Youth News: Volunteer With Community Hunger Groups

Published: November 18, 2004

ATLANTA—Thanksgiving is a time for being with family, watching football and eating until it hurts.

But most importantly, it’s about giving thanks—thanking God for your life, your family, your friends and all the blessings he has given you.

But for many, Thanksgiving is just another Thursday—another day of loneliness and hunger.

One way to show thankfulness to God is by serving others. This Thanksgiving, instead of giving thanks with words, put those words into action.

Below is just a short list of volunteer opportunities during Thanksgiving. If none of these appeals to you, call your parish and find out if they sponsor any activities to feed the hungry.

The 34th Annual Hosea Williams Feed the Hungry and Homeless Event

What: Volunteers are needed for various positions, many of which require volunteers to be over 18.

Where: Turner Field

When: Thanksgiving Day

Info: Call (404) 755-3353 or visit www.hoseafeedthehungry.com.

Families First Thanksgiving Sponsors

What: Volunteers are needed to buy non-perishable and/or frozen turkeys or gift certificates for turkeys. Volunteers must mail gift certificates in a timely manner or deliver food to midtown Atlanta location to be cooked.

When: Nov. 19-Nov. 23

Info: Call (404) 853-2857 or visit www.familiesfirst.org.

Georgia Mutual Assistance Association Consortium Thanksgiving Celebration

What: For children who are refugees and immigrants from many nations; volunteers are needed for everything from set-up and serving to playing with the children and clean up.

Where: 901 Rowland St., Clarkston

When: Monday, Nov. 22

Info: Call (404) 299-6646, or visit www.gmaac.org.

Senior Connections Holiday Meals and Gift Baskets

What: Volunteers are needed to share their holiday meal or purchase a “to-go” meal and deliver it to a senior during the holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Where: DeKalb County

When: Thanksgiving, Christmas

Info: Call (770) 455-7602, or visit www.srconn.org.

Atlanta Community Food Bank Food Drive at Whole Foods

What: Pre-priced shopping bags are available at Whole Foods stores throughout Atlanta. Shoppers can purchase a bag to help the Atlanta Community Food Bank fight hunger.

When: Ongoing through Nov. 30

Where: Metro Atlanta Whole Foods Stores

Info: Visit www.acfb.org.