Spreading holiday cheer, employees of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s Buckhead, Perimeter and Pinnacle locations raised funds for the Atlanta Mission at My Sister’s House as a part of their Sleigh It Forward giving initiative.
“We created the ‘Sleigh it Forward’ initiative after we heard feedback from employees that they’d like to do something special this holiday season to show how much we care and are grateful that we are a part of the Atlanta community,” said Michael Outlaw, complex manager. “When we found out there wasn’t a group helping this year to bring the holidays to the mothers and children at the Atlanta Mission - My Sister’s House, we immediately stepped in.”
The funds raised allowed the team to purchase new coats and items for approximately 100 children. Each child received a new coat plus a gift from their Angel Tree wish list. Gifts included items such as gift cards, tablets, hoodies, Cabbage Patch Kid dolls and Tonka trucks. An additional amount of money also allowed them to provide each child’s mother a gift bag.
But the giving didn’t stop there.
On Dec. 20, about 15 Morgan Stanley volunteers helped serve about 275 meals to mothers and their children, sorted donated items in the Atlanta Mission’s “Santa’s Workshop” so shelter residents could select additional gift items to give.
“We all think of giving especially at Christmas which is a blessing, but the needs of those we serve are required every day of the year and we provide these services each and every day,” said Jim Reese, CEO of the Atlanta Mission. “Morgan Stanley was a huge blessing for us and those we serve. They came and filled a critical need.”
There are many ways to continue making a difference to Atlanta Mission. The nonprofit is always looking for volunteers for food service, in-kind donations for women, children and men’s essential items and support for its four campuses.
Looking back at this experience, Outlaw added, “We believe that you should never underestimate the impact that small acts of generosity can make in someone else’s life and can even inspire others to pay it forward. We learn something from each and every person we encounter in life. Therefore, it was an honor to meet and serve the women and children at the Atlanta Mission at My Sister’s House.”
Atlanta Mission is the oldest and biggest provider of homeless services in Atlanta. It serves and houses over 1,000 homeless men women and children each and every day across its four campuses.
Information: atlantamission.org
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