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From the archives: June 22, 2009
We usually spend our time waxing about places to chase tail, the bars that mix the cheapest drinks and restaurants that have the town buzzing. But sometimes it's good to take a step back and ask not what Atlanta can do for you, but what you can do for Atlanta. Scope these 10 ideas on giving back to our community and get involved, friends.
Volunteer opportunities
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Hands On Atlanta
Write a review600 Means St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 (map)
There are over 37,000 volunteers for Hands on, and hundreds of opportunity to give time and service. The organization fills community needs in schools, parks, senior homes, food banks, pet shelters, low-income neighborhoods and more.
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Jerusalem House
Write a review1900 Emery St NW Ste 430, Atlanta, GA 30318 (map)
This spot is a permanent residence for those living with HIV/Aids, and many of the residents are sadly kids. There are plenty of chances to get involved, from tutoring to gardening. Or if you don't have time, but still want to help you can donate material things from clothes to televisions.
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Atlanta Pet Rescue & Adoption
Read Reviews720 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 (map)
Our canine friends need help too. This cute 'n' clean Midtown spot helps pair abandoned dogs with willing owners. If you don't have the time to volunteer but what to throw a little dough their way, they have list of items they currently need, or you can sponsor a rescued pet.
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Habitat For Humanity
Read Reviews519 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 (map)
Are you a big fan of tools, and building things? Well champ, this is your opportunity to give back AND do something you love. Habitat builds 50+ houses every year, all built by volunteers and all gunned to house qualified working families.
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Trees Atlanta
Write a review96 Poplar St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 (map)
Atlanta is such a beautiful, green city, so let's keep it that way. Trees Atlanta help make sure new trees are planted after bad storms (or tornados), and just keeping Atlanta leafy in general. No need to be a professional gardener, a mere $2,600 will let Trees Atlanta plant one tree downtown for those who don't like heavy lifting.
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Open Door Community
Write a review910 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (map)
Open Door takes in both the poor and those recently out of jail. Volunteers are needed to help serve breakfast and soup kitchen lunch, as well as cook supper for 30 or drive the monthly excursion to Hardwick Prison.
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Your Dekalb Farmers' Market
Read Reviews3000 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 (map)
Not everywhere in Atlanta provides recycling service, so for those lacking the green plastic bins--do your part. Hit the Farmers Market armed with your recyclables and give back, green-style.
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Smiths Olde Bar
Read Reviews1578 Piedmont Ave, Atlanta, GA 30324 (map)
Each spring Josh Rifkind's organization, Songs for Kids does a 10 day marathon of rock at Smith?s Olde Bar, called 500 all to benefit kids that are in need. The other 51 weeks out of the year, his organization has local and national musicians come by hospitals to sing for, and write songs with kids who are suffering from serious illness.
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Atlanta Community Food Bank
Write a review1033 Jefferson St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 (map)
Everyone loves food, so let's dish it out a bit. The Food Bank needs 15,000 volunteers every year to make the magic happen, from inspecting or packing food to gardening or sorting school supplies. Just because you're a klutz in the kitchen doesn't mean you can?t make a difference.
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American Red Cross
Write a review1955 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 (map)
If you can't donate blood the American Red Cross is always in search of help in disaster relief. Get trained to help behind the scenes when parts of the country are in serious need.
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