In a humble brick building in Chamblee, Georgia, women laugh and smile and share stories while bustling through tiny hallways and crowded offices. Cheerful posters and inspirational quotes line the walls. What may look like the simple gathering of friends is actually a well-oiled machine of productivity and proactive community involvement. These volunteers are the foundation of Assistance League of Atlanta – a nonprofit organization designed to provide various kinds of support to children and adults in the Atlanta area. One of its most successful programs is Operation School Bell, which provides school children with brand new outfits and health kits. Since they provide these kits to over 10,000 students each year, the storage room is filled to capacity. Donations to the thrift store, housed downstairs, spill into any available space. The thrift store was voted one of the best in the area, which is quite an honor since all of the proceeds go directly to the organizations Assistance League supports. In addition to these programs and more, the ladies provide outstanding support to the Gateway Center, through a partnership with People Making Progress.
Started by a woman named Dorothy Miller, People Making Progress works to give men and women with Down syndrome a chance at an independent and dignified life. The men and women are in a residential style program, and participate in a variety of activities. Each week they are involved in volunteer efforts, including time at Assistance League. These men and women are cheerful and eager to give back to the community. Twice a week, People Making Progress set up shop to assemble hygiene kits to send to the Gateway Center; seeing the group regularly at Assistance League encourages the other volunteers greatly. Regular volunteer efforts like these help the Gateway Center provide reliable and continuous assistance to clients experiencing homelessness.
