Giving Back

Nonprofits can use your help this holiday season

By Grace Huseth

Thanksgiving is for family gatherings, but can also be a time for giving back. There are plenty of organizations in the Atlanta area who can use your help during the holiday season. Here are five nonprofits where you can donate your time and money.

Atlanta Community Food Bank

The Atlanta Community Food Bank has gathered nonperishable foods for decades, but is starting to get creative. From Nov. 7 - 18, teams of architects and engineers will design giant sculptures of donated canned goods and boxes that nearly reach the ceiling. Add to the Canstruction at 171 and 201 17th Street in Atlantic Station. Information: acfb.org.

Hosea Help

For more than 45 years, Hosea Help, formerly Hosea Feed the Hungry, has hosted the largest sit down Thanksgiving Dinner in the Southeast. The organization is looking for volunteers to help with clean-up, breakdown, security and more during the event that will feed up to 7,000 dinners and 5,000 hand delivered meals. Information: 4hosea.org.

Meals on Wheels Atlanta

With a heart for seniors, Meals on Wheels Atlanta is hosting a canned food collection during the month of November. One out of every six seniors in Georgia is food insecure. Information: mealsonwheelsatlanta.org.

City of Refuge

Thanksgiving Dinner at this Christian ministry will be prepared in the City of Refuge 180° Kitchen, a culinary arts school that trains students for jobs in the hospitality industry. Information: cityofrefugeatl.org.

Atlanta Mission

While Atlanta Mission prepares 1,000 meals nightly, Thanksgiving dinner will be a special time for fellowship at the homeless shelter. Atlanta Missions is asking for help to Build a Table, with donations of $2.67 for each meal. Information: atlantamission. org.