articles

Give and Help Others Locally this Holiday Season

Gainesville, Ga Family sponsorship opportunities and toy/food drives

By Chelcee Wright, MacKIDGainesvilleGa Publisher November 13, 2022

Let's help our neighbors around Gainesville, Georgia this year! With so many giving opportunities around the holidays it is always great to find organizations who serve our local families. The following sponsorships and food/toy drives are all based out of Hall County to ensure that we are helping those who need it most in our own hometowns. 

Know of a toy, clothing, or food drive we missed or a volunteer opportunity that we left out? Let us know by sending an email to mackidgainesvillega@macaronikid.com and we'll add it to our list!

Donating toys, clothes, or food in Gainesville, Georgia


 

Family Sponsorships in Gainesville, Georgia

Christmas Hope

Details: Christmas Hope is hoping to sponsor 225 local children this holiday season. Each child sponsored receives 2 toys, pajamas, shoes, a coat and new outfit. 

Sponsorship Submission Form: Christmas Hope Sponsorship Form
Contact: Christmas Hope Website

Hall is Home for Kids

Details: Hall is Home For Kids allows community members to sponsor local foster children by donating financially or shopping for your assigned foster kids. Complete the commitment form linked below by November 15, 2022.  

Sponsorship Submission Form: Hall is Home for Kids Sponsorship Form  
Contact: Additional information available at hallishomeforkids.com 




 Getty Images Signature via Canva 

Toy Drives  in Gainesville, Georgia

A good place to start is Toys for Tots. Many Marine centers that organize Toys for Tots maintain an online list of where you can drop toys. Other places to search: Churches and nonprofits as there are also several locations participating in "Operation Christmas Child"

Hall County Toys for Tots

Details: Toy drop sites are in the works 

How to donate: Utilize the Facebook page (@HallCoTFT ) or website  to find your nearest toy drop site or donate online

Have questions? HallCoTFT website




 Getty Images Pro via Canva 

Food Drives in Gainesville, Georgia

Always, always give to either of these locations when you are able: 


Georgia Mountain Food Bank

1642 Calvary Industrial Dr SW, Gainesville, GA 30507

Good Samaritan Food Pantry

 1220 McEver Rd, Gainesville, GA 30504


 Getty Images via Canva

Giving trees in Gainesville, Georgia

Local foster agencies, women's centers and nonprofits are a good place to find "Giving Trees" or "Wish Trees" set up where your family can choose an ornament with a child’s name, age, and wish list item. Also check out: 


Ga Mountains YMCA

Details: “Adopt” a child in need this holiday season to help fulfill some special wishes and needs for those in our community. 

How to get started: Drop by the YMCA to pick out  angel(s) that your family would like to shop for this year.
Contact: 770-297-9622


Boys & Girls Club of Lanier 

Details: Adopt a Family this holiday season to help fulfill some special wishes and needs for those in our community. 

How to get started: Contact wnewton@bgclanier.org or call 770-532-8102



Donating time in Gainesville, Georgia


pixelshot via Canva

Looking to volunteer your family's time this holiday season in Gainesville? Here are some local organizations in Gainesville that welcome help:

Think about places you can help as a whole family. Ideas to help you get started: local animal shelters, food banks, parks, churches, and nursing homes. Your local United Way (or a similar agency) might keep a community list of agencies in need of volunteers that can help you get started.

The Salvation Army

Details: Various volunteer opportunities available ranging from shelter help, afterschool or coach positions, assisting with donation drives and more.

How to get started: Volunteer application available HERE 

Humane Society of Northeast Georgia 

Details: Volunteer roles range from socialization, grooming, greeter roles and more. Volunteer opportunities available for ages 8+ (guardian required for children unless teens apply for the Humane Heroes Program). 

How to get started: Volunteer application available HERE 

Georgia Mountain Food Bank

Details: Volunteers are always needed to help sort, organize and pack food. Join in the monthly Saturday Volunteer events or email to find an alternative time that works best for you.

How to get started: Email Denise @ volunteer@gamountainboodbank.org to RSVP or set up a time for your organization