Information: ourhousega.org
One of Ben Franklin Academy’s cross-country coaches, Lauren Head, and her fiancé, Michael Zauche, volunteer at Our House and the Genesis Shelter. Through her volunteerism, Head found that the shelter had an important need for books that mothers could read to their children.
“Knowing our students are always looking for worthwhile endeavors, she saw this need as a great way for our students to get involved with Our House/Genesis Shelter,” said Edward Ellis, teacher and advisor at the school.
The effort was put together by the The Ben Franklin Academy Philanthropy Club recently held a book drive for children’s books and over the last month, BFA families donated 120 children’s picture books to the Genesis Shelter and Our House Shelter. Both charities provide shelter for homeless newborns and their families.
After collecting the books, they went on and built bookcases for the shelter. The club started 10 years ago to engage in service projects such as drives and volunteer work that serves others and benefits the community at large.
“Through hard work and planning, it is possible to make a difference in people’s lives. Also, we hope our students experience the joy and fulfillment of helping others, and, in reality are helping themselves by bettering their community and being active members of the community in which they live,” said Ellis.
The Philanthropy Club is involved in other projects like hosting a toy drive for children in Liberia as well as for Children’s Healthcare in Atlanta; an annual food drive for the Children’s Restoration Network; collecting winter clothing drive for newly arrived refugees at American Pathways and more.
In other news: Publix Super Markets Inc. will distribute more than $1 million from its Food For All 2015 fundraiser to Atlanta division nonprofit organizations and a total of $3.73 million to non-profit organizations across its southeastern footprint. The annual event distributes funds to support programs that fight hunger and advocate for self-sufficiency on a local and regional level.
Bloom Our Youth Inc., a local non-profit organization that provides safe refuge and supportive services to foster children in Georgia, was recently presented with a $12,600 donation from Panera Bread as part of their Operation Dough-Nation program, a company outreach program that promotes community involvement and charitable giving by local Panera bakery-cafes. Panera Bread doubled their donation from the previous year by expanding their Community Bread Box locations to include 11 metro-Atlanta area cafes.
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