a foundation for sustainable future expansion. This includes fortifying our staff and focusing on some specific strategic initiatives related to food procurement, fundraising, and growing our network of partner organizations and schools.
Let’s leave our readers with a list of ways they can jump in and get involved. Tell us how we can support you!
Sign up to volunteer through Hands on Atlanta.
Go to our website at www.backpackbuddiesatl.org to learn more.
Please reach out if you are interested in serving on a committee such as Communications, Food Procurement, Development, or Recruitment.
If your company would like to do a food drive on our behalf, please let us know. We have a turnkey program for that.
If your church, synagogue, or civic organization would like to consider partnering with us to adopt a school and provide food each week, please let us know. We have a very easy system for onboarding.
If your company would like to sponsor our mission, we'd love to talk!