Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program

https://bit.ly/3lkJMlV

From Jim Lindenmayer, director

We had more than 50 volunteers helping us sort, pack and donate the 5,000 coats we collected on Dec. 16. Our timing could not have been better, as we provided coats to more than six veteran and military organizations and more than 15 area nonprofits — from the Atlanta area, as well as local nonprofits like MUST Ministries — in time to get them out for the cold weather that came at Christmas. We actually ran out of coats. This year, our goal is 7,500.

The Adopt a Vet program again allowed us to provide Christmas necessities to many low-income, homeless and senior homebound veterans around Cherokee County. We had a number of volunteers help with decorating, serving food, cooking and with the food pantry donations. Without volunteers, we could not do what we have done in our program. In total, our programs reached more than 5,500 people during the holidays. Community support is so important to us because all of the funds we receive are from local people and corporate entities, and the funds stay local. We always are in need of food items for low-income families and those that we house. For those we house in hotels, we are asking for microwave food, as many hotels no longer have kitchens.

We recently built 125 homeless veteran backpacks with a corporate client, and we are looking to build another 500 during the spring. Through the end of May, the following items are needed: small tarps, ponchos, white socks, foot powder, energy bars, small toiletries, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, paracord, foot warmers, flashlights, batteries, fire blankets, first-aid kits, resealable gallon bags, prepaid phone cards, wet wipes, gift cards, backpacks and small facial tissue packs. (These items were designed by two homeless veterans, one male, one female, with the goal to help a homeless veteran survive on the streets for up to 48 hours.)

The Hope Box

www.thehopebox.org/donate

Sarah Koeppen, CEO and founder

During the holidays, we held a Mommy Mart and a baby shower for mothers and infants in need. We had such a need for gift cards, baby diapers, formula, car seats, clothing and more. We are so grateful for all of the volunteers and staff that helped meet the needs of so many. In 2023, continued financial partners, gift cards, baby items and volunteers are needed.

Caring Christmas

https://caringchristmas.org

From Doug Whitney, community pastor

In December, we had a Caring Christmas event at First Baptist Woodstock, where families from the community were helped with Christmas gifts for their kids. More than 700 people attended the event, with more than 80 volunteers. Families came for a fun party with snacks, games and giveaways. As the families left, they were given the Christmas gifts donated for their children.

Our church had the pleasure of providing Christmas gifts for 505 kids, representing 176 families. Each child received at least three clothing items and three toys from their wish lists. We had more than 100 families sponsor at least one child. To watch some clips from the event, visit https://vimeo.com/780366693/109b55efec.

Adopt a Senior 2022 and Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency

www.cherokeega.com, www.playcherokee.org

From Erika Neldner, Cherokee County communications director

Adopt a Senior: More than 250 seniors adopted. Hugs in a Blanket: 984 items donated.

According to Cherokee County Senior Services Resource Coordinator De Gale, there definitely was an uptick in community donations for Adopt a Senior and Hugs in a Blanket. Going into 2023, Senior Services will continue to ask for help for Stand Up For Seniors to raise money for the Last Stop program, and Cherokee County Parks and Recreation will have the Some Bunny Special program running through April 4.

Cherokee Secret Santa

www.cherokeesanta.com

From Penny DePuy, Secret Santa coordinator

We sincerely appreciate all the support we receive from the community. Because of our amazing sponsors, we were able to provide an amazing Christmas to the 400-plus children in Cherokee Division of Family & Children Services custody. In addition to presents, Secret Santa provides school supplies, hygiene kits, age-appropriate stuffed stockings, books, food boxes and more. Anyone interested in sponsoring a child at Christmas, or learning about other support needs throughout the year, can visit www.cherokeesanta.com or call 678-235-5519.

Simple Needs GA

www.simpleneedsga.org

From Brenda Rhodes, founder

We had an increase in the number of volunteers; some were directly because of your publications, so thank you! We were able to help more children this past Christmas than in previous years. Overall, we provided gifts (plus board games, hats, gloves and scarves) for 307 kids in 108 families. Each mom and/ or dad also received a Walmart gift card.

And, some of the volunteers who helped at Christmas time have returned to help us! We’re hoping a few will become regulars, including one who read about us in Around Kennesaw.

Now, our greatest need is for gently used mattresses/box springs/beds as well as other essential furniture and kitchen/bed/bath items. We also need items that we give to our birthday children. We update this list about once a week with our most needed items: https://simpleneedsgablog.com/drives.

Volunteers who would like to become regulars by volunteering on Saturdays once or twice a month are needed. And, we need volunteers with pickup trucks, and those who are willing to pick up furniture donations and deliver to our clients.

Cherokee Family Violence Center

www.cfvc.org/donate-now

From Stephanie Villasenor, outreach coordinator

We are so thankful for the overwhelming response Cherokee Family Violence Center (CFVC) received from Aroundabout magazine readers over the holidays. After the publication of the November and December issues, we received more calls than normal regarding donations for our clients — about half of those callers mentioned they saw the magazine posting. We are thrilled to have received enough bed and bath linens to cover our shelter needs for six months, as well as a large number of laundry and dish detergent pods. If you called, emailed or just dropped off donations for us, we thank you!

In 2023, donations of journals and day planners to use in case management sessions and workshops would benefit our clients. We also need at least 12 new microwaves that we can add to move-in kits for new families. CFVC set up Amazon Wish Lists for some of our most-used products. You can find several lists at https://cfvc.org/donate-now. If your family or organization would like to partner with CFVC in 2023, email stephanie@cfvc.org.