GIVE BACK: HOLIDAY VOLUNTEER & SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES, NOW AND ALL YEAR

Tis' the season of GIVING! The holidays are always a good time to appreciate what we have, while also giving to others in need. It is an opportunity to get our kids involved in the volunteer holiday spirit.

This year has been challenging. As you reflect on the past year, consider a family giving project and support a cause that means something to your family. Giving back to others may be one way to share some positive energy in what has been a difficult year.

In support of GIVING TUESDAY tomorrow, we have listed some volunteer and charitable causes to consider supporting both over the holidays and all year. Let’s bring CHEER to our community!

Do you know of a holiday volunteer opportunity we should include in our article? Please send us an email at beckys@macaronikid.com.

The mission of THE CHARITY GUILD OF JOHNS CREEK is to support local area non-profits in aiding children, individuals, families, and seniors in crisis through fundraising, volunteerism, and in-kind donations. 100% OF ALL PUBLIC DONATIONS are allocated directly to our charities we support: North Fulton Community Charities, Wellspring Living, Senior Services North Fulton, HomeStretch & STAR House. Overhead and administrative costs are covered through private donations specifically gifted for these purposes.

They are hosting their Annual Toy Drive through December 16th to help stock the North Fulton Community Charities Santa Shop. The Santa Shop provides toys and gifts to local children in need at the holidays. Click HERE for more information on how to help with NFCC Santa Shop.

Brighten a child's holiday by dropping off an UNWRAPPED NEW TOY at the following locations:

• Johns Creek Wine & Crystal, 9810 Medlock Bridge Rd #700, Johns Creek, GA 30097
• St Ives Country Club, 1 St Ives Country Club Dr, Johns Creek, GA 30097
• Burn Bootcamp Johns Creek, 10955 Jones Bridge Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30022

No time to shop for a toy? Click HERE to Scan To Donate and they will do the shopping for you.

This holiday season, bring a smile and a message of hope to a less-fortunate child’s face by donating a new toy to the annual  Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

Donated toys, which will be accepted Nov. 23 through Dec. 15 should be unwrapped, but still in their original packaging. Typically, most donated toys are appropriate for small children, but there is a large need for children 10-12 years old.

Toys for Tots donations can be dropped off at 

• City Hall, 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek, GA 30097. Toys for Tots boxes are located in the lobby of City Hall and available during business hours (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). A drop-off box will be available in the vestibule past the front doors on weekends.
• Acura Carland, 3403 Satellite Blvd. , Duluth , Georgia, 30096
• Atlanta Classic Cars, Inc., 1705 Boggs Road , Duluth , Georgia, 30096
• Atlanta Toyota, 2345 Pleasant Hill Road , Duluth , Georgia, 30096
• CubeSmart, 3494 Gwinnett Place Drive, Duluth, Georgia, 30096
• Duluth Middle School, 3200 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, Georgia, 30096
• Gwinnett Place Ford Lincoln, 3230 Satellite Blvd. , Duluth , Georgia, 30096
• Gwinnett Place Nissan, 2555 Pleasant Hill Road , Duluth , Georgia, 30096
• Hennessey Lexus of Gwinnett, 3383 Satellite Blvd , Duluth , Georgia, 30096
• Infiniti of Gwinnett, 3090 Satellite Blvd. , Duluth , Georgia, 30096
• LA FITNESS, 3455 PEACHTREE INDUSTRIAL BLVD, DULUTH, Georgia, 30096
• LA FITNESS, 1625 PLEASANT HILL RD # 245, DULUTH, Georgia, 30096
• Ollie's Bargain Outlet- Store #166, 3850 VENTURE DR STE A, DULUTH, Georgia, 30096
• Subaru of Gwinnett, 2920 Satellite Blvd. , Duluth , Georgia, 30096
• United BMW of Gwinnett, 3264 Commerce Avenue , Duluth , Georgia, 30096
• American Commerce Bank,10690 Medlock Bridge Rd, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097
• CubeSmart Self Storage, 11220 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097
• DMA AUTOMOTIVE, 4579 Abbotts Bridge Road, Suite 1, Duluth, Georgia, 30097
• Gables Sugarloaf, 100 Woodiron Dr, Duluth, Georgia, 30097
• LA FITNESS, 11720 MEDLOCK BRIDGE ROAD SUITE 400, DULUTH, Georgia, 30097
• Moe's Southwest Grill - Johns Creek, 11270 Medlock Bridge Road Suite 200, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097
• Scholle Law, 6340 Sugarloaf Parkway Suite 150, Duluth, Georgia, 30097
• The Memory Center, Atlanta, 12050 Findley Road, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097
• Vineyard Johns Creek, 10475 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 410, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30097
• Burnette Insurance Agency, 3447 Lawrenceville Suwanee Rd, Suwanee, Georgia, 30024
• Geiger Automotive, 375 Satellite Blvd NE Suite 300, Suwannee, Georgia, 30024
• Go Store It, 345 sawmill dr, Suwanee, Georgia, 30024
• Peach State Federal Credit Union, 455 Buford Highway, Suwanee, Georgia, 30024
• Pep Boys, 7750 MCGINNIS FERRY ROAD , SUWANEE , Georgia, 30024
• StillFire Brewing, 343 US-23, Suwanee, Georgia, 30024
• Crowned Consultants Corp, 6649 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Norcross, Georgia, 30092
• LA FITNESS, 6131 PEACHTREE PARKWAY, PEACHTREE CORNERS, Georgia, 30092
• Tavern at Medlock, 3230 Medlock Bridge Road, Peachtree corners, Georgia, 30092
• The Avenues at Holcomb Bridge, 3383 Holcomb Bridge RD, Norcross, Georgia, 30092
• Village Park Peachtree Corners, 5701 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, Georgia, 30092
• Jimmy John's of Atlanta, 4870 Peachtree Industrial Blvd NW, Norcross, Georgia, 30071
• Peach State Truck Centers, 6535 Crescent Drive , Norcross , Georgia, 30071
• Pep Boys, 5820B JIMMY CARTER BLVD , NORCROSS , Georgia, 30071
• The Cutting Board Company, 2578 Old Rockbridge Rd, Norcross, Georgia, 30071
• Titlemax, 2070 Beaver Ruin STE#A, Norcross, Georgia, 30071

They also have an Atlanta Toys for Tots Amazon wish list. You can shop and have the toys shipped directly to our warehouse Click here to start shopping.

North Fulton Community Charities’ mission is to build self-sufficiency and prevent homelessness and hunger in our community by providing emergency assistance and enrichment programs.

CITY OF ALPHARETTA is hosting a HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE for NFCC:
Dec  4 – Dec 18: The City of Alpharetta is working with residents,  businesses, faith based organizations and non-profits to help our neighbors in need, by collecting non-perishable food for North Fulton Community Charities' pantry. There are seven (7) drop-off bin locations and four(4) outdoor collection trees around downtown Alpharetta accepting donations through December 18, 2020.
Traditional Donation Bins (open during business hours):

• Alpharetta Arts Center / 238 Canton St.
• Alpharetta City Hall / 2 Park Plaza
• Alpharetta Community Center / 175 Roswell St.
• Avalon Concierge/Valet Parking / 400 Avalon Blvd.
• Alpharetta First Baptist Church / 44 Academy St.
• St. James United Methodist Church / 3000 Webb Bridge Rd.
• Wills Park Recreation Center / 11925 Wills Rd.

Outdoor Collection Trees (open 24 hours/day):

• Town Green at Alpharetta City Center / 2001 Commerce Street
• Alpharetta City Hall / 2 Park Plaza
• Kale Me Crazy / 50 Canton St.
• Minnie Olivia Pizzeria / 10 Roswell St.

For more information on Alpharetta’s holiday food drive and other holiday events visit https://bit.ly/2020seasonofcelebration

North Fulton Community Charities Senior Baskets: Local groups and individuals create Christmas baskets for seniors (ages 65 and over) and disabled adults. Click HERE for more information on how to help with NFCC Senior Baskets.

Blessings in a Backpack mobilizes communities, individuals and resources to provide food on the weekends for elementary school children who might otherwise go hungry, children who will go without a meal all weekend. Blessings in a Backpack is feeding 180 kids every week and still trying to provide monthly food bags for the families we serve as well.

Currently, Blessings in a Backpack is requesting family food bag donations - instructions below. And, of course, any food donations are always welcome!  

How to make a FAMILY FOOD BAG? Go to your local grocery or superstore and buy the following:

• Large 12.5 lunch of can of chicken or tuna - $2.50
• Large 18 or 19 ounce of can of soup - $2.00
• One box of Mac and cheese - $1.00
• Two 15 ounce cans of vegetables - $2.00
• Two 15 ounce cans of fruit or fruit cups - $2.00
• One box of granola bars $3.00
• One package of goldfish or snack crackers - $1.50
• One pound bag of rice - $1.50
• Reusable bag - $1.00

Total - $18.00

Package all items in the reusable bag and drop off at:

• Johns Creek Books and Gifts, 6000 Medlock Bridge Parkway, Suite B500, Johns Creek, GA 
• Blessings in a Backpack , 530 Blue Heron Way, Milton, GA. 30004

If you are so inclined, any monetary donations can be sent to Lynn Kurtz Floum, Blessings in a Backpack - FAM Fund, 530 Blue Heron Way, Milton, GA. 30004. Please make checks payable to BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK - FAM FUND.  Blessings in a Backpack is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible.

Click HERE for a Macaroni Kid article on Blessings in a Backpack. 

This Holiday Give the Gift of Hope, Help, Healing, Housing. Homelessness does not recognize special occasions. This means when the holiday season arrives, many homeless families cannot afford gifts, winter clothes, or basic essentials for life. Rainbow Village “Give the Gift of Hope, Help, Healing, Housing” campaign provides support for homeless families so they can enjoy the holiday season. With your donation Rainbow Village will provide household items, new beds, success coaching, family gift opportunities, and more to our current Rainbow Village families and future families. 

Click HERE for more information or to donate.

The mission of Rainbow Village is to transform lives for homeless families with children of North Metro Atlanta through a community-based, transitional housing program that promotes self-sufficiency. To date, we have served over 300 families –about 900 individuals, adults with children—who have found themselves in need of transitional housing and support services to get back on their feet. Many of our residents have been domestic violence victims, and historically, most of the families we serve have a woman as head of household.

Programs: Transitional housing (single family homes); Case Management; Counseling; Life Skills training- including workforce and career development, financial literacy, health and wellness, positive parenting, and home management; After School program; Children and Youth programs.

Click HERE for more information.

Will To Live  is dedicated to preventing teen suicide by improving the lives and the 'Will To Live' of teenagers everywhere through education about mental health and encouraging them to recognize the love and hope that exists in each other. We accomplish this by: 

• Raising Awareness of Teen Suicide: Giving presentations to communities schools, families, churches, sports teams and others to raise the awareness of teen suicide in our communities and the fact that every 2 hours in America a teen takes their life - this needs to be talked about. 
• Increasing Education around mental illness and it's stigma: Through education and awareness programs that work with professional organizations that help educate the communities of mental health issues and the fact that 1 in 6 of the teens in our lives suffer from depression or some other diagnosable mental illness that can lead to suicide. 
• To Deliver Hope to teens everywhere through our LIFE TEAMMATES PROGRAMS AND SCHOLARSHIPS- that encourage the teens in our community to "talk about it" with each other - their friends and Life Teammates. Life is hard and sometime it takes a friends to help you navigate through the tough times.

As of 2018, the Will to Live Foundation has raised over $1,000,000 through events and fundraisers that have been organized by the kids themselves. In doing this, these kids form what we call "life teammate bonds" where they recognize the power of hope they have in each other. It's easier to talk to a friend and we teach them to do just that. Putting the money back into the community: To date, well over 1,000 schools have had the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program implemented through funding by the Will To Live Foundation. Over 1,000,000 students have been "reached" through this program as well as our Life Teammates activities and events since the foundation's inception in 2010.

Click HERE for  more information or to donate.

Founded in 1969, Annandale Village is an award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated solely to providing progressive life assistance to adults, 18 years of age and older, with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries so they can maximize their abilities and maintain their independence in the least restrictive environment.

As a community where people can age in place, Annandale Village offers a comprehensive array of programs and services, both residential and non-residential, designed to improve the quality of life of each individual served, according to his or her own unique needs and abilities. Annandale Village, serving over 190 adults, is a special place where men and women with intellectual and developmental disabilities lead lives that reflect quality, independence, self-worth, and achievement with the utmost care and compassion.

For more information or to donate, click HERE.

Mosaic Georgia’s mission focuses on three areas: 

• Services which enhance safety, health, and justice to anyone who has been victimized by rape, sexual assault, or child sexual abuse, regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation or legal status.
• Work to eliminate social conditions that allow for sexual violence
• Build capacity of local community response to crime victims.

Each year, more than 5,000 people in the greater-Gwinnett County area receive direct services. Our primary locations served include: Berkeley Lake, Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Grayson, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Loganville, Norcross, Snellville, Suwanee, Johns Creek, & Peachtree Corners. We can provide forensic medical exams for anyone assaulted in Georgia. 

•  24-hour crisis line/ support line for allied professionals at 866-900-6019 
• 24-hour crisis intervention support
• 24/7 forensic-medical evidentiary exam and GBI- SAEK evidence collection
• Victim Advocacy; Medical Advocacy; Family Advocacy Legal Advocacy Services
• 24/7 Forensic Interviews (child and adolescent)
• Free legal aid services for victims with civil issues resulting from the sexual assault/abuse.
• Community awareness and education
• Professional training for schools, law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, medical and mental health professionals.
• College campus presentations
• Consultation for schools, media, government agencies, publications and educational films.
• Georgia Adolescent & Adult Sexual Assault Examiner (SAE)/ Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Trainings provided statewide
• Georgia Pediatric-Advanced SAE/ SANE Training Programs. 
• ALL client services are provided with no fee or co-pay.

For  more information and to donate, click HERE.

Sunshine on a Ranney Day is a nonprofit organization that renovates homes for children with special needs using top of the line construction and design. Through partnerships and donors we provide no cost wheelchair accessible bathrooms, dream bedrooms and in-home therapy rooms. 

Sunshine on a Ranney Day,  just opened our new Sunny & Ranney Home Furnishings and Decor Store located at 109B Oak Street in Roswell. The store sells designer home goods and furniture to support home makeovers that transform the lives of kids with special needs. Each time a customer buys an item, the profit goes directly to our charity, Sunshine on a Ranney Day. 

In addition, the online fundraiser, 12 Days of Giving Sunshine will take place November 30 through December 11. This will include sharing personal stories of children who have benefited from our room transformations. We will end the online fundraising campaign with a Holiday Open House at Sunny & Ranney with local Santa, Santa Duncan.

The store is staffed by volunteers and WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! This is an in-person, masked, volunteer opportunity (additional COVID precautions in place). Volunteer responsibilities can be found HERE. If you are interested in volunteering at the store, please contact  info@sunnyandranney.com.

Since 1979 our Atlanta Ronald McDonald Houses have served more than 48,000 families with ill and injured children receiving medical care nearby. 

Ronald’s Holiday Shop supports the families who call our Houses home during the holiday season. Help us stock Ronald’s Holiday Shop with items from our Holiday Wish Lists that our families need for the holiday season. 

• Visit our Amazon Holiday Wish List
• We will begin accepting holiday donations BY APPOINTMENT ONLY , Monday -Friday through Friday, December 18 at these locations:
• Ronald McDonald House near Egleston, 795 Gatewood Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329  Contact: Ansley Wetherington at ansley.wetherington@armhc.org
• Ronald McDonald House near Scottish Rite, 5420 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30342  Contact: Aleea Bishop ataleea.bishop@armhc.org

Dream Weavers of Georgia is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children in foster care. Our mission is to create opportunities and provide resources that promote educational, emotional and social well being of Georgia’s foster children. Please join us in our mission to lift up foster children and help them be all they can be.

Click HERE for ways to help Dream Weavers.

The idea to create a community coffeehouse to train and employ young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities took shape in spring, 2017 with an all-volunteer planning group comprised of members of the Alpharetta community. A partnership between Envision Alpharetta, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to incubating grassroots community ideas, BrewAble and the City of Alpharetta, was formed in summer, 2018 to establish BrewAble in the lobby of the Alpharetta Community Center. 

Giving Tuesday Support: Generosity and kindness are like coffee… They awaken your spirit and improve your day! Make a Giving Tuesday donation to BrewAble, or show your receipt for a donation to any nonprofit for a free cup of coffee, served with kindness, for your generosity!

On Giving Tuesday, bakers, bakeries, restaurants, and community groups from around the area are “Baking a Difference” by donating baked goods to BrewAble. For a suggested donation, you may take home a dozen beautifully decorated holiday cookies, or other baked goods. All proceeds from “Baking a Difference” support the mission of BrewAble. 

Stop by and purchase some fresh baked items for your family, or take them as a gift to a friend, neighbor, client, or coworker.

You can make a donation HERE. 

Click HERE for a Macaroni Kid article on BrewAble.

Special Kneads and Treats, Inc. is a nonprofit specialty goods company located in Lawrenceville, GA, focused on providing Special Needs adults within the surrounding community a place to learn a skill and develop a sense of accountability and pride. We provide valuable work experience and training to special needs adults to encourage self-confidence, a sense of value, and the opportunity to enjoy success and socialization. Sharing the love of Jesus Christ through caring, serving, equipping, and educating, we cater to local Food Ministry Cooperatives, Elderly Care Facilities, Battered Women and Children’s homes, Medically Fragile Children’s Homes as well as many small locally owned businesses and community outreach programs.

Click HERE for more information and to donate.

Our program allows this special group of people an opportunity to provide for those less fortunate or in need with specialty baked goods and services through our Cakes for Kiddos program. Your $9.00 you can make a tremendous difference in the life of a child, special needs or elderly that may not have the opportunity to experience something as simple as a “Birthday Cake”. Click HERE to make a donation.

If you are in Lawrenceville, stop by the store at 156 Scenic Highway S. to purchase some of their delicious cakes and treats. I can personally attest to the fact that their Choc-Corn is absolutely addictive!   Profits from their standard sales are put back into community programs to further assist Special Needs awareness, research and many other areas of need. 

Tossing Pebbles. Watching the ripples. It’s fun to see how that tiny pebble can have such far-reaching impact. Similarly, one child and one act of service can create far-reaching ripples of giving that span their family, community, and lifetime. But finding a meaningful service project for kids can be tricky and time-consuming. That’s why in 2008 two Atlanta women created Pebble Tossers Inc., a nonprofit youth service organization and family volunteering resource that makes it easy to find fun, age-appropriate service projects for kids and teens in the greater Atlanta area.

Click HERE to find out about volunteer projects for kids and teens and HERE for donations.

Participate in the December 1st drive-in movie of Elf fundraiser at The Springs Cinema in Sandy Springs.  More information HERE.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of letters sent to Santa from children and families arrive at Post Offices around the country. Most letters ask for toys and games. Some ask for basic necessities. Some ask for help for themselves and their loved ones.

USPS Operation Santa makes it possible for individuals and organizations to adopt these letters and send responses and thoughtful gifts in Santa’s place.

Starting December 4, 2020 click HERE to adopt a Santa letter to make a wish come true.

Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day (December 19, 2020), our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 1,600 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. Join us by sponsoring a veterans’ wreath at a cemetery near you, volunteering or donating to a local fundraising group.

Locations across Georgia will participate on December 19. Search the website for locations and ways to get involved HERE.  

For more information or to sponsor a wreath, click HERE.

A MILLION THANKS is asking individuals, schools, churches, businesses, and other organizations to write letters and messages of appreciation and support for our military, past and present. It is our goal to see that our military – active, reserve, and veterans – receive these messages, whether they are serving at home, abroad, or are recovering in hospitals. 

Holiday letters must be postmarked by December 1. 

To get started, read the letter guidelines and find details on where to ship the letters HERE.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides new clothing and toys to more than one-million children and families in need each year.

Once a child is accepted as an Angel, donors like you can shop for their Christmas wish list. Simply pick a tag off the Angel Tree located inside your local Walmart store or follow the instructions HERE to shop online using Walmart’s Registry for Good. Once the gifts are received, The Salvation Army will distribute them to families in need for Christmas morning.

• Make cards and drop them off at a senior living facility.
• Write appreciation cards and shower teachers with a special gift or flowers.
• Bake cookies and deliver to local fireman, policeman, trash collectors, postal delivery workers, etc.
• Help an elderly neighbor by mowing their grass, bringing in trash or raking leaves.
• Donate blood to the American Red Cross.
• Donate pet supplies to an animal shelter such as the Atlanta Humane Society or Planned Pethood of Georgia
• Click HERE for more Georgia charities and nonprofits.

Duluth, Norcross, Suwanee, Johns Creek & Peachtree Corners Macaroni Kid  is full of useful local information like this PLUS tons of kid-friendly events on our EVENT CALENDAR.  

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Have an event you'd like to submit for consideration? Submit an event HERE. 

Want to advertise your business to over 10,000 local families? Email beckys@macaronikid.com to get started!