The giving season is underway in South Fulton for both families who need a little extra help, and those who want to be of service. Toy, food and clothing drives and free meals are planned. Plus, dozens of South Fulton nonprofits will be accepting donations during GAgives Day to help them serve the community during the holiday season and all year long.
Free Meals
World Changers Church International will hold its annual Thanksgiving Feeding Families dinner box giveaway on November 23 starting at 9:00 a.m. The event has taken place for over a decade and has served thousands of families around the metro area. The church is located at 2500 Burdett Road, South Fulton, Ga. 30349.
Sandtown Pub will host its annual Thanksgiving dinner on November 28 from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A traditional holiday menu will be served and the meal is free to all in attendance. The pub is located at 5819 Campbellton Road, Suite 202, South Fulton, Ga. 30331.
The Sebastian Family and Friends will host their third annual A Servant’s Heart free Thanksgiving luncheon on November 28 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. The meal will be served at the Vicars Community Center located at 838 Cascade Avenue, Atlanta, Ga. 30311.
Toy, Food and Clothing Drives
Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs will host her third annual Bring Out the Dolls event on December 12. The event is free to attend and guests are asked to bring a doll, toy or a $35 donation to benefit local children in need during the holiday season. The event will take place at St. James Live at 3220 Butner Road, Suite 240, South Fulton, Ga. 30331. The red carpet begins at 7:30 p.m. with the event officially kicking off at 8:00 p.m.
The City of South Fulton is holding a Holiday Shoe Drive through November 21 in support of Kicks 4 the City. Shoes can be dropped off at Welcome All Park at 4255 Will Lee Road or Sandtown Park at 5320 Campbellton Road SW. New or gently used shoes in all sizes are requested.
Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington, Jr. will be collecting dolls December 2 – 14 for his annual Dads, Daughters, Dolls and Sons Toy Drive. The dolls and toys are distributed to children of incarcerated fathers in Fulton County Jail. Volunteers are also needed to wrap the gifts on December 16 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Suite Lounge at 375 Lucky Street, Atlanta, Ga. 30313.
DREAMBIG Angel Network will host its 4th Annual Holiday Gala on November 23 at The Lakes at Cedar Grove at 7900 Stillmost Drive, South Fulton, Ga. 30213 at 7:00 p.m. The theme is “Hollywood on the Lakes” and guests are asked to come dressed as their favorite celebrity and to bring a monetary donation or kids pajamas. The event supports children of families who have survived domestic abuse.
A number of churches are collecting food for the holidays, including Decision Point Ministries (5450 Campbellton Road, SW) and Cornerstone Fellowship Church (3310 Bethsaida Road). Notably, Kingdom of God International Ministry (4590 Welcome All Road) just launched a new food pantry.
Ways to Help Nonprofits Serve
The annual GAgives campaign (www.gagives.org) takes place on December 3, also known as Giving Tuesday. It provides an opportunity for donors to support local organizations throughout the metro area, including South Fulton. Since its launch, the initiative has helped to raise more than $28 million.
Nonprofits serving South Fulton that will be featured in this year’s campaign include Quality Living Services, Pamela D. Franklin Cultural Center for the Performing Arts, Lift, Future Seekers, Old National Cruisers, Atlanta Quilt Festival, Lady Stallions Kickball Enterprise, Sandtown Middle School PTSA, Westlake High School PTSA, and Save Ourselves, among others.
Photo: Volunteers at World Changers Church International gather annually to distribute food ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.