Midtown Atlanta’s Colony Square transported a donation of 180 chairs and 70 tables on Friday, Jan. 5, to City of Refuge, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of people in crisis in the 30314 ZIP code. Eventually, a total of 500 chairs and 150 tables were donated.
Located just West of the Mercedes Benz Stadium, the needs there are enormous, said City of Refuge who has spent the last 20 years working to clear a pathway out of poverty.
The donation came as Colony Square’s Atrium began its own transformation into a food hall, business hub and arts-infused shopping and dining destination. The North American Properties team, the developer behind the reimagined Colony Square, elected to find a worthy organization that would give new life to the furniture.
The tables and chairs will be used for City of Refuge’s newly remodeled education center for kids, the Bright Futures Academy (middle and high school students) commons area and the permanent supportive housing units that will be completed this year. Some may also be shared with City of Refuge’s affiliates that need furniture for their operations.
“Conversation is often sparked around the table while breaking bread and the furniture donated from Colony Square will provide the organization an opportunity to create discussions directed at helping those in need start a new journey,” City of Refuge CEO Bruce Deel.
In addition to using the furniture on campus, the nonprofit organization regularly partners with various groups around the city to feed those in need and oftentimes those individuals have to find seats on the floor. The furniture donated from Colony Square will offer community-style seating that elevates people and provides a greater sense of dignity.
“This furniture has served many purposes for thousands of guests and Colony Square is excited to pass them along to City of Refuge to create new memories in the newly remodeled education center for kids, common areas and the permanent supportive housing units that will be completed this year,” said Liz Gillespie, partner and vice president of marketing at North American Properties.
Just like the furniture, City of Refuge needs items such as women’s business clothing (new or gently used), vehicles, hygiene products, new sheets/pillows/blankets/comforters and baby supplies. People can also serve those in need, including preparing and serving meals, homework help, tutoring and mentoring. Additionally, the community can participate in events such as the Refuge Run 5K and 10K on March 24 to help raise funds for the nonprofit organization.
North American Properties team has been donating its time, treasure and talent in support of City of Refuge for more than six years. “The organization has been incredibly effective to transform lives in our city’s most challenged neighborhood. City of Refuge has provided light and hope for so many. And, we are thankful to be a part of that community giveback,” added Gillespie.
In other news
The Rotary Club of Tucker partnered with Friends of Disabled Adults and Children to collect dozens of used crutches and walkers and ship them to Crutches 4 Africa, an organization that distributes surplus mobility devices to people with physical challenges in Africa and ten other developing countries.
Information: cityofrefugeatl.org
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