How can over 250 Assistance League member volunteers help more than 48,100 children and adults in need in our community? Through hard work, a generous spirit, a desire to help others and a large network of community partners, that’s how.
Our partner network includes 235 elementary and middle schools in DeKalb County, Fulton County and the Atlanta Public Schools; seven Georgia colleges and universities; numerous hospitals and medical centers; and more than 15 social agencies and other charities.
To best serve the community, social workers, directors and financial aid officers identify those in need and act as liaisons between recipients and Assistance League. Here are the highlights for our fiscal year ending May 31, 2023:
Backpack Buddies provided students 100 bags of food each week to school children at Dresden and Norcross Elementary schools. This program fills the weekend hunger gap by providing food for students who might otherwise lack meals over the weekend.
Bears for Children provided 3,960 cuddly bears to small children who have been injured or traumatized in some way, providing comfort and help in calming the child in distress. These were distributed to a network of children’s hospitals.
Links to Education awarded $70,000 in scholarships to 50 students in seven colleges and universities for the 2022-2023 academic year.
New Beginnings served 23,100 children and adults in need through eight social agencies of which five are committed to homeless outreach and three are sexual assault centers.
Operation School Bell® worked with social workers in 235 elementary and middle schools to provide 3,757 students with a week’s worth of school clothing and a new book. Of those served, 1,217 (32%) were homeless or victims of fire, eviction or abuse. An additional 8,547 students received selected items including clothing, hygiene kits or food/gas cards for the family.
Shepherd Center Patient Support served approximately 540 patients who are victims of brain and spinal cord injuries by providing rehab-friendly t-shirts and pants. We also delivered birthday gifts of backpacks that fit on wheelchairs.
Waste Not distributed excess items that we cannot sell in our Attic Treasures Thrift Shop, valued at $22,689, to numerous social agencies and other charities.
Wee Help assembled and distributed 1,280 layettes to eight medical centers and agencies for mothers who cannot afford going-home clothing for their babies.
