When about 80 members of the Atlanta Association of Health Care Recruiters met for their holiday luncheon in December, they came bearing gifts.

Each brought lunch and toiletry kits they had assembled for Stand Up for Kids, a national nonprofit organization that finds, stabilizes and helps homeless and street kids improve their lives.

"I was so touched by the response to this project. There were boxes and boxes of kits," said Milrinette Nelson, recruitment coordinator at Southern Regional Medical Center in Riverdale and president of AAHCR. "Many members said that their own children helped them pack the lunches and toiletry items and that it made them aware of their own blessings."

"It was so fulfilling to help with this outreach mission. Many of our members wanted to learn more so that they could volunteer," said Nelson, BSN, RN, BC, PHR.

"I'm still blown away that this group did so much. It's the largest donation I've ever seen, and wouldn't all fit into the car in one trip," said Ann Grelling, director of program support for Stand Up for Kids in Atlanta. "We are so appreciative of all that they did."

Grelling said that there were many ways for individuals and groups to contribute and volunteer. Volunteers are needed to keep open a new drop-in center, where street kids can find counseling, caring and support for their basic needs.

To learn more, visit www.standupforkids.org/local/georgia/index.html or e-mail Grelling at agrelling@rocketmail.com.