As soon as the end-of-year holiday decorations clear the shelves, Valentine’s Day candy and decorations fill the aisles. But, showing love to others is a lot more about time and attention than it is about sweets and trinkets — especially for some very important members of our community: children! There are many easy ways to support their needs, and there are three newly listed projects on justserve.org to help you accomplish just that.
1. Sponsor a meal.
The Children’s Haven holds a monthly meal for teens to meet with Chin Up mentors. As they gather for a meal, they also engage in life skills activities, such as cooking, gardening and financial literacy. You can help by sponsoring their meal. Involve friends or family to make this important opportunity possible for teens in our area (https://bit.ly/3WIXrUi).
2. Donate books for children.
The Cobb Collaborative engages stakeholders in a communitywide reading initiative that brings together families, educators and community partners to improve childhood literacy. Drop off books at their Smyrna office or have books shipped from their Amazon wish list. Books for newborns to fifth-graders especially are needed (https://bit.ly/3VFztbe).
3. Volunteer at a mobile pantry.
The Center Helping Obesity in Children End Successfully (CHOICES) does extensive work in the metro Atlanta area to build awareness and provide resources for children affected by obesity. You can help by volunteering at the CHOICES4kids Mobile Food Pantry (https://bit.ly/3GggfDc).
Be sure to check out these great opportunities — and more! — on the JustServe website. Or, for additional ideas, join the JustServe Georgia Volunteers public Facebook group. You can show some much-needed love to local kids with simple acts of service.
Justserve.org is a free, nationwide website and app that works to match volunteers with nonprofit organizations and service opportunities. If you run a nonprofit, or are looking for ways to make service a regular part of your life, check out justserve.org. You can sign up for regular updates and learn more about organizations nearby, too. JustServe makes it easy to just go out and serve!
– Susannah MacKay is a local JustServe specialist. She grew up in Marietta and loves helping strengthen her community through service! Follow her on Facebook @JustServeGeorgia.
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