Susannah MacKay

HELPING HANDS With Service3Ways to Give Thanks

BY SUSANNAH MACKAY

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and the best way to give thanks for our own blessings is by sharing them with others. This time of year, there are so many ways you can help. Take a look at the many JustServe partners mentioned in the Helping Hands article (Pages 20-22). And, for more opportunities, check out the projects below. As we begin the holiday season, there is no better time than now to support those in need and lift their spirits.

1. Volunteer at MUST Ministries’ Gobble Jog. Get a jump start on burning off all those Thanksgiving calories by participating in the Gobble Jog! You can register to race or, even better, become a volunteer. They need an army of volunteers to make this event a success, and it’s a perfect way to start your Thanksgiving Day (https://bit.ly/3CrbvtU). 2. Donate food to Noonday StoreHouse Ministries. If you would rather support a feast, check out Noonday Storehouse Ministries’ Thanksgiving Food Drive. This amazing network of more than 120 churches in our area seeks to help families in need by providing much-needed food and supplies, to keep them healthy and well (https://bit. ly/3dYXD0D). 3. Assemble hygiene kits for local families. If you are looking for a different approach, consider assembling kits and dropping them off to YMCA locations. Complete with a special Thanksgiving note, these kits are sure to provide hope and security to families in need (https://bit. ly/3fG1NuN).

You can check out these great projects — and more! — on the JustServe website. Or, for additional ideas, join the JustServe Georgia Volunteers public Facebook group. You truly can make an impact 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.

Help Us Honor Our Veterans

Lay Wreaths on Dec. 17

Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton 9-11 a.m.

Only families with loved ones interred at GNC will place a single wreath on their gravesite.

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Public memorial ceremony followed by volunteers placing remaining wreaths.

A total of 22,000 will be placed. 7,700 wreaths still need to be purchased.