Roswell real estate agent Parish Hattub has dreams of owning a nonprofit that helps people in need and empowers young girls. However, Hattub has actualized her vision by simply being a caring citizen.
Hattub wrote on a recent a Facebook post to her International Interfaith Women’s Group seeking volunteers for a lunch they would host and serve to 120 people at MUST Ministries Homeless Shelter, in Marietta, near month’s end. The menu: Rotisserie chicken, rice and salad.
During the weeks in between, 30 group members chatted with Hattub. Some volunteered to bring three rotisserie chickens each. Others decided on the amount and type of flavorful rice they would arrive with.
“They call us ‘the chicken and rice ladies,’” said Hattub, of the homeless people they serve.
MUST Ministries is just one of several charitable organizations that Hattub has led volunteer efforts for. Others include the International Rescue Committee Atlanta, North Fulton Community Charities and Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee’s projects for Rwandan villages.
To celebrate her recent birthday, Hattub requested donations to The Drake House, which provides housing for homeless mothers and their children. A total of $1,628 was raised.
Hattub has also held fundraising activities inside The Drake House boutique.
“As a volunteer, you help with whatever is needed,” she said. “I might get a call saying ‘we need a bed. We need a cabinet. We need a range of things for the new mothers coming in.’”
Jackie Chambers, manager of The Drake House Closet boutique in Roswell, said core supporters such as Hattub have an impact.
“She has been very instrumental in getting new customers to come in and shop,” said Chambers. “She has donated clothes and shoes. We are very appreciative because this is how we make our money.”
Hattub reaps something intangible out of her volunteer work.
“When I’m not focusing on myself and I am doing for someone else, I feel so connected to my creator,” said the mother of three. “Sometimes I think I’m not doing enough and wish I could do more. Local charities are not getting funding the way some of the bigger organizations are.”
Donations of any size are welcome at local nonprofits. “It can be whatever you feel would make a difference in your community,” said Hattub.
vintageparish@gmail.com, mustministries.org, thedrakehouse.org
Who’s doing good? Each Sunday, we write about a deserving individual, charity events such as fun-runs, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To suggest an event or person for us to cover, contact us at ajc.doinggood@gmail.com
