November 2011

This holiday season, many food drives, toy drives, and other programs will take place during November and December. Because these programs sometimes last for several weeks, they are not always included on event calendars. So here are just a few of the ongoing programs happening this holiday season:

FAYETTE HOLIDAY HELPERS

This program supports children and families in need as identified through the Fayette County School System. Volunteers select names from the “Angel List” which provides specific items requested by family members. The program is open to individual donors as well as groups like businesses or churches. For more information visit fayetteholidayhelpers.org.

FOOD FOR ALL DONATIONS

From November 13 – December 24, Publix grocery stores will be holding their annual Food for All campaign. Shoppers can simply request that a $1, $3, or $5 donation coupon be scanned at checkout as a way to contribute. All money raised through the program stays with local organizations helping those in need. For more information visit publix.com.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

The week of November 14-21 is National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child. This program helps individuals, churches, and other groups create gift boxes for needy children around the world. Complete details are provided on their website. Local drop off locations include New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville, and Unity Baptist Church in Newnan. For more information visit samaritanspurse.org.

SALVATION ARMY

The holiday season brings out the Salvation Army’s traditional Red Kettles. Donations made to this annual program help provide Christmas dinners, clothing and toys for families in need; gifts for shut-ins, hospital patients, and nursing home residents; food for dinners at homeless shelters; and much more. For information about the Salvation Army visit salvationarmyusa.org.

SHOP WITH A COP

Officers and staff at the Tyrone Police Department work with schools and local non-profits to identify families in need at the holidays. They then help raise money to purchase gifts and also take children from these families shopping in December. In addition, funds from this program are used to donate items to residents at Southland Nursing Home in Peachtree City. For more information, visit tyronepd.org.

SHOP WITH A SHERIFF

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office works with Fayette County Public Schools to identify families in need at the holidays. Children from these families then go shopping with a Deputy Sheriff to purchase items that they need and select gifts for other members of their families. For more information about this program visit shopwithasheriff.com.

T-SHIRTS FOR TURKEYS

Radio station J93.3, Chick-Fil-A, Lexus South Atlanta, and Charter Bank are sponsoring the annual “T-Shirts for Turkeys” promotion throughout the month of November. Those who donate a turkey will receive a free t-shirt, and local area food banks will distribute the turkeys to families in need in the community. Visit j933.com for more details about when and how to participate.

TELL HUNGER TO HIT THE ROAD

As part of the BJ’s Feeding Communities program, the wholesale club’s “Tell Hunger to Hit the Road” campaign will provide $150,000 to help pay transportation costs for 44 food banks across 15 states including Georgia. From November 1 – December 31, BJ’s will also donate an additional $1 to the cause for every “like” or “share” they receive on their Facebook page. Visit BJ’s Wholesale Club on Facebook to learn more.

TOYS FOR TOTS

(See our story in the “From Our Current Issue” section).

The annual Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign began on October 28 and will run through Sunday, December 18. To see a complete list of sites, learn about volunteer opportunities, or make an online donation, visit newnan-ga.toysfortots.org.