In 2013, LaShanda Pitts was looking for ways to build relationships with other women, but not just to socialize or travel. The Decatur resident wanted to take those friendships to a higher level that included civic engagement.
For nine years, Pitts organized fundraisers, collections and hands-on events under the umbrella of Classy Living Society. The concept not only caught on, it took on a life of its own, drawing thousands of women across multiple states who wanted to turn volunteering into a fun and meaningful experience. The group’s work was recognized by the Atlanta City Council and Presidents Obama and Biden.
“But it was too much,” said Pitts, “I couldn’t be everywhere. I couldn’t get to know people in other states the way I want to.”
In May, Pitts formed a new group, 518 Social, and limited the membership to 50 volunteers.
“I wanted to create something smaller and more intimate,” she said. “With a roster of 50, we can travel the world doing what we do together.”
What they do is focus their philanthropic energies on a variety of causes. Since launching, the group has amassed about 400,000 volunteer hours making holiday baskets for homeless men, cooking and delivering Thanksgiving meals, hosting pizza parties and writing encouraging notes to groups working with sex trafficked women.
“Something is going on every other day,” said Pitts. “It might be donating pizzas to a local fire station or leaving a kind note on a neighbor’s porch. We’ve collected yarn for a nonprofit in Colorado that has people making baby blankets. We’ve printed coloring sheets for children. The calendar stays full because doing these things makes us feel good, too. When you give to others, you’re the one being blessed. And when you’re doing something elbow-to-elbow, you build great connections and become a family.”
Members, who hail from across the metro area and range in age from late 30s to 70, also work with groups that Pitts built relationships with over the years, including the Salvation Army, where the team turned out earlier this month to sort toys for the Angel Tree program that provides toys for needy children. In the new year, Pitts has plans for the group to adopt a mobile cancer trailer and decorate apartments for women moving out of shelters and into their own homes.
“If you talk to anybody about me, they’ll tell you I’m very creative,” said Pitts. “I’m always thinking of unique ways to give back. It’s one thing pack food or sort toys, but how about a towel drive or sponsoring a mobile shower for the homeless? I love bringing people together to share the energy, and you have to make it fun.”
Pitts said the idea for 518 Social also grew from a bit of stark reality. “Well, we’ve aged out of the nightclubs. What are we going to do now?”
Who’s doing good? Each week, we write about a deserving individual, charity events such as fun-runs, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To suggest an event or person for us to cover, contact us at ajc.doinggood@gmail.com.
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