Stencil program created to prevent stormdrain pollution
The DeKalb County Roads and Drainage Division’s stormwater stenciling program is seeking volunteers to help prevent pollution. The stenciling program increases the awareness about the dangers of stormwater pollution by marking county catch basins and encouraging residents to keep trash, debris, yard litter and pollutants out of the county’s storm drainage system.
Catch basins collect rainwater from streets and serve as an entry point to the county’s stormwater drainage system. The basins also receive and accumulate any debris that is in the rainwater. The stencil is a visual reminder to not pollute or dump waste into any stormwater drainage structure.
In addition to raising public awareness about stormwater pollution and illegal dumping, the program helps to reduce local flooding. Keeping catch basins clear of trash, such as yard debris and leaves, reduces clogging and allows rainwater to drain easily.
Interested volunteers are encouraged to attend a stormwater stenciling program information session. After receiving approval, Roads and Drainage will provide stencil marking materials and locations to place the markings. For more
When: ongoing
Where: throughout DeKalb County
Contact: Angel Jones, stormwater program supervisor, at 404-297-4464 or darjones@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Vintage Affair needs volunteer help
Throughout the year Community Assistance Center seeks volunteers to work on seasonal programs and events such as the school supply program, Adopt-a-Family for the Holidays, the Food `n Fun Challenge and the Vintage Affair.
For long-time Sandy Springs residents Debbie and Stan Sonenshine, philanthropy is a family tradition. One of the local charities their family has chosen to support for many years is the Community Assistance Center. In recognition of their support of CAC in many ways, the Sonenshine’s have been named honorary chairs of CAC’s 15th annual benefit gala, the Vintage Affair, set for Saturday, October 7 at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church.
The family reached out to friends, neighbors and colleagues and asked for financial donations for their food drive. They then bought pallets of food, recruited volunteers, and packed 500 boxes of holiday food for CAC to distribute to local families in need. The project has since been an annual event carried out by another local family foundation.
The expansion of CAC in 2017 comes during the agency’s 30th anniversary of service to the community. That major milestone is the focus of celebration at this year’s Vintage Affair. The benefit gala features food from fine local restaurants, wine tasting, live music and fun silent and live auctions. Since all of the food, wine and auction items are donated by the community, almost every dollar raised at the Vintage Affair goes to support programs to help neighbors in need.
When: Oct. 7
Where: Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church, 805 Mount Vernon Hwy NW, Atlanta
Information: www.ourcac.org/2017/09/21/vintage-affair-sonenshine/
Contact: Debbie at volunteer@ourcac.org.
Combine volunteering with love of arts
Those who love the arts will delight in volunteering at Wonderroot, a community center that provides resources and programs for artists and children looking for an outlet. Sign up to be an occasional volunteer and receive notifications when events are held or the community garden needs some extra love. For those looking to embed themselves in an organization, Wonderroot offers a program for regular volunteers who can commit to a five-and-a-half hour shift each week over a six-month period. Not much of a planner? Stop by the community center any time and pick up a broom or help keep things clean.
When: ongoing
Where: Wonderroot, 982 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta
Contact: 404-254-5955
Information: wonderroot.org.
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