Information: www.payusa.org
Positive American Youth, Feed The Children, PepsiCo and FritoLay paid it forward on July 30 by providing groceries and household items to over 800 deserving families across Atlanta.
When Feed The Children wanted to partner with PAY USA’s weekly grocery giveaway program, “it was the perfect partnership to give back to more deserving families,” said PAY USA Founder and Hot 107.9 deejay Reec Swiney.
Positive American Youth hosts a weekly grocery giveaway, which feeds an estimated 300 families a month, at its food pantry in Mableton.
At the event, the Feed the Children trailer provided assistance for 400 families including non-perishable food, personal care supplies as well as a products by Avon and PepsiCo. Each family received 25 pounds of groceries, 10 pounds of general household items and more.
It also was the grand opening of PAY USA’s second food pantry on Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway.
Swiney is the midday deejay for the radio station and now uses his entertainment platform to make a difference for youth and families across the city through PAY USA. The nonprofit focuses on helping youth through entertainment, sports, education and fundraising events.
Understanding that today’s youth are heavily influenced by sports and entertainment, Positive American Youth has constructed a majority of events to involve and showcase both of these categories. All of its programs are free and they address issues like fitness and bullying. Also, programs like Better Living Program revitalize neighborhoods.
Additionally, Swiney’s signature program (Lunch On REEC) allows him to meet 24 different youth weekly and serve them a gourmet meal and bring in celebrity and professional guests to give words of inspiration and hope to the young audiences.
The nonprofit has been making an impact across Metro Atlanta. People can volunteer with the organization in various ways with the food pantries or programs to help continue its mission.
To Swiney, his inspiration for continued philanthropy has stemmed from his position in the city and the industry.
“We all have to find a way to use our talents and give back to make a difference in the community,” he said.
In other news: General Electrics' Power Generation Services donated $23,000 to Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School to help support the career development of the local teenagers who attend the school. Cristo Rey Atlanta educates high school students of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose and service. The donation will help guide and develop successful career paths and offer students the chance to explore different career choices in the community that otherwise may not have had such opportunities.
