To volunteer with P.A.L., go to atlantapal.com
“She will love it!” said Deion Franklin, 13, who, with his sister Marquisha, 9, picked out a turquoise dress and matching sandals and accessories at Dots, a women’s apparel store, to surprise their mother with a gift for Mother’s Day.
Along with Deion and Marquisha, 12 other children were also planning a surprise for their moms. Part of the Atlanta Police Athletic League, the kids got to shop at the Ellenwood store on Saturday. Each child received a $50 gift card to buy something special for their moms.
The shopping spree is a part of Dots’ “Love 2 Mom” program that gives local children, who may not be able to afford a gift, an opportunity to pick out something special. “Moms do so much and go unrecognized for all the commitments and sacrifices they make,” said Dots’ Assistant Manager Trosalyn Allen. “We are so excited to host the kids from P.A.L. and help them make this day special for their moms.”
The Atlanta Police Athletic League is a nonprofit organization, served by the Atlanta Police Department, that sponsors various sports programs and mentoring to motivate children in disadvantaged areas to be successful. The programs are offered for free to the parents.
“The kids have been talking about this all week, and have been so excited to come shopping for their mothers,” said Officer Tabitha Peterson. “They are such great kids, and we are so excited for this partnership with Dots. Some kids have never bought their mothers anything before so this is allowing them to do something memorable.”
It is community support like the Love 2 Mom program that has helped P.A.L. continue its work in the city. But, the heart of the program depends solely on volunteers. “We are always in need of volunteers to help us with our sports programs, summer camps, mentoring, programs specific to boys or girls, preparing for the SAT, and anything someone can offer is a great help to us, ” added Peterson. P.A.L. serves children from ages 8-18.
P.A.L. ‘s mission is to keep kids out of the streets, encourage them in academics and athletics to make sure that they are in positive environments and live successful lives. The two centers are located on James Jackson Parkway and Anderson Avenue in Southwest Atlanta.
In other news: Keller Williams Realty Metro Atlanta partnered with the Decatur Family YMCA for RED Day (Renew, Energize and Donate) on May 9. More than 50 volunteers assisted in preserving and renewing the nature trail and soccer field at the International Community School in DeKalb County's Medlock Park. RED Day is a national initiative celebrating Keller Williams Realty's year-round commitment to improving local communities. In 2012, the company revitalized the ICS' garden and held two fundraisers to provide school supplies for children whose families benefit from the ICS food cooperative.
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