I-85 fire has Open Hand Atlanta pleading for volunteers to deliver meals

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Open Hand Atlanta, which prepares, packages and delivers around 5,500 meals daily to residents who are ill, elderly or otherwise in need, faces a critical shortage of volunteers on Friday (perhaps beyond).

The nonprofit's facility is located within shouting distance of where a portion of Interstate 85 collapsed following a massive fire Thursday night, and organizers fear many volunteers won't be able to complete their shifts on Friday.

"Due to the fire on I-85 and the collapsed bridge, we are expecting scheduled drivers to be unable to complete all the necessary deliveries," the organization posted. "We are in critical need of extra volunteer support tomorrow, Friday, March 31, to deliver meals that are essential to our clients' well-being."

UPDATE: These volunteers answered the call

If you are able to help, please email Volunteer Services at volunteerservices@openhandatlanta.org. The meal delivery shifts are 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. for returning drivers and 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. for new drivers."

Open Hand Atlanta was founded in 1988 to serve persons dealing with HIV/AIDS and today serves a broad range of clients, including homebound seniors, the chronically ill and the dependent children of those clients. See their web site for details on how to help.

Open Hand is located near where a section of 85 collapsed following a massive fire.

Here's where the fire and collapse occurred: