Pictured from left are Pat Smith, East Cobb Quilters’ Guild Community Service Committee; Kristie Naylor, Volunteer Services Coordinator, Cobb County Senior Services; and Lynda Bussolar, East Cobb Quilters’ Guild Community Service Committee member when guild delivered donated placemats at Cobb Senior Services.
Pictured from left are Maria Campos, Ashia Snipe and Antoinette Croyder of The Poke Company in Marietta that made and delivered 80 bowls to the ER Department at Kennestone Hospital.
Eastside Baptist Church’s Mosaic Church Campus on Austell Road has volunteers sorting and packing food for distribution to those in need in their surrounding community of eastern South Cobb, South Marietta and Fair Oaks.
Eastside Baptist Church’s Mosaic Church Campus on Austell Road has volunteers sorting and packing food for distribution to those in need in their surrounding community of eastern South Cobb, South Marietta and Fair Oaks.
Pictured are workers at Papa John’s Pizza Store 779/Pine Mountain making the 826 donated pizzas that were distributed by Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Marietta.
Pictured are some of the 826 donated pizzas that Papa John’s Pizza Store 779/Pine Mountain made and were distributed by Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Marietta.
Pictured are some of the 826 pizzas made by Papa John’s Pizza Store 779/Pine Mountain and were distributed by Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Marietta.
Chattachoochee Technical College donated food to Cobb County firefighters on Monday. Pictured is the over 200 pounds of food from the Culinary program being loaded up into a college patrol vehicle at the Mountain View Campus.
Chattachoochee Technical College donated food to Cobb County firefighters on Monday. Pictured is the delivery of the over 200 pounds of food from the Culinary program at the Mountain View Campus.
Chattachoochee Technical College donated over 200 pounds of food to the Cobb County firefighters on Monday from the Culinary program at the Mountain View Campus.
Pictured are Acworth sisters — Lindsay Butts, 17, Lauren Butts, 15, and Logan Butts, 13, who have been hard at work making masks at home to help fill the need created by COVID-19.
Murph’s, a sports-themed restaurant located at 1 Galleria Parkway in the Cobb Galleria Center, provided 50 meals in total to individuals in the Cobb County Community Services Board’s Mothers Making a Change program.
Pictured is an unidentified Mount Paran Christian High School student meeting their service hour requirements for Beta Club and National Honor Society.
Pictured is an unidentified Mount Paran Christian High School student meeting their service hour requirements for Beta Club and National Honor Society.
Pictured is an unidentified Mount Paran Christian High School student meeting their service hour requirements for Beta Club and National Honor Society.
Pictured is an unidentified Mount Paran Christian High School student meeting their service hour requirements for Beta Club and National Honor Society.
Jennifer McLarty of Marietta drove to the homes of each of her Walton High School senior math class students and drew inspirational and congratulatory messages on the ground in colorful chalk.
Jennifer McLarty of Marietta drove to the homes of each of her Walton High School senior math class students and drew inspirational and congratulatory messages on the ground in colorful chalk.
Jennifer McLarty of Marietta drove to the homes of each of her Walton High School senior math class students and drew inspirational and congratulatory messages on the ground in colorful chalk.
Pictured from left are Sabrina Scott, director of the Behavioral Health Crisis Center (BHCC) of the Cobb County Community Services Board, and Chris May, Tropical Smoothie Café district manager.
Pictured are the 500,000 Unistik safety lancets and 5,000 Peezy urine specimen collection kits donated by Owen Mumford in Marietta through GEMA to be distributed to Georgia's healthcare partners and facilities in need.
Pictured are the 500,000 Unistik safety lancets and 5,000 Peezy urine specimen collection kits donated by Owen Mumford in Marietta through GEMA to be distributed to Georgia’s healthcare partners and facilities in need.
From left are Reese Munch, Charles Jones and Barry Krebs with the South Cobb Lions Club; Debbie Ginocchio, development director from Sweetwater Mission; and Al Hernandez, Zone chairperson for the Lions Club.
At Cobb County Fire Station 1 (Mableton Parkway), from left are Barry Krebs of the South Cobb Lions Club, fire fighter Kyle Williams, Gerald Hutcheson of the Lions Club, fire fighters Ian Figueroa, T.J. Proulx and Jason Everez.
Pictured at Cobb County Fire Station #27 (Veterans Memorial Highway) from left are fire fighter Andrew Darrough, Gerald Hutcheson of the South Cobb Lions Club, and fire fighters Michael K. Smith and Houston Friiar.
Pictured at the Austell Police Department (Mulberry Street) from left are Officer Brandon Clark, Gerald Hutcheson of the South Cobb Lions Club, Sgt. Robert Sfreddo and Sgt. Derek Horton.
Pictured are photographs from Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce's newsletter about Cobb Senior Services staff serving 75 hot meals and non-perishable food.
Pictured from left are Kamryn Rock and Greg Lipman. On April 10, Piastra Restaurant provided 50 spaghetti and meatball dinners with garlic bread to the Cobb County Community Services Board.
Pictured is one of the 50 spaghetti and meatball dinners with garlic bread that Piastra Restaurant provided on April 10 to the Cobb County Community Services Board.
Pictured is Tom + Chee, a locally-owned Kennesaw franchise that specializes in creative grilled cheeses, who came up with some initiatives and facilitated a number of donations.
Pictured is Charon Foy, Direct Services Professional at Cobb County Community Services Board enjoying the delicious lunch from Piastra Restaurant in Marietta that owner Greg Lipman delivered.
Former Hawks player and NBA Hall of Famer Dominque Wilkins cheers on Wellstar Kennestone Hospital’s healthcare heroes changing shifts the morning of April 15.
Walt and Sandra PicKell represent Sibley Forest in presenting the check to Alex Reethof of Gathering Industries and his daughter, Emi, who are providing meals for healthcare workers across Atlanta.
Pictured from left are Maxwell Jiang and Nicholas Vincent in the red shirts. In the middle in the dark blue shirt is Frank Jiang, one of the East Cobb AYLUS advisers.
Owens Flower Shop and Greenhouses Inc. in Marietta donated flowers as a thank you to the brave folks at Cobb Hospital in Austell. Pictured from left are Bill Berry, Owens Flower Shop; Jessica Combs, administrative assistant Cobb Hospital; and Michael Johnson, excutive director of operations at Cobb Hospital.
From left are Candy Clifford, Fran Mcmahon behind the glass door at Atherton Place, Karen Hamilton, Patsy Bryan and Mike Donahoo. Mcmahon was given a surprise 95th birthday by her former neighbors. Although she was inside protected from the COVID-19 virus and with a little help from staff at Atherton Place, friends managed to help celebrate by filling a gift basket full of goodies and her favorite wine, balloons and banners.
Pictured from left are Carolyn Polakowski, president of the East Cobb Civitan Club; and Taylor Powell, direct support professional of Devereux Georgia.
Pictured is Mt. Paran Christian School student Christian Cavaciuti, son of Dr. and Mrs. Eric Cavaciuti. Christian was among the students writing to residents at the Sterling Estates retirement community in West Cobb.
Pictured are Mt. Paran Christian School students Colby, Jake, Lotti and Ruby Clayton, children of Cameron and Jamie Clayton. The children were among the students writing to residents at the Sterling Estates retirement community in West Cobb.
Pictured is Mt. Paran Christian School student Ruby Clayton, daughter of Cameron and Jamie Clayton. Ruby and her siblings were among the students writing to residents at the Sterling Estates retirement community in West Cobb.
Pictured is Mt. Paran Christian School student Emmy Schwab, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Jeffery Schwab. Emmy was among the students writing to residents at the Sterling Estates retirement community in West Cobb.
Pictured is Mt. Paran Christian School student Lilia Kimball, daughter of Eric and Nikki Kimball. Lilia was among the students writing to residents at the Sterling Estates retirement community in West Cobb.
The Crocker family had a Frozen-themed birthday party for their daughter Eleanor on Wednesday with police officers, firefighters, friends, family and neighbors in a caravan of cars.
District 1 Cobb Commissioner Keli Gambrill and her assistant, Ryan Williams, worked with Sean Mills from Altanta Beats COVID at the Maker Station last week assembling protective masks and shields.
Pictured is District 1 college student Tyler Smith how joined District 1 Cobb Commissioner Keli Gambrill and her assistant, Ryan Williams, to work with Sean Mills from Altanta Beats COVID at the Maker Station last week assembling protective masks and shields
Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center recently received a donation of face shields from Kia Motors America. Kia’s manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia has begun producing face shields and other PPE in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nursing staff at Wellstar Douglas Hospital recently celebrated their Pathway to Excellence designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This honor reflects Wellstar Douglas Hospital’s commitment to nursing excellence and their great appreciation of critical nursing staff, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
Staff members at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital receive a hero’s welcome during shift change in appreciation for their dedication to the fight against COVID-19.
Staff members at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital recently received a hero’s welcome during shift change in appreciation for their dedication to the fight against COVID-19.
Pictured are some Publix grocery store employees wearing some of the Super Hero capes donated by Six Flags Over Georgia and White Water in honor of National Super Hero Day today (April 28).
Pictured are some Kroger grocery store employees wearing some of the Super Hero capes donated by Six Flags Over Georgia and White Water in honor of National Super Hero Day today (April 28).
Pictured is Chris Cook of Soul Food Train, 585 Franklin Gateway in Marietta, who delivered 50 meals to more than 20 mothers and their children at the Cobb County Community Services Board.
Pictured is Jaida Burke, co-founder of KIDS CARE Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, at their Drive by & Drop Off Collection at Laurel Park in Marietta on April 18.
Pictured is Jaida Burke, co-founder of KIDS CARE Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, sitting with arms around 102 Kindness Cards that were collected and given to local Frontline Workers the week of April 28.
Pictured is Heather Hawks of Cobb Hospital, background, receiving a gift bag of 50 Kindness Cards for all staff at the hospital on April 28 from Marietta-based nonprofit KIDS CARE Corporation.
District 3 Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell and Acting Fire Chief Bill Johnson and his family delivered cookies to Police Precinct 1 and Fire Station 8.
Pictured are students from the Georgia robotics team, Checkmate Robotics #12961, who have put their 3-D printing skills to create face shields for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health’s front-line staff.
Pictured are some of the 3-D printed face shields that Checkmate Robotics #12961 in Kennesaw made for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health’s front-line staff.
Pictured is attorney Joe Atkins picking up Chick-fil-A lunches from director Janet Moots at Macland Road Chick-fil-A. All the lunches were donated by operator Sandeep Kapoor.
Pictured is Brett Edwards, Head of School at Stonehaven, with an MHA facility employee double fisted with Chick-fil-A Sandwiches at The Tower at Dorsey Manner.
Ms. Brown was the first brave resident to take her picture with The Rotary Club of Marietta. She is pictured with attorney Joe Atkins and Columbia Residential representative Roderick Turner.
The Rotary Club of Marietta knew Ms. Mason was going to be a fun resident to interact with based upon the sign on her door. The sign read: BEWARE – Guard Chihuahua on Duty” “Due to Cornoa Virus, I am self issolating. No one may enter except: George Clooney and Johnny Depp and those firefighter guys holding puppies who we see on calendars!
Pictured is Don Barbour, Mark Wright, president Christopher Bethel and Marlys Williams delivering Chick-fil-A meals at Walton Renaissance on Henderson.
Pictured are some of the cards that St. Joseph Catholic School students sent to residents at the Signature Health care facility on Tower Road in Marietta.
On April 25, DayBreak Village Assisted Living of Kennesaw had a parade for residents that also included a bagpiper playing Happy Birthday to resident and World War II veteran Phil Wright.
Pictured is the check for $1,200 that Kennesaw Mountain High School Football raised with Shirt Shanty and the Stronger Teogether ATL fundraiser to help KMHS families impacted by the pandemic.
Mask Makers 2020 West Cobb members Jane Swanson, Tami Gallagher, Lorelle LoCurto and Erin Gibson are pictured with Cobb Elections Director Janine Eveler and Commissioner Keli Gambrill.
Atlanta Gas Light opened its facilities for drive-thru food drives across the state to benefit Georgia foodbanks, which have been stressed for resources due to heightened food insecurity.
AYLUS EastCobb branch members with Lisa Crossman, Dennis Thayer and Bob Chrisner, Center, at the Cobb-Douglas Public Health Safety Village facility site.
Pictured is one of the members of the Black Daggers parachute demonstration team coming in for a landing at Kaiser Permanente TownPark Comprehensive Medical Center in Kennesaw.
Pictured is one of the members of the Black Daggers parachute demonstration team coming in for a landing at Kaiser Permanente TownPark Comprehensive Medical Center in Kennesaw.
Pictured is one of the members of the Black Daggers parachute demonstration team coming in for a landing at Kaiser Permanente TownPark Comprehensive Medical Center in Kennesaw.
Pictured, right, is Staff Sgt. Chris Hardy thanking Kaiser Permanente of Georgia health care workers for their heroic efforts in recent months combating COVID-19.
Pictured are Sgt. 1st Class Sean O’Toole, far left, and Staff Sgt. Chris Hardy, center, who recognized Kaiser Permanente of Georgia health care workers for their continued efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cobb Senior Services staff held another drive-up distribution service on June 25 where they gave out approximately 200 boxes of food to Cobb residents age 60 and older. Cobb Senior Services staff will continue these weekly food distributions as long as they can.
-From Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce's newsletter
On July 1, Marietta-based Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage gave employee Kathy Leigh Spear a check for $25,000 for her medical bills as she battles Hodgkins Lymphoma.
On July 1, Marietta-based Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage gave employee Kathy Leigh Spear a check for $25,000 for her medical bills as she battles Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Pictured is Bonnie Willis from NW Metro Atlanta Habitat for Humanity's construction team.
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Pictured are the Chicken Bowls that The Poke Company in Marietta delivered to Kennestone Hospital's ER Department.
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Pictured is the Salvation Army’s Cobb/Douglas Corps canteen, or mobile kitchen, serving meals to those in need.
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Pictured is an unidentified Mount Paran Christian High School student meeting their service hour requirements for Beta Club and National Honor Society.
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Pictured are students from the Georgia robotics team, Checkmate Robotics #12961, who have put their 3-D printing skills to create face shields for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health’s front-line staff.
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Pictured are some of the 3-D printed face shields that Checkmate Robotics #12961 in Kennesaw made for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health’s front-line staff.
We’re all coping with the coronavirus and its effects in different ways. The MDJ would like to report on acts of kindness, goodwill and generosity. Simply put, we want to share stories of neighbors helping neighbors.
If you know of an instance of benevolence — on any scale — and are willing to share with MDJ readers, tell us your story.
Send an email to mdjnews@mdjonline with the subject line: Act of Kindness.
Friday, July 10
Cobb Senior Services staff will hold a distribution of shelf stable food items on July 16 for Cobb residents age 60 and older from noon to 1 p.m. or while quantities last.
This will be the last distribution until further notice. An ID showing date of birth and Cobb County home address for each senior being served is required upon arrival.
No appointment needed. First come, first served.
The address is Cobb Senior Services, 1150 Powder Springs Street in Marietta.
Visa and IFUNDWOMEN joined forces to give away 10 grants of $10,000 to black women-owned small businesses. These grants provide an opportunity for recipients to grow their businesses and continue to offer much needed services to their local and global communities. The application information is available at ifundwomen.com/visa and the application deadline is July 31.
-From District 4 Cobb County Commissioner Lisa Cupid's newsletter
On June 27, after leaving a Unite in Truth: Support the Police event, a constituent from east Cobb noticed a truck had spilled metal building material all over the intersection of Dallas Highway and Barrett Parkway.
A young man in his early 20s stopped at the green light, got out of his truck and was moving the metal pieces off the streets by himself. Upon noticing his efforts, other drivers stopped their cars and began to help him. Not one driver honked his or her horn or expressed frustration as the traffic lights were changing and traffic remained at a standstill. It became a community effort which exemplified the message from unite in truth.
Thank you to all who step up and serve our community.
-From District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill's newsletter
Wells Fargo will donate approximately $400 million in processing fees from the Paycheck Protection Program to help small businesses keep their doors open, retain employees and rebuild. Through a new Open for Business Fund they will engage nonprofit organizations who serve diverse entrepreneurs to provide capital, training, and long-term recovery efforts.
Pictured is some of the food and paper good collected by the Senior Citizen Council food drive at the Cobb Senior Wellness Center on July 8.
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Thank you so much to those who participated in our Senior Citizen Council food drive at the Cobb Senior Wellness Center on July 8. We collected hundreds of pounds of food and paper goods for eligible seniors. Nearly 50 cars dropped off donations and we were pleasantly surprised that lots of people had full trunks to donate.
-From Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce's newsletter
On July 5, Officer Abernathy found a stranded motorist in the roadway on Cobb Parkway and Galleria Drive.
There was a small child in the vehicle with the driver. Officer Abernathy did not want them walking on the side of the road to a gas station. Officer Abernathy, who carries a small gas can, decided to purchase a few gallons of fuel at a nearby station to put in the motorist's gas tank so she could drive to a gas station to refuel.
Thank you Officer Abernathy for you kindness.
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Amid the unrest in our country today, groups of residents are banding together to show their support for our police and other Public Safety officers.
One such group started in Cobb County is Potlucks for Police. They are a group of caring residents who want to serve those that took an oath to protect and serve us with food. They come together to show police and firefighters that we appreciate all they do. And, are they doing it.
Another effort they initiated is raising money for the Cobb Police Athletic League by collecting donations for signs supporting our Cobb County Police.
Signs like the one pictured above are available for a $20 donation with all proceeds going to the PAL.
-From District 3 Cobb County Commissioner Bob Ott's newsletter
Thursday, July 2
Life Foundation will be open every Monday-Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to serve the college student population with boxes of food.
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Life Foundation will be open every Monday-Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to serve the college student population with boxes of food. The college students helped are under a new level of pressure with food shortages. As before, please limit your visit to one person in the lobby at a time.
Follow their Facebook page to obtain updates for the times they will be open and the products they have. Specific requests, as always, can be submitted through the website at www.lfstudenthelp.org or by calling 770-499-9209.
-From District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill's newsletter
On July 1, Marietta-based Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage gave employee Kathy Leigh Spear a check for $25,000 for her medical bills as she battles Hodgkins Lymphoma.
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On July 1, Marietta-based Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage gave employee Kathy Leigh Spear a check for $25,000 for her medical bills as she battles Hodgkins Lymphoma.
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Earlier this year, Marietta-based Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage employee Kathy Leigh Spear, 32, was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Spear fought hard and remained positive through the highs and lows of chemotherapy, doctors appointments, being advised to stay home 100% of the time due to COVID-19 and her immensely suppressed immune system.
The brokerage has rallied around Spear and offered support. Agents, friends and family stepped up when the brokerage decided to hold a raffle for Spear and donate 100% of the proceeds towards her medical costs.
Throughout the month of June the brokerage was able to sell over 5,000 tickets and raffled off over $2,500 in prizes. On July 1, the brokerage gave Spear a check for $25,000.
Wednesday, July 1
Cindy Wang, far left, and Mindy Yan, far right, are on site donating 300 masks to Cobb County EMS Operation.
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3,000 masks and 100 gowns were donated to WellStar Kennestone ER. Pictured are Cindy Wang, far left, and Yan Davidson, far right.
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Cindy Wang at the Cobb County Police Headquarters.
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Tong Lu at Cobb County Police Precinct 4 delivering lunch and dinner to both day and night shifts on June 16.
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Tong Lu, far left, and Cindy Wang and Ms. Duxi, far right, with the Cobb County Narcotics Unit.
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As the country is continuing to navigate through these unprecedented health crises and uncertain times, a group of East Cobb moms - led by Cindy Wang, Mindy Yan and Yan Davidson - organized fundraising campaigns with the Asian American community and delivered PPE and free lunches to multiple local hospitals, clinics and first responders since the onset of the pandemic back in early March. Their act of kindness is still going strong.
They raised over $8,000 in just a little over two weeks, leveraged their business networks and secured much-needed PPE, ranging from masks, face shields, gowns and hand sanitizers.
Over 4,000 masks and 1,000 gowns were delivered to ERs at Piedmont Hospital Peachtree City, Grady Hospital, WellStar Kennestone, Northside Hospital JohnsCreek and Cherokee. They also donated 500 masks to Cobb County EMS.
Mindy Yan has been giving away the masks through NextDoor to the neighbors who have daughters, wives and friends across the states looking for PPE.
The group also organized the lunch drive for the medical staff at Northside Hospital EastCobb and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta - Scottish Rite Hospital. Another separate lunch drive was organized for Cobb County Narcotics Unit, Cobb County Police Headquarters and Precinct 4.
- Yili Vincent
Friday, June 26
On Friday, June 26, the East Cobb Civic Association hosted a lunch for Cobb County’s Police Precinct 4 team.
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On Friday, June 26, the East Cobb Civic Association hosted a lunch for Cobb County’s Police Precinct 4 team. ECCA wanted to thank our police and recognize the challenges our police force faces each day.
ECCA brings homeowners and homeowners associations together to promote and maintain the community, lifestyle and camaraderie experienced in East Cobb. The ECCA Board and members work with the Cobb County government as it relates to initiatives, zoning, and variances that impact East Cobb communities. Members are encouraged to be active in voicing their support or concerns.
Cobb Senior Services staff held another drive-up distribution service on June 25 where they gave out approximately 200 boxes of food to Cobb residents age 60 and older. Cobb Senior Services staff will continue these weekly food distributions as long as they can.
-From Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce's newsletter
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With no summer camp this summer, we have been able to continue providing free meals to children through our food sponsor from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at the following locations:
Windy Hill Community Center on Mondays, Fair Oaks Recreation Center on Tuesdays, South Cobb Recreation Center on Wednesdays and Ron Anderson Recreation Center on Thursdays.
The service began on June 1 and will run through July 31. To date, more than 16,800 meals have been distributed.
Cobb Senior Services staff will hold another drive-up distribution service for Cobb residents age 60 and older to get shelf stable food on July 2 from noon to 1 p.m. or while supplies last. An ID showing age and Cobb County home address for each senior being served is required upon arrival. No appointment needed. First come, first served. The address is 1150 Powder Springs Street in Marietta.
The Senior Citizen Council of Cobb will be collecting food for eligible seniors on July 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cobb Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs Road in Marietta. Help fill up the red truck with the following items during the food drop-off drive through event - crackers, soup, canned vegetables, fruit cups, canned fruit, macaroni & cheese cups, dried mashed potato flakes, Spaghetti O’s/Ravioli, toilet paper, baby wipes, laundry detergent, peanut butter, instant oatmeal/grits, applesauce/fruit cocktail, juice boxes, cereal-small individual boxes, canned meats, microwave rice, rice, paper towels, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and dish detergent.
Members of the Senior Citizen Council of Cobb will be in front of the building collecting food donations for an increasing number of seniors who are in need of these items. You will not have to get out of your car. For more information, email info@seniorcitizencouncilofcobb.org.
-From District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill's newsletter
Recently a happy District 2 resident wrote the following thank you note to the Water Department:
I have lived in Cobb County for 47 years. I want to thank the Water Department for their outstanding service. Last night I had a leak and could not locate the cut-off valve. Could not find it. I called the Water Dept. at 8:20 a.m. explained the situation to a very nice person who answered the phone. At 9:58 a.m., Gordon was at my house turned the water off at the curb and showed me where my cut-off valve was located. He was very courteous and very professional. I have nothing but the upmost respect for the Cobb County Water System. Thank you!
-From District 2 Cobb County Commissioner Bob Ott's newsletter
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There are still many individuals and families in need of assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sprayberry community and Sharona of Sharona's Masks is spearheading a food collection effort.
If you are in need of food for yourself or your family, you can pick up food on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. Food donations are accepted Tuesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. from now until July 29. Food pickups and donations are at Piedmont Church at 570 Piedmont Road in Marietta.
Thank you to Sharona, Piedmont Church, and the organizations and individuals who are contributing to this effort.
-From District 3 Cobb County Commissioner Joann Birrell's newsletter
One of my previous interns, Shannon Smith, continues her excellent work in our community by ensuring all women have the feminine products they need. The goal of the 2020 Feminine Hygiene Drive is to collect at least 300 items, increasing the total donation to 700 items within the last three years.
While physical drop off locations are unavailable as a precaution for everyone's health and safety during the pandemic, there are other ways to lend your support for this effort.
Mail donations to: ATTN: Shannon Smith, 3000 Windy Hill Road, P.O. Box 674511, Marietta, GA 30006.
Acceptable items include tampons, pads, feminine wipes and liners. Items must be unopened and unused.
This year, a cashapp has been created specifically for this drive. You can cashapp your financial gift to "$giveafreshstart."
Pictured is the T-shirt design for the 2020 Feminine Hygiene Drive.
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This year, there is a new T-shirt design made of premium cotton from Next Level Apparel. The shirt is very comfortable. It not only supports women in Cobb but reminds us all that we are created for a purpose and are called to bring positive change to our community.This purchase is a short-sleeve unisex tee and provides one woman feminine hygiene products for an entire month. Shirts are available at bonfire.com/give-a-fresh-start-1/.
Shirts are mailed in batches. Shirts may take up to one month after purchase to be received as shirts are printed and shipped after the batch period ends. We appreciate your patience as all orders are guaranteed to be fulfilled.
-From District 4 Cobb County Commissioner Lisa Cupid's newsletter
Pictured is one of the members of the Black Daggers parachute demonstration team coming in for a landing at Kaiser Permanente TownPark Comprehensive Medical Center in Kennesaw.
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Pictured is one of the members of the Black Daggers parachute demonstration team coming in for a landing at Kaiser Permanente TownPark Comprehensive Medical Center in Kennesaw.
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Pictured is one of the members of the Black Daggers parachute demonstration team coming in for a landing at Kaiser Permanente TownPark Comprehensive Medical Center in Kennesaw.
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Pictured, right, is Staff Sgt. Chris Hardy thanking Kaiser Permanente of Georgia health care workers for their heroic efforts in recent months combating COVID-19.
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Pictured are Sgt. 1st Class Sean O’Toole, far left, and Staff Sgt. Chris Hardy, center, who recognized Kaiser Permanente of Georgia health care workers for their continued efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Today, the Black Daggers, the official U.S. Army Special Operations Command parachute demonstration team, performed a parachute jump as a special thank you to Kaiser Permanente of Georgia health care workers for their efforts and heroism combatting COVID-19. The live aerial event, at Kaiser Permanente TownPark Comprehensive Medical Center in Kennesaw, was comprised entirely of volunteers from the Army’s special operations community.
Thursday, June 25
This combination photo shows AYLUS East Cobb members with Sean Mills, center front, the organizer of ABC campaign, at The Maker Station Marietta.
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AYLUS EastCobb branch members with Lisa Crossman, Dennis Thayer and Bob Chrisner, Center, at the Cobb-Douglas Public Health Safety Village facility site.
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From left are Beth Gray, Juneia Hawkins and Nicholas Vincent at Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb County.
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AYLUS EastCobb members Katherine Sha, Nick Vincent, Frank Jiang and Kevin Shen with Jeanine Elever at Cobb Elections office.
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AYLUS EastCobb members Kevin Shen, Jan Pan and Max Jiang with Dr. Jatunn Gibson, second from right, at Cobb County Senior Services.
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AYLUS EastCobb partnered with the local volunteer group The Maker Station @ Marietta to design, assemble and donate the mask shields to the public service, front line health professionals and first responders.
The Maker Station is a self-organized volunteer group which focuses on fostering technological innovation among the industrial design enthusiasts. They have been designing various mask shields and procured the corporate donations to launch the Atlanta Beats Covid (ABC) campaign.
ALYUS member Nicholas Vincent started volunteering with the group in the beginning of the summer and found out that there were opportunities to work collaboratively to meet the community’s needs. Over the course of six weekends, a group of branch members have made, assembled, cleaned and packaged over 3,500 face shields.
The donations have been made to various Cobb County government agencies. The demand is still on the rise across the city and county. The members are planning to continue meeting the community’s needs throughout the summer.
Monday, June 15
Atlanta Gas Light opened its facilities for drive-thru food drives across the state to benefit Georgia foodbanks, which have been stressed for resources due to heightened food insecurity.
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Atlanta Gas Light employees practiced social distancing while unloading donations to local foodbanks at the company’s drive-thru food drive.
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Atlanta Gas Light employees collected more than 20,000 pounds of food for food banks across Georgia.
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Atlanta Gas Light and local community partners joined together for a statewide drive-thru food donation effort to help curb the escalation of food insecurity in communities due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overall, the company was able to collect more than 20,000 pounds of food and over $5,000 in donations from employees and neighbors, which will benefit 14 Georgia foodbanks, including Marietta-based MUST Ministries.
“We recognize now more than ever we cannot forget that putting food on the table remains a daily struggle for some families during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said Bryan Batson, president of Atlanta Gas Light. “We are grateful to work with local food banks throughout our service territory to help stock the shelves of these organizations so they can support families facing challenges. Atlanta Gas Light remains committed to assessing the needs of the communities where we live and serve, on an ongoing basis, to make sure we’re providing all the support we can.”
Friday, June 12
District 2 Cobb Commissioner Bob Ott with his plane mask.
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Pictured is some of the support that Cobb County Police and Precinct 3 received over the last three months.
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Thank you Marianne Snyder for making Commissioner Ott the best mask ever. He will proudly wear his plane mask.
Over the last three months the community partners in the Precinct 3 area have poured out a tremendous amount of support to the men and women including providing sanitizer, masks and food. The community’s support of the men and women of the Cobb County Police Department and Precinct 3 is greatly appreciated and symbolizes the continued partnership between the police department and the citizens of Cobb County.
-From District 2 Cobb Commissioner Bob Ott's newsletter
Friday, June 5
Cadence Senior Living in Marietta started a campaign on May 1 to collect a minimum of 1,000 cards in 30 days. They collected nearly 2,500 in 21 days.
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Each resident at Cadence Senior Living in Marietta will receive a minimum of 25 cards each tied to a smiley face balloon bouquet.
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Working in an environment serving seniors is a job of compassion. As we considered our residents' plight of being isolated for over two months, we pondered on what we could do to bring a smile to their faces.
During this difficult time, our residents were beginning to feel out of touch with their family as well as the community. We thought what better way to connect the community to Cadence (Senior Living) than through a Pen-Pal Program.
On May 1, we launched our quest to collect a minimum of 1,000 cards in 30 days. We challenged our staff members, contacted all of our residents’ family members and reached out via social media to get the word out.
Imagine our surprise when we had already collected nearly 2,500 cards in 21 days. Cards have continued to pour in daily from 26 of the 50 states.
Each resident will receive a minimum of 25 cards each that will be tied to a smiley face balloon bouquet.
- Faith Jackson, resident lifestyle director at Cadence Senior Living in Marietta
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In late April, Precinct 5 Criminal Investigation Unit received a report about a retired couple who had their Ring doorbell camera stolen from their home.
The couple decided to downsize from one house in the county to another and in the middle of the move they noticed someone had stolen their Ring camera.
CIU 5 detectives investigated the theft and ran into a dead end. During the investigation, the Ring Doorbell Company donated several new Ring doorbell cameras to the Cobb County Community Affairs Unit so the police department could hand them out to residents that needed them.
The Unit decided to take one of the cameras and give it to the retired couple.
- From District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill's newsletter
First United Methodist Church of Marietta
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First United Methodist Church of Marietta has donated a total of 23 meals to feed the residents at The Extension during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When FUMC of Marietta heard that The Extension was struggling to fill their meal calendar because of the pandemic, the church agreed to fill all of the open dates in April and May.
The church has provided meals and encouragement to the residents at The Extension on a monthly basis for many years. The men’s campus serves a total of 57 men and the women’s campus serves a total of 24 women.
While the residents work during the day, they look forward to coming “home” to an evening meal provided by volunteers.
When the pandemic struck, the church saw an even greater opportunity to serve and give back to their community. The church has been dropping off meals at each campus as needed throughout the crisis.
“The opportunity for church members to prepare the meals off-site and share the food while the residents serve themselves was a perfect way to stay safe and show love," said Forrest Cate, First United Methodist’s director of programs. "Our church members have responded in an unprecedented way. Sign-ups would fill up as soon as they were released."
"Some families took the entire meal; other meals we made by each member providing a part of the meal. One of our members who loves to cook wanted to help but couldn't get out to deliver the meal or shop for groceries. So another member keeps her supplied with groceries and delivers the food to The Extension for her," Cate said. "We are on track to provide a total of 23 meals in just a couple of months. And we thought we were doing something providing 12 per year. We miss the interaction with the residents and actually sharing the meal with them, and we hope that will resume one day. For now, we continue to be inspired by the courage and the community of The Extension residents and will always support their journey to reconciliation with God and community and creation anyway we can.”
Hill Wright purchased and donated 1,400 surgical masks to Cobb County Elections.
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Thank you to Hill Wright, who saw the request for mask donations to help poll workers in our newsletter and sprung into action to help. He diligently checked stores and drove across town to purchase 1,400 pleated surgical masks, which are cooler and easier to wear than cloth masks. These acts of kindness are what make our community so great.
-From District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill's newsletter
Marietta City Schools and volunteers rallied during the pandemic to feed students that received free or reduced price lunches at the schools.
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Marietta City Schools and volunteers rallied during the pandemic to feed students that received free or reduced price lunches at the schools.
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Once Marietta City Schools closed its doors after March 13, the district and the community rallied to feed its students, about 60% of whom receive free/reduced price lunch at school. The response was incredible:
Helped prepare and serve 249,023 breakfasts and lunches for students.
Signed up for more than 1,890 total volunteer shifts – five days a week, three sites, nine weeks.
Volunteered 299 hours per week, or 2,691 hours total.
Distributed more than 320,000 pounds of donated groceries from the Atlanta Community Food Bank over eight weeks.
Partnered with churches (First Methodist, First Baptist, Highlands) and the YMCA to coordinate additional volunteers and sort/pack the donated groceries.
Traveled more than 14,500 miles to greet students and hand out meals/groceries.
What a joy to see staff and volunteers and the community at large work side by side to ensure that our students continued to be fed during this crisis.
—Kimberly S. Blass, Director of External Affairs at Marietta City Schools
Friday, May 22
Marietta Councilman Reggie Copeland and pastor Eric Beckham of Zion Baptist Church distributed paper goods to the residents at Dorsey Tower, 212 Lemon Street NE in Marietta, and Dorsey Retreat, 118 Haynes Street in Marietta.
When Copeland and Beckham discovered the residents at the two senior living complexes were in dire need of hard to come by paper goods, they sprang into action to acquire the items and arrange for their distribution.
“The need was discovered when one of the nearly 200 residents shared with me as her Councilman in Ward 5 that many of the seniors are in need of paper goods," Copeland said. "I immediately picked up the phone and called my good friend and colleague in ministry Pastor Eric Beckham of Zion Baptist Church. We collectively decided to do a paper goods drive at Zion Baptist Church and my church House of Hope Church International, and I am happy to report that we were successful in collecting enough items to meet the needs of these seniors.”
If there are other seniors who are in need, Copeland at RCopeland@mariettaga.gov or call 770-794–5526.
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Scouts from Troop 1011 of Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church are collecting food for Marietta-based MUST Ministries Rapid Response Food Drive.
The effort began on May 19 and will continue until May 30. The Rapid Response program is designed to help at-risk students and their families during the COVID-19 forced closing of schools.
The Troop’s 83 members are asking friends and neighbors to contribute bags of pasta, beef stew, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, canned soups and other shelf stable items.
Scouts will bring the collected donations to Mt. Bethel UMC on May 31. Troop 1011 will sort and package the donations from 1 to 3 p.m.
If residents bring food donations that day, senior scouts and adults will retrieve the food from the car. Neither scouts nor their parents will exit their cars. All volunteers will be masked. Hand sanitizer will be used by all volunteers. Donations will be sorted and boxed, then delivered by senior patrol leaders to MUST ministries.
Those that wish to donate can contact the troop via email at RRFD.Troop1011@gmail.com or bring their donation to Mt. Bethel UMC on May 31.
-From District 2 Cobb County Commissioner Bob Ott's newsletter
Students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Marietta created over 40 kits for the homeless.
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Students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Marietta created over 40 kits for the homeless.
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St. Joseph Catholic School in Marietta recently asked students to create care kits for the homeless. Over 40 kits were made and given to Marietta-based MUST Ministries. The kits included items like socks, water, lip balm and granola bars. Most of them also included an uplifting note as well.
Mask Makers 2020 West Cobb members Jane Swanson, Tami Gallagher, Lorelle LoCurto and Erin Gibson are pictured with Cobb Elections Director Janine Eveler and Commissioner Keli Gambrill.
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Mask Makers 2020 West Cobb members recently donated masks to Cobb Elections to help keep staff and volunteers safe.
We thank them for their continued efforts. And remember, as their medical requests are slowing, the group is making masks available to the public in exchange for a minimum of $3 per mask donation made payable to MUST Ministries. Masks will not be shipped, but they will coordinate a pick up location.
If you are interested in purchasing a mask, they have various fabrics, styles and ties/elastics from which to choose.
Cobb Senior Services staff will hold a drive-up service fwhile supplies lastor Cobb residents age 60 and older to get pantry food items and a boxed meal from Operation Meal Plan. The event will be May 28 from noon to 1 p.m. at 1150 Powder Springs Street in Marietta. An ID showing age and Cobb County home address for each senior is required upon arrival.
No appointment needed. The event is first come, first served.
-From District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill's newsletter
Wednesday, May 20
Pictured is the check for $1,200 that Kennesaw Mountain High School Football raised with Shirt Shanty and the Stronger Teogether ATL fundraiser to help KMHS families impacted by the pandemic.
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Kennesaw Mountain Football recently partnered with Shirt Shanty and the Stronger Together ATL fundraiser to help KMHS families impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic.
Shirt Shanty is a family owned and operated screen printing and embroidery business in Smyrna. When the Governors Declaration of Emergency was issued it brought sales and production to a halt. Small businesses across the city were suffering and Shirt Shanty saw this as an opportunity to help others while keeping their team of employees working.
The Stronger Together ATL fundraiser was born from an idea shared by a company in St. Louis. The fundraiser allows small businesses to choose a product with their branding to be added to the Stronger Together fundraiser page and for every product purchased, Shirt Shanty sends $10 directly to that business or organization.
The KMHS Football Booster Club immediately designed a Mustangs t-shirt using their slogan ‘All-In Stronger Together.’
The shirt was designed, added to the website and Head Football Coach Caleb Carmean along with his staff, players and boosters flooded their networks on social media with the link directing buyers to make a purchase. All purchases were sent directly to the buyer, eliminating any physical contact and the donations started coming.
Coach Carmean met with KMHS social worker Bethany Miller, who handles all need-based requests for KMHS and their feeder middle and elementary schools, and presented a check for over $1,200 dollars.
The Shirt Shanty Stroger together Campaign Phase 2 is just getting started and will run through June 18.
If you own a small business and are interested in becoming a part of the fundraiser, email shirtshanty@yahoo.com or call 770-433-8834. If you are interested in supporting your favorite local businesses, visit shirtshanty.com and click “Stronger Together Fundraiser."
Monday, May 18
On Thursday, seniors were able to get a hot lunch from Carrabba's Italian Grill thanks to Operation Meal Plan.
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The line was long Thursday as seniors 60 and above waited to get food and pantry items from Cobb Senior Services. Thanks to Operation Meal Plan, seniors were able to get a hot lunch from Carrabba's Italian Grill.
If you'd like to donate items, please call Merline Tippens at 770-528-2009 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to set up time to deliver your items.
The Cobb County Emergency Food Program will provide assistance to the residents of Cobb County who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cobb County is requesting proposals from a wide range of non-profit organizations to supplement and expand ongoing efforts to provide food procurement, storage and distribution in response to COVID-19 until May 20 at 4 p.m.
- From Cobb County Commission Chairman Mike Boyce's newsletter
Friday, May 15
Last Friday, District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill was part of the caravan in the Cobb 4-H Graduating Senior Parade.
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Last Friday, I joined UGA-Cobb County Extension to celebrate an awesome group of 10 young people during the Cobb 4-H Graduating Senior Parade.
Although we won’t have an in-person graduations this year, we encourage you to host "drive-bys" to acknowledge graduates of 2020.
The caravan group included Commissioner Keli Gambrill, Public Service Agency Director William Tanks, 4-H Program Assistant Kathleen McElroy, 4-H Program Assistant Colleen Bakhsh, 4-H Program Assistant Cassie McCollum, 4-H AmeriCorps State Member Kristin Kuettel, former Cobb 4-H AmeriCorps Member Will Cohen, former Cobb 4-H AmeriCorps Member Allison Gilbert, former Cobb 4-H AmeriCorps Member Wilson Pierce, 4-H family Suzi, Summer and Phebe Burroughs-Thebault and 4-H family Christa and Lindsey Hoffman.
Congratulations to the Cobb 4-H class of 2020.
- From District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill's newsletter
On April 25, DayBreak Village Assisted Living of Kennesaw had a parade for residents.
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On April 25, DayBreak Village Assisted Living of Kennesaw had a parade for residents.
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On April 25, DayBreak Village Assisted Living of Kennesaw had a parade for residents.
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On April 25, DayBreak Village Assisted Living of Kennesaw had a parade for residents that also included a bagpiper playing Happy Birthday to resident and World War II veteran Phil Wright.
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On April 25, we were honored to host a big parade at our facility where the community showed an outpouring of love and support, including area businesses, police, fire department, area churches and families of loves ones.
This parade was a celebration, not only for our residents to celebrate our healthy and safe quarantine during this difficult time, but also to recognize our very own World War II veteran Phil Wright - who was celebrating his 99th birthday. There were over 35 cars in the parade, along with fire trucks and police cruisers. We also had a bagpipe player, who played Happy Birthday for Phil, which warranted an incredible applause by all.
- Jennifer Bills, activities director at DayBreak Village Assisted Living of Kennesaw
Pictured are some of the cards that St. Joseph Catholic School students sent to residents at the Signature Health care facility on Tower Road in Marietta.
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Every Monday is Mission Monday at St. Joseph Catholic School in Marietta.
This past Monday we asked students to make cards to brighten the day of a nursing home resident. We gathered the cards and sealed them in a Ziploc bag and then delivered them to the Signature Health care facility on Tower Road. They were thrilled and we hope it made someone smile.
- Ann Frazer, Director of Enrollment and Communications, St. Joseph Catholic School
Thursday, May 14
Pictured are some of the Cobb police, firefighters and Sheriff deputies that received lunch from Giovanni's Restaurant in Austell on May 12.
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Pictured are some of the Cobb police, firefighters and Sheriff deputies that received lunch from Giovanni's Restaurant in Austell on May 12.
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On May 12, Juan Violantes - the owner of Giovanni's Restaurant located on the East West Connector in Austell, served lunch to 200 first responders.
Violantes is a member of the Honorary Commanders Class of 2020. Thank you Giovanni’s for a delicious lunch and fellowship in our community.
- From District 3 Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell
Wednesday, May 13
Pictured is attorney Joe Atkins picking up Chick-fil-A lunches from director Janet Moots at Macland Road Chick-fil-A. All the lunches were donated by operator Sandeep Kapoor.
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Pictured is Brett Edwards, Head of School at Stonehaven, with an MHA facility employee double fisted with Chick-fil-A Sandwiches at The Tower at Dorsey Manner.
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Ms. Brown was the first brave resident to take her picture with The Rotary Club of Marietta. She is pictured with attorney Joe Atkins and Columbia Residential representative Roderick Turner.
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The Rotary Club of Marietta knew Ms. Mason was going to be a fun resident to interact with based upon the sign on her door. The sign read: BEWARE – Guard Chihuahua on Duty” “Due to Cornoa Virus, I am self issolating. No one may enter except: George Clooney and Johnny Depp and those firefighter guys holding puppies who we see on calendars!
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Pictured is the sign on Ms. Mason's door.
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Pictured is Don Barbour, Mark Wright, president Christopher Bethel and Marlys Williams delivering Chick-fil-A meals at Walton Renaissance on Henderson.
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“It’s a great day to be a Rotarian, especially from The Rotary Club of Marietta," said president Christopher Bethel.
From May 11-12, The Rotary Club of Marietta served Chick-fil-A lunches to the two Section 8 Senior Housing facilities - Walton Renaissance on Henderson and The Tower at Dorsey Manor - in Marietta. The joint project was called “Operation Chick-Mar.”
All the lunches were donated by Sandeep Kapoor, the owner/operator of the Macland Road Chick-fil-A and a member of The Rotary Club of Marietta. The lunches were served by volunteers from the club.
Mark Wright, chief operating 0fficer of the Marietta Housing Authority and a member of the club, assisted with the coordination with these two facilities. Wright said that the residents were very excited because their “Senior” Prom in April had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.
“It is nice to be able to spread some Rotary love and Chick-fil-A with them,” said president-elect Mary Ansley Southerland.
“It was a lot of fun meeting and connecting with some of the residents," said attorney Joe Atkins.
Residents who came out and agreed to take pictures included Mrs. Brown, being the first brave resident to get her picture taken; and Ms. Mason, who had the best sign on her door. Ms. Mason's sign read: “BEWARE – Guard Chihuahua on Duty. Due to Corona Virus, I am self-isolating. No one may enter except: George Clooney and Johnny Depp and those firefighter guys holding puppies who we see on calendars!
The residences were so appreciative for the thoughtfulness and gesture of being served a Chick-fil-A meal.
“A lot of smiles were made today," said Brett Edwards, who was one of five new members inducted into club just a couple of weeks ago during a Zoom meeting.
Lunches were served by attorney Joe Atkins and Brett Edwards, Head of School at The Stonehaven School, and delivered by the efforts of Don Barbour, senior vice president of AT&T; Marlys Williams, a retired Coca-Cola executive; and Rotary president Christopher Bethel, an attorney.
During the pandemic, The Rotary Club of Marietta has served children, college students, not-for-profits and now senior citizens.
Other notable activities of The Rotary Club of Marietta connecting and assisting the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, include, but not limited to:
Donated $2,260.66 to both The Extension & Crutches for Africa.
Gave year-end cash bonuses now of $700 to the Hilton hotel workers who normally serve the club's weekly luncheons and were furloughed or laid off. They were so appreciative.
Donated $1,000 to Operational Meal Plan in conjunction with past president Mitch Rhoden and Sharon Mason, CEO of the Cobb Chamber.
Donated $1,000 to Hickory Hills Food Pantry for students and their families for food during Spring Break while the school is closed.
Assisted in providing Wi-Fi via hot spots to Marietta City students who otherwise would not have access to online learning.
Reinhardt Challenge – raised over $1,360 to assist in creating and stocking a food pantry for International Students stuck on campus.
“I am blown away at the impact and generosity of our Club. But that’s just what we do,” said Bethel.
He believes these are just a few examples of why GoFundMe declared that City of Marietta was named the most generous City in the Nation.
-The Rotary Club of Marietta
Students from a Georgia robotics team are leading by example, and using their 3-D printing skills to create face shields for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health’s front-line staff.
Ten middle and high school students from Checkmate Robotics #12961 in Kennesaw made nearly 300 face shields that were distributed recently to Devereux team members at the organization’s Georgia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey centers.
“We raised funds to attend the 2020 FIRST Championship, a robotics world championship, in Houston in April. When it was canceled due to COVID-19, we knew we wanted to do something with those funds for our community,” the team said. “We’re a FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics team, and FIRST emphasizes giving back to those in need. We decided to use our skills to make 3-D printed face shields to help keep employees at Devereux and other local organizations safe and healthy during this pandemic.”
Devereux National Director of Development Antonia Allsman expressed her gratitude to the robotics team for their generous donation.
“These talented and thoughtful students are demonstrating what it means to be servant leaders by putting the needs of others first," said Allsman. "The high-quality face shields they created will be used to help protect our hard-working and dedicated team members as they continue to support the children, adolescents and adults in our care.”
In addition to making face shields for Devereux’s front-line staff, the robotics team created face shields for Georgia hospitals and first responders. Team members, who own a total of five 3-D printers, say it takes about an hour to print two shields.
“This is something fun we can do while staying home – it’s nice to come together as a team even though we can’t meet in person,” team members explained. “This is our way of giving back, and knowing that it makes a difference feels really good.”
If you are interested in helping supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Devereux team members, look below for videos and step-by-step instructions on how to make face shields, face masks and other life-saving PPE.
3-D printers: Download free 3-D models of PPE approved for clinical use at https://bit.ly/3fMf8x6.
Sewing: View face mask instructions, patterns and photos of the process, and learn what materials work best for making PPE.
Elections poll workers are in need of 1,400 masks as early voting approaches. The Cobb County Commissioners have posted requests for masks in their weekly newsletters in hopes of getting the masks so desperately needed. In response, Ms. Bollinger made masks to donate to Cobb County poll workers. Mr. & Mrs. Posey coordinated with Ms. Bollinger to make and donate the masks.
Ms. Bollinger and Mr. & Mrs. Posey attend Mt. Bethel UMC.
We truly appreciate them for their time and sacrifices to aid our poll workers and the Elections team.
- Inger Eberhart, Commission assistant to District 3 Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell
Monday, May 11
Members of the faith-based Indian community recently donated masks and lunch to the fire department.
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Members of the faith-based Indian community recently donated masks and lunch to the fire department.
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Pictured are staff from the Tax Assesor's Office, Internal Audit and Safety Village who handed out food to seniors.
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Pictured is a note that was written and left for a truck driver.
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Members of the faith-based Indian community recently donated N95 masks, more than 600 regular surgical masks and a lunch from local Indian restaurants Honest, Raju Omlet and Blueberry's to the fire department. Chairman Mike Boyce was at the station to accept the donations, where he was also interviewed by South India's TV9.
A shout out to county staff from the Tax Assesor's Office, Internal Audit and Safety Village who helped hand out food to seniors last week. And thank you to Parsley's Custom Catering who provided boxed lunches as part of Operation Meal Plan.
A delivery driver said he was having a rough day until he made a stop and found a special note. A little love and kindness goes a long way.
- Cobb County Chairman Mike Boyce's newsletter
Pictured is a decorated front porch for a Pope High School senior.
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Pictured is one of the signs for Pope High School seniors.
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Pictured is one of the Pope High School senior pins.
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Pictured is a decorated mailbox for a Pope High School senior.
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Suzanne Alea shared some things that are happening in the community during these difficult times.
1.) Class of 2020 Front Porch and Yard Decorating - Parents are decorating and celebrating to keep the graduation memories going. There are a lot more neighborhood banners and graduation yard signs than ever due to Covid-19.
2.) Pope Principal Tom Flugum, Senior Class sponsor Krista Bowen and 40 Pope staff members delivered and installed over 500 "We Love our Pope High School Seniors" yard signs to the Class of 2020.
3.) Pope parents Drew and Sally Allison created blue Class of 2020 pins and gave one to each senior with proceeds going to Curing Kids Cancer. Pins can be attached to graduation gowns, car antennas or mailboxes.
4.) Blue bows were put on the mailboxes of seniors along with magnets to signify the Class of 2020.
Friday, May 8
The Northeast Cobb Business Association catered lunch for Police Precinct 4 and Fire Station 21.
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The Northeast Cobb Business Association catered lunch for Police Precinct 4 and Fire Station 21.
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On Monday morning, the North Cobb Business Association delivered breakfast to Police Precinct 4 and Fire Station 21 from Chick-Fil-A Lassiter.
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District 3 Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell and Acting Fire Chief Bill Johnson and his family delivered cookies to Police Precinct 1 and Fire Station 8.
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The Northeast Cobb Business Association wanted to do something special for first responders.
NCBA decided to cater lunch for Police Precinct 4 and Fire Station 21. Zaxby's at Sandy Plains is a member of the NCBA and offered to donate lunch. Zaxby's donated 50 lunches which included a sandwich, chips, coleslaw, and a cookie
We are so fortunate to live in such a caring community! Thank you to Zaxby's and NCBA for your kindness. Thank you to our first responders for all that you do to keep our community safe.
On Monday morning, NCBA delivered breakfast to Police Precinct 4 and Fire Station 21 from Chick-Fil-A Lassiter. Thank you Chick Fil A for your sponsorship and support of our firefighters and police officers.
Acting Fire Chief Bill Johnson, his daughter (who baked the cookies), his son, Dave, and I delivered cookies to Police Precinct 1 and Fire Station 8 to thank our first responders.
-From District 3 Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell's newsletter
Mask Makers 2020 West Cobb are making masks for the public for a $3 donation to Must Ministries.
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Mask Makers 2020 West Cobb delivered more than 16,000 mask to our healthcare professionals, public safety employees and seniors in transition and nursing homes. As their medical requests are slowing, the group is making masks available to the public in exchange for a minimum of $3 per mask donation made payable to Must Ministries. Masks will not be shipped, but they will coordinate a pick up location. If you are interested in purchasing a mask, they have various fabrics, styles and ties/elastics from which to choose. Please email: maskmakerswestcobb@gmail.com.
- From District 1 Cobb Commissioner Keli Gambrill's newsletter
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High School graduates of the Hampton Farms Club had a grand parade through the neighborhood while neighbors decorated the streets with balloons and signs, set out chairs and congratulated them as they paraded down the street.
Please send us more pictures and stories to kim.swanson@cobbcounty.org Commissoner Ott and I would love to feature you in the newsletter.
The Cobb County Police Department covered Smyrna Police Department’s calls for service from Arpil 30 at 6 p.m. to May 1 at 6 p.m. so that members of the Smyrna Police Department could make preparations and attend the funeral of their fallen officer, Officer Christopher E. Ewing. The men and women of the Cobb County Police Department worked multiple calls for service within Smyrna’s jurisdiction, to include several vehicle crashes, suspicious persons and general calls for service. The Cobb County Police Department team was met with many sentiments of thanks from the men and women of the Smyrna Police Department.
- From District 2 Cobb Commissioner Bob Ott's newsletter
Thursday, May 7
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Sharona’s Masks: Sharona started making masks simply to donate to hospitals, medical personnel, first responders, etc. She realized she could not continue to buy material on her own so now she sells masks to buy more material to continue to donate to anyone in need on the front lines.
- From District 3 Cobb County Commissioner JoAnn Birrell
Pictured from leftare Jun Wen, one of the East Cobb AYLUS advisers, and Cynthia Ruan.
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Pictured is Cynthia Ruan.
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Pictured is Cynthia Ruan.
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Pictured is Cynthia Ruan.
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Pictured are some of the healthcare workers in the hospitals that received masks.
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Pictured are some of the healthcare workers in the hospitals that received masks.
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Pictured are some of the healthcare workers in the hospitals that received masks.
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Cynthia Ruan, a member of East Cobb AYLUS, recently worked with the Facebook group Sewing Masks for Area Hospitals (COVID-19) - Atlanta and made fabric masks for hospitals in the Atlanta area.
AYLUS, which stands for the Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States, is a student-run organization that works to help communities all around the
country. The East Cobb Branch was founded in 2017.
In these uncertain times, healthcare workers serve as our heroes, working many hours of the day to tend to the ill. In these hospitals, they must wear a series of masks to prevent the spread of the virus by protecting themselves and their patients.
Due to the shortage of masks, many of these healthcare workers must reuse their masks. Fabric masks are an alternative to the face masks and also increase the longevity of the N95 masks.
By making the fabric masks and providing them to hospitals, Cynthia and other members of the Facebook group are working as a team to aid the hospitals in fighting this pandemic.
Seeing these workers wear masks often strikes fear in people, especially young children. By covering these masks with patterned fabric, this problem can be relieved.
The masks are first cut out from K-95 templates onto 100% cotton fabric. Then, they are sewn together along with elastics to create the mask. Lastly, the masks are ironed smooth to prepare for delivery.
At times like this, many doctors and nurses are risking their lives to relieve the outbreak. Members of the branch hope to do as much as they can to help the workers and the community. The East Cobb Branch of AYLUS is also donating masks and other PPE to hospitals and 3D printing shield masks for them.
- Katherine Sha, public relations officer of East Cobb AYLUS
Pictured is Laksha Shroff.
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Pictured are some of the masks made by Laksha Shroff.
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Pictured is Laksha Shroff after making a $1,200 donation to the Tillman House.
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In the midst of this calamitous time, there is hope, sometimes right here, in Cobb County.
Laksha Shroff, an 11 year old 6th grader at St. Benedict's Day School, wondered how she could contribute to the community around her and bring some cheer to those in need. Hence, the endeavor, called "Happily Ever After."
Though she cannot heal the sick or administer testing, Laksha could use her talents towards the needs of the community. Specifically, she is a talented seamstress and decided to use this talent to fill a gap - the need for protective face masks.
This led to hours of work identifying a mask design, making a prototype, and then, actually sewing and then distributing over 100 masks to friends, family, and local hospitals. It was more than a simple mask distribution, however, as this endeavor's aim was to not only help prevent spread of the coronavirus, but to help children and families who depend on school meals for nutrition and food.
Mask recipients were asked to make donations toward this cause, and Laksha was ultimately able to raise $1,200, which she donated in full to the Tilman House, a local charity, which will use the money to feed children and families in need during this national crisis.
It is a way that Laksha can give children like her, who may be in less fortunate circumstances, their own "Happily Every After."
The First Christian Church Food Pantry in Marietta, which has served those in need in Cobb County for more than 25 years, reminds patrons that the facility remains open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays to assist local food insecure families.
On the second Saturday in May, the National Association of Letter Carriers was scheduled to host its 28th annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, collecting millions of nonperishable food items. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there will not be any pick-ups of food donations at local mailboxes.
The food pantry is seeking donations to help fill the need. Canned goods as well as juice, pasta, dried beans, rice and other nonperishable food items are all welcome and can be dropped off on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday mornings at the church, 569 Frasier Street in Marietta.
Residents can also make monetary contributions and donations of sanitizing supplies and protective gear.
To access food from the pantry on Mondays, clients must bring a photo ID with birth dates of all in the family.
For more information, call 770-424-3125 or visit fccmarietta.org.
Tuesday, May 5
Pictured is Jaida Burke, co-founder of KIDS CARE Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, at their Drive by & Drop Off Collection at Laurel Park in Marietta on April 18.
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Pictured is Jaida Burke, co-founder of KIDS CARE Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, sitting with arms around 102 Kindness Cards that were collected and given to local Frontline Workers the week of April 28.
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Pictured is one of the KIDS CARE Corporation's Kindness Cards Collection Box along with Kindness Cards that were collected.
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Pictured is Heather Hawks of Cobb Hospital, background, receiving a gift bag of 50 Kindness Cards for all staff at the hospital on April 28 from Marietta-based nonprofit KIDS CARE Corporation.
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Marietta-based nonprofit KIDS CARE Corporation, run by Amie Burke and her 10-year-old daughter, Jaida, creates, supports and implements children and youth’s community service projects.
KIDS CARE stands for Kindness In Doing Service (KIDS) Connecting And Respecting Everyone (CARE).
The nonprofit has been running a campaign called Kindness Cards for Frontline Workers. To date they have delivered 400 Kindness Cards of encouragement and gratitude to local hospital staff, fire, EMS, police and 911 dispatch personnel within Cobb County. They will be collecting Kindness Cards for another couple of weeks.
There are two ways that the public can participate:
1. Cards, letters, paintings, colorings and posters can be responsibly dropped off at one of the many drop off locations below. These are no contact drop off points. The nonprofit is asking for teachers, scouts, churches, youth groups, neighbors, families and individuals to join the efforts to create a few smiles for the incredibly hard working frontline workers.
Drop off locations are:
Natures Corner Market, 3960 Mary Eliza Trace NW, Suite 500 in Marietta from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
2 Men & A Truck, 1257 Kennestone Circle, Suite 6 in Marietta from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Williams-Sonoma at The Avenue East Cobb, 4475 Roswell Road, Suite 800 in Marietta from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Laurel Park Tennis Center, 151 Manning Street SW in Marietta from 11 a.m. to noon on May 9 and 4 to 5 p.m. on May 13.
Still Family Farm & Unplugged Adventures, 5630 Macland Road in Powder Springs from 4 to 5 p.m. on May 8.
2. The public can also participate without leaving their house. Simply email jannd@forartsake.com a personalized message and Marietta-based Carol Wilson Fine Arts Inc. will hand write the message on a donated greeting card for free. These cards will then be given to KIDS CARE and donated directly to a frontline worker.
Farmer, Farmer & Brown Family and Criminal Law Firm of Marietta announced that over the next two weeks, they will be partnering with locally-owned restaurants to offer 400 complimentary lunches to those who are temporarily unemployed.
Restaurants in Georgia have been closed for up to two months and even those offering take out or delivery have seen their revenue dive by nearly 80%. Many of these businesses were unable to secure a Paycheck Protection Program loan for a myriad of reasons.
Over the next two weeks, the firm will be providing lunches for 400 people that are actively looking for jobs. Some of the restaurants they are working with are The Nest, The Fickle Pickle and Fellows Cafe.
Marco's Pizza, 2986 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta, have decided to extend their act of kindness until May 31.
The restaurant is offering a free large one-topping pizza to health care workers and first responders who show their ID card/badges. The restaurant is carry out only. They also have drive-thru carry out if guests don't want to come in and keep the social distancing.
For more information, call 678-304-6565.
Pictured is Zaxby’s marketing specialist Marlene Rodriguez.
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The residents of the Intellectual/Developmental Disability program of the Cobb County Community Services Board received a special meal from ZAXBY’s, as part of Operation Meal Plan.
The Zaxby’s located at 591 South Marietta Parkway in Marietta delivered a chicken sandwich lunch with chips, a fruit cup and cookies to the residential home on April 27.
“We have a large group home and two host homes, so between three locations, we received 25 meals,” said Melissa O’Brien, a public relations specialist at CCCSB. “Lunch from Zaxby’s is a big treat for our residents, especially as their routine has been altered due to COVID-19. Having something special delivered just for them makes for a great day.”
Each month at Piedmont Church, in addition to their normal offering, they ask the congregation to contribute to a Love Does offering which focuses on the community.
There was a brainstorming session on how Piedmont Church could offer support to the community. There was a lot of support for doctors and nurses, but there wasn't any news of anyone supporting two specific teams - our EMS as well as the EVS (housekeeping/maintenance) team at the hospital.
So that’s where they focused their attention. Metro Ambulance has 112 employees serving Cobb County so Piedmont Church provided each of them with a $25 gift card to a local restaurant. This allowed them to be a double blessing - first to the local restaurant owners and then again to the Metro team.
This week, they provided a boxed lunch to each of the 75 EVS workers at Kennestone Hospital provided by the Lunch Basket and again it was a double blessing.
- From District 3 Cobb County Commissioner JoAnn Birrell's newsletter
Forty N95 masks were donated to our Public Safety Department by Mr. and Mrs. Kemelmakher.
He and his wife have been working to help the community since the beginning of this outbreak. Mrs. Kemelmakher has been sewing masks and taking them to the local hospitals and first responders. Mr. Kemelmakher noticed a post on Nextdoor by Marianne Snyder in the East Cobb Community Group and dropped off masks.
This small group of Cobb County residents are proud to be a part of this county and have banded together to help with this pandemic.
We would like to honor high school graduates in the newsletter each week. Please send in a picture with your name, high school and where you will be going to college, trade school or a job next year. Please share anything about you. What has it been like finishing school this year? How have you been creative?
-From District 2 Cobb County Commissioner Bob Ott's newsletter
Thursday, April 30
Pictured is Kathy Winiarczyk, business development officer at Credit Union of Georgia, assisting Marietta City Schools staff with food deliveries.
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Pictured is a Marietta City Schools Nutrition staff member enjoying a Chick-Fil-A breakfast provided by Credit Union of Georgia.
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Credit Union of Georgia has proudly served Marietta since 1960, and has a heart for supporting the local school districts.
When business development officer Kathy Winiarczyk learned how tirelessly the Transportation and Nutrition Departments of Marietta City Schools were working she wanted the credit union to show a ppreciation for their dedication to the students. Credit Union of Georgia sent Chick-Fil-A biscuits to Marietta High School, Marietta Middle School, Marietta Sixth Grade Academy and to the Transportation Department.
With physical school being closed for the reminder of the school year, there is currently a great demand for food for students. According to Marietta City Schools Partners + Friends, it takes about 225 volunteers per week to deliver approximately 4,500 meals per day and 40,000 pounds of groceries per week to the Marietta City Schools families.
Hearing this news, Winiarczyk signed up immediately to volunteer and help distribute food from the buses. As of April 17, they have served 92,868 meals.
The Superior Pets for Patriotic Vets program is an initiative by District 3 Cobb County Commissioner JoAnn Birrell in conjunction with Superior Plumbing and Cobb County Animal Services.
The program allows military service veterans the opportunity to adopt a forever friend from Animal Services free of charge. Superior Plumbing’s generosity, as you know, makes this program possible. Superior Pets for Patriotic Vets is on its second wave of adoptions. We have a total of 141 homeless pets that have been adopted since the program began in April 2017.
The most recent adoptions have been by veterans who have almost a century of service between them. For more pictures and stories about the adoptions, visit www.facebook.com/superiorpetsforpatrioticvets.
None of this would be possible without the kindness and compassion of Superior Plumbing and Cobb County Animal Services.
If anyone is a veteran or knows a veteran that would like to take home their forever friend, and not quarantine alone, they can visit Cobb County Animal Services by appointment only from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays-Saturdays and 2 to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
- Inger Eberhart, Commission Assistant to Commissioner Birrell
Wednesday, April 29
Pictured is the Eat Clean Bro meal delivery to the Tillman House in Smyrna.
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Eat Clean Bro, a meal delivery service, has throughout the past month donated over 500 of their meals to Atlanta area organizations including the Tillman House in Smyrna, the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Chamblee Police Department.
Pictured is Chris Cook of Soul Food Train, 585 Franklin Gateway in Marietta, who delivered 50 meals to more than 20 mothers and their children at the Cobb County Community Services Board.
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The staff of the Mothers Making A Change program of the Cobb County Community Services Board received a special meal from Soul Food Train, as part of Operation Meal Plan.
The local, family-owned restaurant, located at 585 Franklin Gateway in Marietta, serves soul food favorites like fried chicken, candied yams, collard greens, mac and cheese, meatloaf and more. They have been serving the Cobb community for eight years.
Owner Chris Cook delivered 50 chicken salad and tuna salad sandwiches with chips and a fruit snack to more than 20 mothers and their children at the CCCSB program.
“I heard about Operation Meal Plan through emails,” Cook said. “I was happy for the opportunity to help and be a part of giving meals to those in need. It was also helpful to my business, too, as since the community has been shut down, we have had fewer people visit our restaurant. This restaurant is my only means of income, so being a part of this community effort has helped us all.”
The Mothers Making a Change program assists mothers in substance use recovery.
- Melissa O'Brien, communications & public relations specialist, Cobb County Community Services Board
The community has rallied around the East Cobb Stables raising more than $7,500 through a GoFundMe campaign to help keep the business afloat during COVID-19 closures.
Pictured are some Publix grocery store employees wearing some of the Super Hero capes donated by Six Flags Over Georgia and White Water in honor of National Super Hero Day today (April 28).
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Pictured are some Kroger grocery store employees wearing some of the Super Hero capes donated by Six Flags Over Georgia and White Water in honor of National Super Hero Day today (April 28).
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In honor of National Super Hero Day today (April 28), and in appreciation for all essential workers during this time, Six Flags Over Georgia and White Water donated 2,000 Super Hero capes to associates at Publix and Kroger.
Each grocery store chain received 1,000 assorted capes, featuring Batman, Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman and Superwoman. The donation from Six Flags is to honor grocery store associates and other food service providers for their hard work and dedication to delivering food to our communities and keeping store shelves stocked.
Six Flags salutes all of our Local Super Heroes.
In March, the park also donated more than 1,600 pounds of food to The Center for Children & Young Adults in Marietta. Earlier this month, the park donated 240 ponchos to the Douglas County Fire Department.
Monday, April 27
Marietta-based WellStar Health System shared the following Acts of Kindness images.
Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center recently received a donation of face shields from Kia Motors America. Kia’s manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia has begun producing face shields and other PPE in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Nursing staff at Wellstar Douglas Hospital recently celebrated their Pathway to Excellence designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This honor reflects Wellstar Douglas Hospital’s commitment to nursing excellence and their great appreciation of critical nursing staff, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Staff members at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital receive a hero’s welcome during shift change in appreciation for their dedication to the fight against COVID-19.
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Staff members at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital recently received a hero’s welcome during shift change in appreciation for their dedication to the fight against COVID-19.
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Pictured are Cobb Police officers with lunch provided by Smitty's Lockdown Barbecue.
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Smitty's Lockdown Barbecue, 2900 Canton Road in Marietta, on Friday brought lunch to the Cobb County Police superstation. Thanks Smitty's for feeding our first responders.
- District 3 Cobb County Commissioner JoAnn Birrell
Pictured is Deidre Danso, a lead direct services professional at the Recovery In Motion program.
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The staff and participants in the Recovery in Motion program of the Cobb County Community Services Board recently received a special lunch treat from Café Social Club, as part of Operation Meal Plan.
The restaurant, located at 1400 Veterans Memorial Hwy SE in Mableton, delivered 25 lunches to individuals in substance use recovery and staff at the CCCSB program.
Cobb County Community Services Board, as an essential service, remains open for those with behavioral health challenges. Their crisis center at 1758 County Services Parkway, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The agency has 11 locations throughout Cobb County that are operating under state and federal guidelines and restrictions and who now offer telehealth options.
- Melissa O'Brien, Communications & Public Relations Specialist, Cobb County Community Services Board
Friday, April 24
Watch this video of students from Walton School in Marietta, who sent their thanks to all the front line workers, delivery drivers, grocery store clerks, pharmacists, food bank volunteers and all those who are working tirelessly to serve our community during the coronavirus pandemic. You are appreciated. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzOpzTlddcE&feature=youtu.be.
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While the COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily postponed the Major League Baseball season, the Atlanta Braves have launched two food programs to meet the additional demand for meals for those in need and support our healthcare and essential workers.
The first, a partnership with Braves concessionaire, Delaware North, is the Braves Home Plate Project to respond to food insecurity needs in the Metro Atlanta Area and across Braves Country. Led by Chef Pete Smithing, the kitchens at Truist Park will prep food purchased for the April games and create meals for the community.
The Braves will donate more than 25,000 freshly prepared meals over the next four to six weeks (approximately 4,000 – 6,000 meals per week). With the help of food recovery logistics specialists, Second Helpings, Meals on Wheels and GoodR and more than 20 partner agencies like the YMCA, organizations will receive prepared meals for distribution to individuals and families across metro Atlanta.
The Braves will also deploy their Los Bravos food truck to join hunger relief efforts underway in communities across Braves Country. The truck is scheduled to visit Chattanooga, Nashville, Gwinnett, Rome and Albany after it’s initial stop at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta on May 1.
The second food program is Meals for the Brave, an effort by the Atlanta Braves, with partners Molson/Coors and Terrapin Taproom, that supports local restaurants with food orders which GoodR delivers to front-line medical workers.
Each Thursday, through May 7, participating restaurants will supply food to Northside and WellStar Hospitals for both early and evening shift workers. An expected 2,500 meals, from 17 area local restaurants will be served to medical and support staffs. Braves corporate partner Louisiana Hot Sauce has also donated $10,000 to GoodR to support their efforts in delivering food to those in need.
Local restaurants who are assisting with meals include - Mad Italian, Johnny’s Pizza, Grindhouse Burgers, and Hampton and Hudson, The Grove, Wild Wing – Dunwoody, Six Feet Under, George’s Deli, Three Dollar Café, Righteous Room, Jack’s Pizza, Black Bear Tavern, North River Tavern, Taco Mac, Fox Bros. BBQ and Trackside Tavern.
Additional support for these efforts has been made possible by the Atlanta Braves Foundation. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.braves.com/give.
On April 21, the Braves provided 2,040 meals to Cobb County families in need through the YMCA’s food distribution efforts (Northwest, McCLeskey East Cobb, Northeast Cobb). We are on track to provide more than 5,000 meals this week.
We are providing meals on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to these Y’s and adding in MUST Ministries, Ser Familia among other Cobb County based agencies in the coming weeks. Second Helpings is going to cover our Atlanta reach, and GoodR is going to deliver to pockets that we don’t have covered (i.e. Union City, Decatur, North Fulton, etc.).
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The Crocker family had a Frozen-themed birthday party for their daughter Eleanor on Wednesday with police officers, firefighters, friends, family and neighbors in a caravan of cars.
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Eleanor had just turned three, but the coronavirus pandemic canceled her birthday party.
Her neighbors in Kennesaw found out about the dilemma, put a call out for help on the Westover neighborhood Facebook page, and got the attention of Cobb County Police, Kennesaw Police and Cobb County firefighters.
On Wednesday, officers, firefighters, friends, family, neighbors and complete strangers showed up for Eleanor’s Frozen-themed party.
A caravan of cars, patrol vehicles and a firetruck drove by the Crocker residence as they stood in the front yard with a family photographer, gifts and even a bottle of champagne.
“My husband is Kristoff. I’m Anna and we have a little birthday Elsa,” said Tatiana Crocker. “Since quarantine, we’ve been watching it on repeat almost every day. All of the presents are Elsa-themed.”
The Crockers, like many families, have taken a hit financially. They’re co-founders of GoAnchorsUp.com, an AirBnB-type website for boat rentals.
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Pictured is Kan Davidson with Cobb County Communications Director Ross Cavitt as she delivered 200 masks to the Cobb County Emergency Operations Team.
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Kan Davidson met with Communications Director Ross Cavitt to deliver 200 more masks for our Emergency Operations Team. The masks will be delivered to the fire stations.
Kan, who is a part of a large group of Chinese Americans, said their donation effort started with a few friends who tried to work together to support their community and it expanded beyond our imagination. So many people chipped in, donated money and donated PPEs that their family sent them, so they could donate to our hospitals and our community.
Cobb County cannot express enough thanks for all of your help and the countless number of masks that you have donated to our First Responders.
- From District 2 Cobb County Commissioner Bob Ott's newsletter
District 1 Cobb Commissioner Keli Gambrill and her assistant, Ryan Williams, worked with Sean Mills from Altanta Beats COVID at the Maker Station last week assembling protective masks and shields.
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My assistant, Ryan Williams, and I had the pleasure of working with Sean Mills from Altanta Beats COVID at the Maker Station last week.
We assembled protective masks and shields, physically stapled, glued, sterilized and packaged these items. The tasks were simple yet plentiful and I think Ryan and I may have been the fastest volunteers.
Thanks to everyone who volunteered with us that day and a special thank you to District 1 college student Tyler Smith.
Pictured is District 1 college student Tyler Smith how joined District 1 Cobb Commissioner Keli Gambrill and her assistant, Ryan Williams, to work with Sean Mills from Altanta Beats COVID at the Maker Station last week assembling protective masks and shields
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Slots are still open, so please volunteer and join Sean with Atlanta Beats COVID. You can sign up to help make personal protection gear for Cobb health care workers, police and firefighters. To sign up to volunteer, visit signupgenius.com/go/9040b4ea5af22abf49-volunteer.
Blue Thanksgiving Inc. has been dedicated to providing advocacy and promoting public support for Cobb and surrounding counties law enforcement agencies and their officers, while honoring these men and women for their service to our community.
Blue Thanksgiving Inc. is currently helping our public safety personnel by:
Providing meals purchased from locally owned restaurants.
Ordered and are preparing to deliver 5,000 level 2 surgical masks and hope to secure another 5,000.
Distributing hand sanitizer – currently has 80 bottles remaining while awaiting the next shipment.
The founders of Blue Thanksgiving Inc. would like to thank those who have donated and support our officers, EMT’s, deputies and firefighters.
Cobb Senior Services continues to help at-risk older adults in our community.
We need donations of shelf stable food and donations can be arranged on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call Merline Tippens at 770-528-2009 to set up a time to deliver your donations. She will also be more than happy to come to your car to get items. Please do not leave items outside the building.
Shelf stable foods are items that can be heated in the microwave or not heated at all.
Suggested items include peanut butter; instant oatmeal/grits; dried fruit; chewy granola bars; breakfast bars; applesauce; fruit cocktail; juice boxes; cereal - small individual boxes; shelf stable milk; chicken, tuna or other canned meats; microwave rice; crackers; canned soup; canned vegetables; fruit cups; canned fruit; macaroni and cheese cups; dried mashed potatoes - flakes; Spaghetti O’s or Ravioli; pasta; pasta sauce; baby wipes; toilet paper; toiletries - soap, shampoo, etc.; hand sanitizer; and sanitizing wipes.
- From District 1 Cobb Commissioner Keli Gambrill's newsletter
Thursday, April 23
Pictured is Bonnie Roginsky, Lower School PE Teacher, dropping off letters in the Lower School’s mailbox outside the gate on campus.
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Pictured is Mt. Paran Christian School student Christian Cavaciuti, son of Dr. and Mrs. Eric Cavaciuti. Christian was among the students writing to residents at the Sterling Estates retirement community in West Cobb.
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Pictured are Mt. Paran Christian School students Colby, Jake, Lotti and Ruby Clayton, children of Cameron and Jamie Clayton. The children were among the students writing to residents at the Sterling Estates retirement community in West Cobb.
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Pictured is Mt. Paran Christian School student Ruby Clayton, daughter of Cameron and Jamie Clayton. Ruby and her siblings were among the students writing to residents at the Sterling Estates retirement community in West Cobb.
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Pictured is Mt. Paran Christian School student Emmy Schwab, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Jeffery Schwab. Emmy was among the students writing to residents at the Sterling Estates retirement community in West Cobb.
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Pictured is Mt. Paran Christian School student Lilia Kimball, daughter of Eric and Nikki Kimball. Lilia was among the students writing to residents at the Sterling Estates retirement community in West Cobb.
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Mt. Paran Christian School is reaching out to members of the Sterling Estates retirement community in West Cobb in the hope of brightening their day.
The school is collecting letters from preschool to 5th grade students to be given as encouragement to the Sterling Estates residents, who are not able to visit family or have family visit them at this time.Th e staff at the community will pass the letters along and possibly some pen pal relationships will develop.
Pictured is Firehoue Subs franchisee Trevor Bolt, left, who donated 600 meals to Cobb County Fire Station 1 first responders.
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Pictured is Trevor Bolt, left, with a donation to Marietta Fire Department.
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In partnership with the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, franchisees Trevor Bolt and Mike Bullard recently fed 600 firefighters across Cobb County at multiple fire department stations.
Trevor Bolt also recently made another donation of 143 meals to the Marietta Fire Department.
Wednesday, April 22
East Cobb United Methodist Church, 2325 Roswell Road in Marietta, is collecting food for Marietta-based MUST Ministries on Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon.
Donations will be accepted on a drive-thru basis. Church volunteers will remove food from the trunks of vehicles in the church parking lot.
A free mask will be available to those making a donation. Masks are limited to one per car, while supplies last.
Tiny Bubbles Tea Bar in Marietta has been donating bubble tea to the healthcare workers at Kennestone Hospital.
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Tiny Bubbles Tea Bar in Marietta has been donating bubble tea to the healthcare workers at Kennestone Hospital.
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Tiny Bubbles Tea Bar in Marietta, along with their customers, are donating bubble tea to the healthcare workers at Kennestone Hospital.
Tiny Bubbles Tea Bar customers can donate by adding a donation to their order when placing an order on the Tiny Bubbles Tea Bar app.
Last Friday, they delivered to the Neuro ICU. They will be sending another delivery to another department this week.
They are still looking for donations to keep this going.
- Felecia Prezzano
West Shore Home, 1868 Old Concord Road SE in Marietta, announced on Wednesday that they will be installing free showers or baths for five healthcare workers or first responders as a thank you for their bravery and service to the local community. To nominate a healthcare professional, visit www.WestShoreHome.com/Heroes.
St. Joseph Catholic School, located behind WellStar Kennestone Hospital, made this fence sign for healthcare heroes.
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St. Joseph Catholic School, located behind WellStar Kennestone Hospital, made this fence sign for healthcare heroes.
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St. Joseph Catholic School is located behind WellStar's Kennestone Hospital in Marietta. We watch the healthcare heroes go to and from work daily.
We wanted to somehow say, "Hello! We see you, and we love you."
If we can make even one healthcare worker smile and know that we are grateful for all that he or she does, then we have succeeded.
-Ann Frazer, director of enrollment and communications at St. Joseph Catholic School
Pictured from left are Carolyn Polakowski, president of the East Cobb Civitan Club; and Taylor Powell, direct support professional of Devereux Georgia.
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On any given day, more than 180 children with significant psychiatric, behavioral, and emotional illnesses are cared for and prepared for a future of health and hope at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Georgia.
Due to the pandemic, the children currently at Devereaux Georgia are not able to leave the campus and visitation from family members is limited, court hearings have been delayed as well as some scheduled discharges. The stress and trauma of these children has increased dramatically during this crisis.
The members of the East Cobb Civitan Club wanted to support these vulnerable children during this difficult time, so they began a campaign to collect games, toys, puzzles, craft supplies, videos and books from its membership and their neighbors to share with them
Over 300 items were donated in a week and delivered this weekend. Since then, even more items have been donated for a future delivery.
For more information, contact president-elect Lee Ann Sherry at 770-815-5299 or leann@thego2team.com.
Tuesday, April 21
Owens Flower Shop and Greenhouses Inc. in Marietta donated flowers as a thank you to the brave folks at Cobb Hospital in Austell. Pictured from left are Bill Berry, Owens Flower Shop; Jessica Combs, administrative assistant Cobb Hospital; and Michael Johnson, excutive director of operations at Cobb Hospital.
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From left are Candy Clifford, Fran Mcmahon behind the glass door at Atherton Place, Karen Hamilton, Patsy Bryan and Mike Donahoo. Mcmahon was given a surprise 95th birthday by her former neighbors. Although she was inside protected from the COVID-19 virus and with a little help from staff at Atherton Place, friends managed to help celebrate by filling a gift basket full of goodies and her favorite wine, balloons and banners.
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Delta Airlines announced several things that it is doing locally in Georgia to help doctors and essential workers on the frontlines of the COVID crisis.
With their fleet of planes and thousands of employees, Delta is providing free roundtrip medical volunteer travel for doctors and nurses across the country who are deployed to staff Georgia hospitals.
Over 200,000 pounds of food were donated to the Georgia Food & Resource Center. Delta also is working with Linton Hopkins, an Atlanta chef, to support food distribution. Hopkins’ team is delivering over 5,000 meals per week, including to first responders at Atlanta’s Emory University Hospital.
A collaboration between Delta Flight Products and Global Center for Medical Innovation at Georgia Tech is underway to produce face shields for hospital workers. Recently 2,000 shields were delivered to healthcare workers in New York.
In appreciation for the healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters and paramedics who are committed to everyone's health and safety, McDonald’s will offer free Thank You Meals, between April 22 and May 5 as a token of appreciation for their selfless service.
Each Thank You Meal will be available at no charge via drive thru or carry out at participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide. The Thank You Meal, available during breakfast, lunch or dinner, will feature a choice of sandwiches, drinks and a side along with a note of appreciation. It will be served in McDonald’s iconic Happy Meal box, in the hopes of bringing a smile.
Day or night, these frontline heroes can simply show their work badge or be in uniform to receive a meal.
Michele Ruechel always takes extra care to make sure each pantry donation meets the needs of its clients.
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Dedicated pantry workers finish stocking the shelves at St. Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry.
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A grateful client picks up groceries for her and her family.
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The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Kennesaw is fulfilling its mission of respecting the dignity of each person while bringing hope and help to those in need so they may achieve stability and move toward self-sufficiency.
Despite both of the organization’s two funding sources, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church and St. Vincent de Paul’s Thrift Store, being temporarily closed, SVdP volunteers continue to meet the financial and food needs of the community as resources allow. Their Case Management Program helps relieve the burden of clients who may be in immediate financial need.
The Food Pantry helps families of all sizes get some groceries and toilet paper that they may not be able to get otherwise.
The goal of SVdP is to provide assistance to those who normally need help, while ramping up efforts to meet the growing need caused by the coronavirus impacts rippling through the state.
SVdP’s Food Pantry is feeding more families than ever before and generous donations continue to come in, but so do the requests for food. On an average week the Pantry may feed about 15-18 families. During this pandemic, the Pantry has been feeding around 20-24 families per week and shelves are thinning out.
To help meet the increased demands from the community, SVdP will be hosting a Donation Drive-By to help replenish dwindling supplies. Participants do not need to get out of their car. THey can just pull up, pop the trunk and a SVdP volunteer will collect the items.
Some immediate needs are powdered or shelf stable milk; canned meat like chicken, tuna and chili; canned fruit; Hamburger/Tuna Helper; instant mashed potatoes; instant oatmeal; rice; baked beans; and pasta and pasta sauce.
The Donation Drive-By is scheduled for May 2 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the downtown Kennesaw SVdP Pantry, 2734 Summers Street.
For those in immediate financial or food need, contact svdpcat@gmail.com to schedule an appointment for assistance.
The east Cobb branch of the Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States donated masks and disinfectant sprays to the Cobb County Library System.
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Last week, the east Cobb branch of the Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States donated 1,000 masks and 60 bottles of disinfectant sprays to the Cobb County Library System.
Cobb Senior Services also has a need for masks, so the library system will share the masks with Senior Services.
Earlier this year, the youth group donated five ventilators to a hospital in Wuhan, China trying to help defeat COVID-19. Later, when the virus started spreading in the U.S., this organization raised funds to purchase several thousand masks for Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.
AYLUS is a nonprofit student organization with the sole purpose of promoting young students’ contributions and volunteering to society. The east Cobb branch was founded in November 2017 by five high school students. It now has about 80 members.
- CobbLine weekly newsletter
Monday, April 20
Pictured is Kathy Wood of Marietta flying like a superhero over Marietta in a recent chalk drawing.
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Pictured is Kathy Wood of Marietta hanging with her favorite Sesame Street characters in a recent chalk drawing.
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Pictured is Kathy Wood of Marietta with a dinosaur in a recent chalk drawing.
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Pictured is Kathy Wood of Marietta fishing in a recent chalk drawing.
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Kathy Wood, a mother and grandmother that has lived in Marietta for 33 years, wanted to do something to bring a smile to her community while everyone is at home.
Wood has been creating unique and engaging chalk drawings, inserting herself into them and posting them on Facebook.
Some of Wood's work has her fishing, flying as a super hero over Marietta or hanging with her favorite Sesame Street characters.
Combining the healing power of music with technology, the Georgia Symphony Orchestra has produced the world’s first of its kind 360 degree virtual chorus performance in 8K with adaptive audio.
The original performance is the brainchild of GSO music director and conductor Timothy Verville and features members of the GSO Chorus singing “Georgia on my Mind.” The project honors frontline and essential personnel throughout the world for their tireless efforts throughout the current COVID-19 pandemic.
The performance is available on YouTube.com/user/GeorgiaSymphony. To obtain optimal benefits of the 360 degree adaptive audio technology, the video is best viewed on a smartphone or tablet in the horizontal position and while using headphones.
The adaptive audio changes as one looks around the 360 degree video, giving the viewer an immersive virtual choir experience not possible until now.
Pictured is the staff at MMAC Delilah Bethea; Princess Odom: Vic Mitchell, Otter’s Chicken caterer; Kamryn Rock; and Brittany Jones.
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The staff of the Mothers Making A Change program of the Cobb County Community Services Board received a special lunch treat from Otter’s Chicken, as part of Operation Meal Plan.
The local restaurant, with locations in West Cobb at The Avenues, Cumberland Pointe, Kennesaw Marketplace and Carrolton, delivered chicken dinners to more than 20 mothers and their children at the CCCSB program.
- Melissa O'Brien, Communications & Public Relations Specialist, Cobb County Community Services Board
Pictured from left are ICU nurse Lori McCartney and Aapri Harris.
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Pictured from left are ICU nurse Lori McCartney and Aapri Harris.
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Residents of Sibley Forest are supporting the 20 members of the staff of 4 North ICU at Kennestone Hospital.
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Residents of Sibley Forest are supporting the 20 members of the staff of 4 North ICU at Kennestone Hospital.
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The residents of Sibley Forest are supporting the 20 members of the staff of 4 North ICU at Kennestone Hospital with meals each week from two of locally owned Marietta restaurants - Liberty Pizza and Kouzina Christos.
The pizzas were made by Gerry and Michelle McCruden of Liberty Pizza in the Microcenter Shopping Center in Marietta.
-Tony Rogowski
The Front Porch of Vinings, 2949 Paces Ferry Road SE in Vinings, has partnered with Gabriel's Restaurant & Bakery, 800 Whitlock Avenue NW in Marietta, to provide homemade lunches to those on the front line at Kennestone Hospital.
Each meal is only $10 and will include a homemade sandwich, chips, pickle and a cookie. Gabriel's will be delivering to the hospital on April 24.
The last day to purchase meals is April 21 at noon.
The Cenacle Coffee & Bistro, 2844 Veterans Memorial Highway in Austell, has partnered with Beacon of Light Christian Church, 2050 Collins Boulevard in Austell, and launched a free Fitness/Feeding for residents in and around Cobb County.
The event is every Tuesday and Thursday with fitness at 6 p.m. and food served to go via social distancing at 6:30 p.m.
An east Cobb neighborhood recently organized a car parade for Dr. Emilio Lacayo.
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An east Cobb neighborhood recently organized a car parade for Dr. Emilio Lacayo.
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A neighborhood in East Cobb sent this email to their neighbors:
Subject: Car parade to honor resident, Dr. Emilio Lacayo
Hi all - I'm sure we have a number of amazing people or family members within our neighborhood in the medical profession serving Covid-19 patients, but one specifically has come to our attention.
Dr. Emilio Lacayo, is currently on the front lines treating Covid-19 patients & has been selflessly serving emergency staff at Piedmont Hospital for the past several weeks. After working long & very difficult days, he returns home to their basement, completely isolating/quarantining, without having any direct contact with his wife or loved ones; all of this to protect them from this virus.
His wife Marisol wanted to somehow try to lift his spirits, so a few cul-de-sac residents will make an attempt to do just that tomorrow. We decided to try & take this a step further & invite other so spread the word if you wish.
From Marisol his wife:
We're absolutely blown away to pieces by your display of love and appreciation to what our Emilio is going through We were in tears! Speechless!
What a super fun and heart full parade you'll put out for him No words to Thank you Sharon, for your deep from the heart idea and careful planning of events. And to all of you and the tons of people and neighbors that showed up, some of them we didn’t even know ourselves!
He will remember each and all of you for the rest of his life.
Marianne Snyder made 75 masks for the police officers in Cobb County Police's Precinct 4.
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Precinct 4 is so appreciative of their community giving.
Thank you to Marianne Snyder for making 75 masks for Precinct 4. What a wonderful gift to give to our wonderful officers. They protect us, and you have given them a gift that will protect them. Maj. Batterton said that the officers took them home to wash and are so appreciative of this kind gesture.
A note from Precinct 3.
This is from Maj. Bullock:
As we continue to battle COVID-19 and work together for the safety and health of the entire community, the men and women of Precinct 3 would like to thank every citizen. Additionally, we would like to thank all of the individual citizens, groups, organizations and businesses who have greatly contributed to our precinct family during this crisis.
Precinct 3 has received numerous donations of masks, hand sanitizer and food delivery (by non-contact means) from local individual citizens, the Vinings Rotary Club, Hooters Cumberland, Cobb County District Attorney’s Office and many others.
So, stay healthy, be well and keep up the great work and know the men and women of Precinct 3 are here for you and appreciate all you do for us.
Make plans to attend Anderson Theatre's third virtual cabaret at 8 p.m., Friday, April 17. Tune in to facebook.com/andersontheatre as they go live and some of Cobb's finest actors perform from their living room to yours.
This is a free event and information will be provided on how you can support local theatre companies. Friday's virtual cabaret will only be available to view for 24 hours, so make sure you don't miss it!
- From District 2 Cobb Commissioner Bob Ott's newsletter
Children's Healthcare (Town Center) received a donation of N95 pediatric masks.
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Children’s Healthcare (Town Center) is so very grateful to Cobb County for providing N95 pediatric masks! What a blessing! I love how our community works together!
Thank you to our 911 team for all that you do for us! You get the first calls for help and must remain calm during dire circumstances for others. You help save lives every day and we appreciate you. Thank you! To learn more about 911 Appreciation Week (Apr. 12-18) visit National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week at https://www.npstw.org.
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138! That's the number of homeless pets that now have fourever homes! Our 137th adoption was by Mr. Caples who served our country in the Army for 41 years! He adopted this handsome little kitty this weekend! Thank you Superior Plumbing & Cobb County Animal Services! Don't #quarantine alone! Your forever friend is waiting for you.
We received the wonderful letter below from a constituent and we ditto her gratitude...
Hello,
I wanted to take a few moments to thank the wonderful Cobb County Firefighters and their chain of command for being so diligent, as they and you always are, watching out for every Cobb resident or where ever and when ever needed. I know we are so blessed to have so many heroes in Cobb and I know we need to humbly thank and be grateful for our Police Officers, our grocery store and drug store employees, our Doctors, Nurses, Hospital Staff, bus drivers truck driver, postal workers, restaurant workers so many on the front line that I can not even know them all - but it is always our Firefighters that are first to arrive to offer help.
I wish my arms were long enough to give you all a big hug. I feel sure you work hard to let our Firefighters know how proud y’all are of each and everyone of them, thank you for all your efforts and hard work.
- From District 3 Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell's newsletter
Cobb County's Senior Services needs help to keep "Meals on Wheels" rolling.
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Cobb County’s Senior Services created a unique drive-through to deliver much-needed “Meals on Wheels” to seniors who were running low on food and unable to get their own. Keeping the program going during the coronavirus crisis creates special challenges that the Senior Services team was ready to tackle head-on.
But with the crisis continuing, they will need help from the community to keep the program going. If you can help donate food to keep “Meals on Wheels” rolling, please call 770-528-2009 to arrange a drop-off.
If you are age 60 or older and a resident of Cobb County, call 770-528-5364 or 770-528-5368 to make an appointment to pick up some non-perishable foods as well as toiletries. Please note, there are eligibility requirements to receive assistance.
The West Georgia Pet Food Pantry is donating food and supplies to help residents considering surrendering their pets.
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If you or someone you know is considering surrendering your pets due to difficult times, the West Georgia Pet Food Pantry is located at 4037 Austell-Powder Springs Road in Powder Springs and will be there every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. donating food and supplies.
The Pet Food Pantry is on the same premises as the Human Food Pantry which is run by Reflections of Trinity. For more information, visit http://reflectionsoftrinity.org/covid-19.
- From Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce's newsletter
Mask Makers 2020 West Cobb are making big impact in the community.
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Tami Gallagher started sewing masks on March 19, following a conversation with her best friend, a surgical nurse at Children's of Atlanta. Tami’s friend shared with her the growing shortage of PPE equipment, especially masks. Tami posted on Facebook and asked local friends and national colleagues to join in to help donate fabric, wash, dry, cut, sew and distribute masks.
Over the past several weeks, Mask Makers 2020 West Cobb have already used 450 yards of fabric which came from Tami, who is a costume maker, while waiting on delivery of an additional $2,000 in fabric and supplies which was purchased with donated funds.
Jane Swanson jumped in with both feet and three arms and became Tami’s 4-Star General in terms of logistics, recruiting, scheduling - you name it, she can do it. Jane is the perfect "dog robber" as they say in the military. With Jane’s help, Tami’s was able to focus on maintaining her fabric supply to ensure the incoming requests for masks could be met along with packing completed masks and routing them to the medical centers daily.
Jane then asked Lorelle LoCurto to create a group Facebook page – which allowed volunteers to be grouped by neighborhoods and easily distribute the pattern files, directions, etc. After four days of launching the Facebook page, one of the ladies' daughter Erin Gibson stepped up as administer of the page, in addition to cutting fabric, uploading all of the how-to videos and answering sewing questions from volunteers.
Mask Makers 2020 West Cobb now has 583 volunteers from all walks of life in less than 30 days. They work mainly in neighborhood "hubs" with runners doing porch pickups in their neighborhoods, bring all pickups to either Jane or Tami and gathering new supplies to start the process over again. They then count the masks, sort, separate and pack in the evenings and notify recipients of their availability the next day.
They have two pickup points and have no contact pickups on porch and driveway which strictly follow the protocols given by Atlanta area hospitals for all the masks donated. Tami and Jane also started a "Gimme $5" campaign to raise additional funds for fabric and supplies.
“People have been so amazing with their donations that allow us to keep this going,” Tami said.
In addition to donations, organizers applauded the amazing women and men they have the privilege to work with. Some of the organizations who have requested and received masks from Mask Makers 20202 West Cobb include Cobb and Douglas Public Health Department, Summit Surgical Center, Cobb County Vascular ICU Unit, Kennestone Social Workers, Piedmont Hospital, Emory St. Joseph Hospital, Emory ST. Joseph ICU Unit, Maternal Fetal Specialists, Atlanta, Wellstar Hospital, Women & Pediatrics, Wellstar Hospice Center, Cobb County First Responders, Grady Hospital Trauma Center, Emory Hospital Labor & Delivery, Kennesaw Police Department, Dynamic Sports and Spine Center and other visiting counties.
As of April 15, Mask Makers 2020 West Cobb had supplied 6,870 request for mask with an additional 4,914 still needed and growing. If you would like to help, donations can be made using Venmo to Jane Swanson at Jane-Swanson-8. All donations will be used towards supplies. In the event supplies are no longer available, Mask Makers 2020 West Cobb will donate remaining monies to Never Alone Pantry and MUST Ministries.
A beautiful closing message from Tami: "In all truthfulness, it shouldn't have been possible to get to this level in this amount of time, but we feel very strongly that God is blessing our work, so the impossible became possible. Thank you so much for shining a light on this, we so hope it brings us more volunteers! Our hashtag is #strongertogether and it perfectly describes our mission."
We thank Tami Gallagher, Jane Swanson and all of Mask Makers 2020 West Cobb volunteers for the great work they are doing during this global pandemic.
Sean Mills from Atlanta Beats COVID and crew delivered their first 1,000 face shields, but they can and want to do more. They are in need of assembly workers.
Currently, a handful of people, including a few college students, are physically stapling, gluing, sterilizing and packaging these items used by our health care workers. Ironically, these tasks are the simplest and easiest to do, but getting reliable people to show up is as difficult as it is important.
Volunteers are needed for 2-4 hour shift of stapling, gluing and bagging things once a week. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m. or 5 to 7 p.m. The address is 869 Pickens Industrial Drive NE, Suite 1, Marietta, which is three miles from Marietta Square. To sign up to volunteer, visit signupgenius.com/go/9040b4ea5af22abf49-volunteer.
- From District 1 Cobb Commissioner Keli Gambrill's newsletter
More than 400,000 healthcare workers are on the frontlines responding to the coronavirus pandemic that has engulfed our state. They need every ounce of support we can give them.
United Way of Greater Atlanta is helping healthcare providers implement telehealth and online services, expand operating capacity to accommodate the spike in patients and improve safety measures through the increased purchase and use of sanitation equipment.
You can help by donating to the Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund that helps our local healthcare providers secure the resources they need to keep both their patients and their personnel safe. Donate today at https://bit.ly/2RLIyRD.
If you’re interested in safe and approved volunteer opportunities to help those affected, visit https://bit.ly/2VeZXUR.
You can access resources via the 2-1-1 Contact Center, which connects people to the essential health and human services they need. Due to extremely heavy call volumes, we recommend those in need access 2-1-1 online or by downloading the 2-1-1 mobile app. You can also text 211od to 898-211 to receive a list of available resources based on your zip code.
We’re all in this together.
- From District 4 Cobb Commissioner Lisa Cupid's newsletter
Thursday, April 16
Pictured at right is Cynthia Ruan.
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Pictured from left are Maxwell Jiang and Nicholas Vincent. In the background is Frank Jiang, one of the East Cobb AYLUS advisers.
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Pictured from left are Maxwell Jiang and Nicholas Vincent in the red shirts. In the middle in the dark blue shirt is Frank Jiang, one of the East Cobb AYLUS advisers.
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East Cobb AYLUS, a branch of the Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States - a student-led organization, recently donated 4,900 combined surgical and KN-95 masks to the Kennestone Wellstar Hospital.
AYLUS aims to help communities all around the country. The East Cobb Branch was founded in 2017.
Because of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the East Cobb AYLUS has stopped most of their normal volunteer activities - such as senior center performances, library tutoring and other humanitarian aid, but has adapted others to help during this disease. For example, as schools around the state have closed and interpersonal contact is avoided, they have adapted their tutoring program to feature free, one-on-one online tutoring sessions.
The East Cobb AYLUS branch chose to donate masks to nearby Kennestone Hospital, one of the first hospitals that the coronavirus impacted. The hospital was in dire need of masks and other PPE due to the influx of patients.
The surgical masks were sourced from the RUC Investors’ “In Love We Connect” program, while the KN-95 masks were bought from a Chinese retailer. The masks were directly delivered to the facility by AYLUS members over the course of a week.
The funding for the masks came from an internal fundraiser, which raised over $2,300 for the sake of COVID-19 relief. In total, 4,400 surgical masks and 500 KN-95 masks were donated to the hospital.
East Cobb AYLUS has also donated 50 handmade mask cases, which were made for the Sewing Masks For Atlanta Hospitals Facebook campaign.
The organization is also trying to connect to the elderly. They have purchased 3D printers, which will be used to print face shields. The shields will be donated to senior centers and hospitals in the area. They have also made custom Easter cards, videos and powerpoints for them.
-Michael Fu, president of East Cobb AYLUS
Pictured is Monica Evette DeLancy helping children pick out books.
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On Wednesday, the Thrive Resource Center at Kingsley Village Apartments In Austell hosted a drive thru resource connection where they gave out groceries, cleaning supplies, books and school supplies.
Pictured with the dinners is Beacon of Light Church First Lady Mrs. Malcolm Lewis.
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Pictured is Austell City Councilwoman Valerie Anderson.
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On Tuesday, The Cennacle Coffee Bistro in Austell had a drive thru dinner. Thank you to Bishop and First Lady Malcolm Lewis of Beacon of Light Church for providing the delicious pasta meals to the community.
- Monica Evette DeLancy
Fortunately, like other folks in this time of crisis, we have especially good neighbors - Vanessa and Chuck Johnson. We've known each other since their twins grew from little boys lugging backpacks weighing almost as much as they to handsome 30-plus, generous men.
Most recently among the kind things Vanessa offered to do was, one more time, get us whatever we might need from the grocery. She knows we are old and creaky, thus extra susceptible to the killer bug.
I really, really wanted two funny Easter cards for close friends.
Not only did she find two hilarious cards, but she also brought a bag of Dove chocolates, knowing I am seriously underweight and adore chocolates.
Let us all hope that when we are past this season of terrible travail, we will still continue to extend kindness to one another!
- Melissa B. Anderson
Pictured is director Nicole F. Kelly in a screen shot from the praise video created by the Benjamin Preparatory School.
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Pictured is office manager Grace Gray in a screen shot from the praise video created by the Benjamin Preparatory School.
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Pictured is office assistant Carla McKinney in a screen shot from the praise video created by the Benjamin Preparatory School.
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Pictured is three-year-old Ava Pearce in a screen shot from the praise video created by the Benjamin Preparatory School.
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Pictured is five-year-old Alexander Dongen in a screen shot from the praise video created by the Benjamin Preparatory School.
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Pictured is two-year-old Aaron Pearce in a screen shot from the praise video created by the Benjamin Preparatory School.
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Pictured is teacher Elsa Moore in a screen shot from the praise video created by the Benjamin Preparatory School.
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I thought that I would share an idea that helped our school cope with having staff and children apart for an extended period of time. We were, as an essential service serving primarily daycare-aged children, open for business.
Up until last week, we were servicing only about 15% of our children at the school under COVID-19 safety protocols and the other children offsite. We had many parents comment that they wanted to support social distancing policies, but had children at home who missed their friends very much.
Under normal circumstances, our children have a Friday praise party where children get together and show their moves, praising the Lord for all he continues to to for us. We do our praise party whether times are good or bad. In light of current circumstances, we decided to send out our praise song and have children send in their videos from home. We combined those videos with ones of their teachers from school and others still working from home. The result was a video that brought our teachers, parents and students together during a trying time. It was good for morale at a time we as a school community were realizing that we may be in for a long haul.
-Nicole F. Kelly, director of the Benjamin Preparatory School in the Cumberland area
Kung Fu Tea at The Battery Atlanta is sharing their appreciation to staff and employees of essential businesses with drop-offs of their beverages.
To date, KFT has made drop-offs at Lowes, Dollar Tree, Target, Cobb County Fire Department and Kroger. The local bubble tea shop wants to thank all of the nurses, doctors, cashiers, stockers and more for their dedication and hard work during these tough times.
The owners of KFT will continue to deliver to various places, but is seeking community feedback and participation for its next drop-offs. Residents can comment on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KFTBatteryATL/ or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kftbatteryatl/ and suggest where to visit. The shop hopes to spread “positivi-tea” and inspire others to do whatever they can.
Kung Fu Tea at The Battery Atlanta is located inside PH’EAST Food Hall and open Friday-Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. for take-out. Orders can be placed in-store or placed ahead on the Kung Fu Tea APP for a contactless option.
Wednesday, April 15
Walt and Sandra PicKell represent Sibley Forest in presenting the check to Alex Reethof of Gathering Industries and his daughter, Emi, who are providing meals for healthcare workers across Atlanta.
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Sibley Forest residents show their support for Alex Reethof and Gathering Industries.
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On April 11, Sibley Forest residents came together to show their support for friend and neighbor Alex Reethof and all the great work his Gathering Industries is doing during the pandemic.
Alex and his wife, Lori, have given generously over the past 25 years to Sibley Forest and the Atlanta community at-large in various ways. Several years ago, Alex created Gathering Industries to give a second chance to people who have lost their way by learning culinary skills which provide self-confidence and a way to re-assimilate in society.
While Gathering Industries often provides meals to local businesses, their mission lately has shifted to nourishing our healthcare workers who are on the
frontlines supporting and caring for coronavirus patients. Gathering Industries has provided meals for workers at Kennestone, MercyCare, Northside, Piedmont Hospital, Emory Hospital and other locations.
Sibley Forest presented a check of $5,350 to support Gathering Industries and healthcare workers.
Sibley Forest has several great families leading various charitable efforts for the community. We are proud to come together to support East Cobb and beyond.
Former Hawks player and NBA Hall of Famer Dominque Wilkins cheers on Wellstar Kennestone Hospital’s healthcare heroes changing shifts the morning of April 15.
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To honor healthcare employees on the frontlines against COVID-19, Dominique Wilkins, former Atlanta Hawks player and NBA Hall of Famer, visited Wellstar Kennestone Hospital Wednesday morning to thank our healthcare heroes for their tireless work during these uncertain times.
Pictured is the sign at the Meadowgrove Club announcing a food drive for MUST Ministries this weekend.
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There will be a food drive for Marietta-based MUST Ministries on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Meadowgrove Club parking lot, 2850 Meadowgrove Way in Marietta.
Dry and canned food donations will be accepted. Social distancing and disinfecting protocols will be observed.
Pictured is Charon Foy, Direct Services Professional at Cobb County Community Services Board enjoying the delicious lunch from Piastra Restaurant in Marietta that owner Greg Lipman delivered.
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The residents of Cobb County Community Services Board’s Recovery in Motion program received a special lunch treat from Piastra Restaurant, 45 West Park Square in Marietta, on Monday as part of Operation Meal Plan, a teamwork between the Cobb Foundation, Cobb Chamber and the Center for Family Resources to connect local restaurants with local not-for-profits and first responders.
Recovery in Motion is a semi-independent, 24-hour, supervised program that houses individuals with substance use disorders. Serving both adult males and females, program participants are offered onsite staff, on-call nursing, transportation to clinical services, community meetings and life skills. Individuals receive clinical services at CCCSB’s Outpatient Program.
- Melissa O'Brien, Communications & Public Relations Specialist, Cobb County Community Services Board
Tuesday, April 14
Pictured are some of the homemade masks made by Kim Ginn, a resident of Marietta Walk.
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Pictured are some of the homemade masks made by Kim Ginn, a resident of Marietta Walk.
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Pictured are some of the homemade masks made by Kim Ginn, a resident of Marietta Walk.
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Kim Ginn and her husband, residents of Marietta Walk, have been making homemade masks for their neighborhood, family and friends.
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Pictured is Kim Ginn, a resident of Marietta Walk, making homemade masks.
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Pictured is Kim Ginn, a resident of Marietta Walk, making homemade masks.
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Kim Ginn, a resident of Marietta Walk, recently made 200 homemade masks that were distributed to the neighborhood, friends and family. She has also made some more masks and plans on donating them to Marietta-based MUST Ministries for staff and clients in the shelter and the staff at the donation center.
Ginn reports that sourcing fabric, thread and elastic for the masks is hard to do. She has placed three online orders for curbside pickup, only to have the majority of her orders canceled.
Ginn and her husband are working on the masks together. For the project, the pair dusted off a 45-year-old sewing machine that had been a gift from her mother-in-law.
Tropical Smoothie Café will have free smoothies for all first responders on Friday at all Cobb & Cherokee county locations.
All police officers and fire fighters in uniform or with a work I.D. who visit the Kennesaw, Canton or Marietta cafes on April 17 will receive one free smoothie of their choice.
Pictured is Tom + Chee, a locally-owned Kennesaw franchise that specializes in creative grilled cheeses, who came up with some initiatives and facilitated a number of donations.
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The Town Center CID announced on April 9 that Tom + Chee was its latest Small Business Hero.
Tom + Chee, a locally-owned Kennesaw franchise that specializes in creative grilled cheeses, came up with some initiatives and facilitated a number of donations.
The franchise joined forces with Capozzi’s in East Cobb, owned by Adam Kessler, and made lunches for children in the community. Tom + Chee purchased supplies and then asked the community to donate. They were able to feed about 150 children. Tom + Chee also kick-started an initial $500 worth of goods and were quickly followed by over $1,800 worth of food donated by the community through Amazon and drop-offs. They have since stopped this effort once Must Ministries set their outreach in place.
Some customers have purchased lunch to donate to first responders. To date, they have received $1,600 towards this effort. Locally-owned Uptown Cheapskate is also running a fundraiser that will match up to $1,000 to go to Tom + Chee to continue these efforts.
Other customers have donated funds for Tom + Chee to prepare meals for specific groups including — nurses and doctors in the ICU at Cartersville Medical, staff at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Urgent Care Kennesaw facility, Children’s Calvary Home and others.
Tom + Chee is open, offering curbside and to-go orders, deploying their food truck upon request and implementing e-pay capabilities to keep their customers and employees safe.
I wanted the public to know what an awesome friend and neighbor that my wife and I have in B.J. Wheeler.
He is a Cobb County Police officer assigned to the Cobb County School District. He serves McEachern High School in Powder Springs.
My wife, who is a retired Cobb County School bus driver, often spoke of what a friendly, kind and caring person B.J. was when she worked at McEachern. She also said that the students there were very fond of him.
He often stops by our residence, when he sees us outside, to chat and to let us know that if there is anything that we need or if there is anything he can do for us, to just let him know.
My wife and I are both seniors. My wife is also the caregiver for her 96-year-old mother, who lives with us.
B.J is a very genuine person that always has a big smile on his face. We would certainly like for B.J. to be commended for being an asset to our community in Powder Springs and also thank him for his service as a police officer. Our community is a better place because of Officer B.J. Wheeler.
— Bud and Sue White, Powder Springs
Monday, April 13
Pictured is Misty Latham, Y Staff at Northeast Cobb Family YMCA in Marietta.
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Pictured is Misty Latham, Y Staff at the Cobb County School District Food Pantry in Marietta.
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Pictured from left are Debbie George, Betsy Mathews, Bryant Wilson and Misty Latham, Y staff members at Northeast Cobb Family YMCA in Marietta.
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The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is serving the community amid the coronavirus outbreak by providing hunger relief for children and families. To date, the Y has distributed 12,780 meals and more than 4,300 backpacks of food. In Cobb county, McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA and Northwest Cobb Family YMCA have packed over 1,400 backpacks supporting Marietta City School students and families.
Pictured from left are Debbie George and Betsy Mathews, Y staff members at Northeast Cobb Family YMCA in Marietta.
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Pictured is Jen Young, Y staff member at Northeast Cobb Family YMCA in Marietta.
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Pictured from left are Debbie George and Misty Latham, Y staff members at Northeast Cobb Family YMCA in Marietta.
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Northeast Cobb YMCA serves as a delivery site for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Volunteers package 250 bags of food each week to be delivered to school district families with their lunch.
Pictured are some of the food donations that Credit Union of Georgia has received for MUST Ministries.
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Credit Union of Georgia donated 100 bags and over $500 worth of food to the Sanctuary Church to distribute to areas of need within community. The Credit Union did not stop there and has committed to making a financial donation to MUST Ministries and has placed donation bins outside of all branch locations for MUST Food Rapid Response program. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off during business hours.
With physical school being closed for the reminder of the school year, there is currently a great demand for food for students. MUST Ministries has established the MUST Food Rapid Response program to respond to these growing demands. In addition to the 1,500 families a month they serve on a regular basis, they are now reaching out to at-risk students and their families.
Pictured from left are Kamryn Rock and Greg Lipman. On April 10, Piastra Restaurant provided 50 spaghetti and meatball dinners with garlic bread to the Cobb County Community Services Board.
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The staff of the Mothers Making A Change program of the Cobb County Community Services Board received a special lunch treat from Piastra Restaurant on April 10 as part of Operation Meal Plan, a teamwork between the Cobb Foundation, Cobb Chamber and the Center for Family Resources to connect local restaurants with local not-for-profits and first responders.
Owners Greg Lipman and Betty Bahl provided 50 spaghetti and meatball dinners with garlic bread to CCCSB’s program.
Pictured is one of the 50 spaghetti and meatball dinners with garlic bread that Piastra Restaurant provided on April 10 to the Cobb County Community Services Board.
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Piastra Restaurant, 45 West Park Square in Marietta, is open from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday for curbside pick-up. Meals can also be delivered through www.doordash.com and the locally-based www.zifty.com.
— Melissa O’Brien, Communications & Public Relations Specialist at the Cobb County Community Services Board
Friday, April 10
Lovinggood Middle School, 3825 Luther Ward Road in Powder Springs, recently sent the above message of love to their students.
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Cobb Elections staff is hard at work and there is a great need to provide all of our wonderful election workers with masks.
The Cobb County Elections Office needs a total of 1,400 before the June 9 election to help protect poll workers. Starting May 4, the elections office, 736 Whitlock Avenue in Marietta, will have a donation bin at its entrance Monday-Friday from noon to 1 p.m..
Please put the donated masks in a plastic bag and place them in the bin.
— From District 4 Cobb County Commissioner Lisa Cupid’s newsletter
Pictured are photographs from Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce's newsletter about Cobb Senior Services staff serving 75 hot meals and non-perishable food.
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Always helping our older adults in need, Cobb Senior Services staff served 75 hot meals and non-perishable food today.
At-risk seniors who qualified for help were given a box of shelf stable food and a hot lunch. Special thanks to Carraba’s Italian Grill for donating the lunches. Thank you to all who’ve donated non-perishable food to CSS.
— From Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce’s newsletter
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The managing partner at Carrabbas Kennesaw reached out to the Town Center CID team to see how Carrabbas could be of service to our community during this crisis.
The CID team reached out and compiled a list of options for Carrabbas. Around this time, COVID-19 testing at Jim Miller Park was ramping up. The Carrabbas team connected with the Public Health Department who spearheads the testing protocols and logistics at Jim Miller Park.
With their servant’s heart, Carrabbas delivered Monday’s lunch to the Public Health Department and Public Safety teams working at the Jim Miller Park testing site! WOW! We can’t say thank you enough to Carrabbas for their generosity, kindness and sacrifice of their time and resources to the testing teams.
The Health and Safety personnel are on the frontlines of this battle and this brightened their (and our) day in the midst of their tireless efforts!
A big Thank You to our Small Business hero Carrabbas at Town Center!
— From District 3 Cobb County Commissioner Joann Birrell’s newsletter
From left are Reese Munch, Charles Jones and Barry Krebs with the South Cobb Lions Club; Debbie Ginocchio, development director from Sweetwater Mission; and Al Hernandez, Zone chairperson for the Lions Club.
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In early March, the Lions Club Zone E conducted a hygiene items drive that resulted over 250 pounds of badly needed items. The Zone and South Cobb Lions Club contributed a large amount of money from their fund raising efforts to present to Sweetwater Mission.
At Cobb County Fire Station 1 (Mableton Parkway), from left are Barry Krebs of the South Cobb Lions Club, fire fighter Kyle Williams, Gerald Hutcheson of the Lions Club, fire fighters Ian Figueroa, T.J. Proulx and Jason Everez.
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Pictured at Cobb County Fire Station #27 (Veterans Memorial Highway) from left are fire fighter Andrew Darrough, Gerald Hutcheson of the South Cobb Lions Club, and fire fighters Michael K. Smith and Houston Friiar.
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Pictured at the Austell Police Department (Mulberry Street) from left are Officer Brandon Clark, Gerald Hutcheson of the South Cobb Lions Club, Sgt. Robert Sfreddo and Sgt. Derek Horton.
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Pictured is Gerald Hutcheson of the South Cobb Lions Club.
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On April 9, the South Cobb Lions Club teamed up with Mothers Finest Catering to deliver soft baked cookie trays and assorted snacks to 10 first responder locations in South Cobb. The first responders were very happy to accept the treats and our words of appreciation for keeping us safe during these uncertain times.
— Barry Krebs, South Cobb Lions Club
Thursday, April 9
Pictured is the Todd Bell of Amy & Tammy’s Boxed Lunch Company and a Wellstar employee at the April 9 delivery of 100 lunches to Wellstar Kennestone.
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InfoMart and Amy & Tammy’s Boxed Lunch Company teamed up the morning of April 9 to deliver over 100 lunches to Wellstar Kennestone for both the emergency department personnel and the COVID response team. Both companies felt the need to support the healthcare workers who are tirelessly protecting our community.
Pictured are the 500,000 Unistik safety lancets and 5,000 Peezy urine specimen collection kits donated by Owen Mumford in Marietta through GEMA to be distributed to Georgia's healthcare partners and facilities in need.
Gregg Willett Photography/Special
Owen Mumford, located at 1755 West Oak Commons Court in Marietta, is working with the Governor’s Office, GEMA, Homeland Security and the Department of Public Health to provide critical medical devices to hospitals, clinics and healthcare professionals who are facing resource and supply shortages.
Pictured are the 500,000 Unistik safety lancets and 5,000 Peezy urine specimen collection kits donated by Owen Mumford in Marietta through GEMA to be distributed to Georgia's healthcare partners and facilities in need.
Gregg Willett Photography/Special
Five hundred thousand Unistik safety lancets and 5,000 Peezy urine specimen collection kits were donated through GEMA to be distributed to Georgia’s healthcare partners and facilities in need. This donation assists those with supply concerns and also relieves the burden on the laboratories by providing a urine specimen collection system that is designed to greatly reduce contaminated samples and lessens the need for repeat testing.
Pictured are the 500,000 Unistik safety lancets and 5,000 Peezy urine specimen collection kits donated by Owen Mumford in Marietta through GEMA to be distributed to Georgia’s healthcare partners and facilities in need.
Gregg Willett Photography/Special
The company has called Marietta home for the last 27 years. For more information, visit owenmumford.com.
Pictured is Monica DeLancy and volunteer Arthur Brown.
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On April 8, We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association hosted a food pantry and resource connection drive thru at Thrive Resource Center located at Kingsley Village Apartments in Austell.
Attendees received food boxes donated from Peace and Kindness and information on rental and electric bill assistance.
Monica Evette DeLancy states that the Thrive Resource Center operating hours will continue to be on Wednesdays 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Homework support will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
An MDJ staffer spotted this display to healthcare workers on Stewart Avenue in Marietta on April 8.
My church, Holy Trinity Lutheran in Marietta, has been serving hot meals at MUST Ministries, Elizabeth Shelter, Loaves and Fishes Kitchen every month.
Now that we cannot come and serve, Jeff Brister at Carriage House Catering prepared 75 individually packed ‘to go’ boxes with a sandwich, chips, cookie and condiments. A thousand thank yous to Jeff and to Trina and Mark Hinson for pickup and delivery.
Because of Jeff, we can keep this program going during this hard time.
— Laurie Johnson
Wednesday, April 8
Pictured from left are Sabrina Scott, director of the Behavioral Health Crisis Center (BHCC) of the Cobb County Community Services Board, and Chris May, Tropical Smoothie Café district manager.
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The staff of the Behavioral Health Crisis Center of the Cobb County Community Services Board received a special lunch treat from Tropical Smoothie Café on April 8 as part of Operation Meal Plan, a teamwork between the Cobb Foundation, Cobb Chamber and the Center for Family Resources to connect local restaurants with local not-for-profits and first responders. The area franchise, with three locations in Cobb County, donated 50 turkey sandwich wraps and fresh fruit to boost the morale of the first responders who serve individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.
The BHCC is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help those in the community who are most vulnerable — the uninsured and underinsured who have behavioral health challenges.
“Since the pandemic began, we are seeing people with more severe diagnoses than what we see on a typical basis,” said Sabrina Scott, BHCC director. “Therefore, our staff experience more high risk and stressful situations that require additional staff to assist. Our team has been working more shifts to cover the need and to ensure those we serve remain safe.”
Chris May, district manager for Tropical Smoothie Café, says that his company wants to do what it can to help.
“We are trying to do our part in the community,” May said. “We are happy to be a part of Operation Meal Plan, as well as partnering with Wellstar Kennestone and Northside Hospital. “We want to make sure everyone feels appreciated — especially our first responders.”
BHCC is located at 1758 County Services Parkway in Marietta. They see individuals regardless of their ability to pay. For more information, visit www.cobbcsb.com.
My sister is a physician in New Orleans. As Louisiana businesses began to temporarily close, I heard from her that nail salons and tattoo parlors were donating their gloves and masks to local hospitals.
It’s such a striking display of generosity to hear that business owners would give supplies to ensure our medical workers are protected during a financially difficult time.
I wanted to create a similar movement in our area that provides an easy way for local businesses to make sure our healthcare community is protected. I’m currently a nursing student at Kennesaw State University and wanted to do something to support the doctors and nurses that have invested in our education during our clinical rotations.
I started off cold calling businesses in my area, but found that many of the larger contractors and construction companies had already donated supplies. My husband and I created a website for individuals and smaller businesses to let us know what they may have available.
I have seen that people really want to give as much as they can. I’ve been particularly moved by the donations of individual families.
One woman searched her garage to find 4 N95 masks leftover from a painting project.
It may not seem like much, but I know there are hospitals outside of our area that are requiring employees to wear their N95s for multiple shifts until the elastic straps break. We want to make sure our hospitals don’t get to that point.
We’re willing to collect any sized donation, large or small. I’ve also connected with a group of Emory students, so we’re able to arrange pick up in Cobb, Fulton and Dekalb Counties.
So far, we’ve collected contact gowns, surgical masks and nitrile gloves. Donations have slowed now that non-essential businesses are closed because I’m not able to reach anyone by phone anymore. We’re really trying to get the website shared on social media so that people know we’re here.
They can contact us through our website, www.ppeforme-atlanta.com. We will arrange a pickup and can get it to the hospital.
— Sarah Pastrana
Tuesday, April 7
Marcos Pizza at 2986 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 100 in Marietta, is giving away free large one topping pizzas to health care workers and first responders now through April 30. Health care workers just need to proved their ID card/badges to get the free pizza.
The restaurant also has drive-thru carry out if guests do not want to come in and keep the social distancing.
For more information, call 678-304-6565.
Acts of Kindness continue to lift spirits in Cobb County as the coronavirus pandemic steers the population further from normality.
For the county’s first responders, who can’t do their job on a laptop at the kitchen table like many people, even a donated meal goes a long way, as shown in a recent public Facebook post by Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services.
“Thank you Cheeseburger Bobby’s in Marietta for taking care of lunch at Stations 16 and 12!,” the county department stated Sunday afternoon, posting photographs of happy firefighters and their supplied food with the hashtags #communitypartners #wewillgetthroughthistogether #greatamericantakeout and #cobbstrong.
These types of goodwill gestures are being reciprocated by Cobb law enforcers, who recently held a special patrol car parade for a young girl on her fourth birthday, having learned her planned party was canceled due to the pandemic and stay-at-home orders.
In a video published to the Cobb County Police Department’s public Facebook page Monday, county officers in four marked patrol vehicles are seen approaching the home of “Piper,” to let her know they decided to bring a COVID-19-appropriate party to her cul-de-sac.
“Cobb County Police learned that a young girl, Piper, had to cancel her 4th birthday due to the recent situation,” the police department’s Facebook post stated. “Sgt. Desvernine, Sgt. Waldorf, FTO Wagnon, Officer Weatherford and Officer Plock did not think that was acceptable. So they decided to give her a special celebration.”
The video, which looks to have been filmed on a cellphone, shows Piper receiving a gift from an officer, who takes care not to touch anyone, and the newly-aged 4-year-old thanking the police from the edge of her driveway.
Within two hours the post had been shared almost 100 times and attracted over 30 public comments, mostly from people commending the Cobb police for their “sweet” and “thoughtful” actions. Some residents shared their children’s upcoming birthdays, hinting they too would like a special parade.
Jennifer Hulsey Willis made the below post recently on the Marietta City Neighborhood Facebook group. Reprinted with permission.
Hello, neighbors! We own Summit Heating and Air and know many of you personally. Our home and business are near the Square. As you know, many of our local elderly homes are having outbreaks inside and it’s truly devastating. There is a state funded home behind our house called Walton Communities that is home to 160 elderly residents. I have been working with them since COVID on supplies and thankfully, there are no cases inside. The residents are at the mercy of food either being delivered by any contact they have because they are not supposed to leave the facility. A lot of them don’t have these relatives that can provide and some have ventured out, which we are trying to stop and bring food to them instead. With the help of our business, community, our church — Highlands Church Marietta, we have been able to drop canned food and snacks off every week. I’d love to cast our nets wider and if you happen to order food and can grab a few more items, I will be collecting and dropping off any items that are non-refrigerated. Once we have a pile, they will be wiped down, boxed and set outside the doors of this home for the maintenance workers to set up in the lobby for distribution to all residents.
To help, residents can direct message Jennifer Hulsey Willis on Facebook for drop off information.
Pictured is Sgt. Ray Figueroa grilling meat for morning watch sergeants.
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The Marietta Police Department recently posted on their Instagram account the following:
WOW! Talk about community! Check this out:
Rio Brazilian Supermarket on Powers Ferry Road donated 20 lbs. of meat for morning watch sergeants to grill for their officers when time permits.
If you have never worked overnights, their schedule (11 p.m. till 7 a.m.) can be challenging, especially now when families are all stuck inside their homes. These officers get home when their families are waking up and then have to try and sleep while everyone else in their home is awake. Their sergeants, knowing this new “normal” is making it even more challenging for their staff, have been quietly buying meat and grilling hot meals for their shifts when time permits.
Always nice to feel appreciated by your boss — right?
Pictured from left are Officer Stacy Fowler, Sgt. Ray Figueroa cooking and Officer Matthew Cole.
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After seeing our social media post last week about our morning watch sergeants purchasing and cooking for their staff, the owner of Rio Supermarket contacted Sgt. Ray Figueroa and donated approximately 20 lbs. of meat! According to the sergeants, this will feed their shift officers for multiple nights!
Sgt. Figueroa sent us a few photos from last night! Officers rotate in between calls to grab a hot fresh home cooked meal. Love this proactive approach sergeants, and the local business owner reaching out wanting to be part of your plan!
The Zone in Marietta is keeping their doors open to people in recovery from substance use disorder to keep us connected to meetings and recovery resources during this pandemic.
A lot of us are struggling right now as other facilities and clubhouses have closed their doors to the public or shut down their meetings. As a result, there is a spike in the number of relapses and overdoses, so it’s really great that someone is still open and helping those in need.
They didn’t stop there, however, they also began hosting virtual and telephone meetings to help keep people connected, but also safely, handing out meals and groceries to people in recovery who are affected by the business shut downs and lay offs. They’ve even delivered groceries to people who couldn’t leave.
For a lot of people in recovery, including the homeless, there aren’t many places to go.
-Anonymous
Monday, April 6
Pictured is Dr. Timeka Cline holding a card given to her from some families from the Bryant/Riverside community.
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Thank you the volunteers at Bryant Elementary School locates in Mableton for volunteering to pass out breakfast and lunch meals at the school on the first day of Official Spring Break. Thank you to principal Dr. Timeka Cline and volunteer Broderick Santiago, pastor of Mosaic Church of Mableton.
-Monica Evette DeLancy
Pictured is Broderick Santiago, pastor of Mosaic Church of Mableton.
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At Mount Paran Christian School, high school students are using their free time to meet their service hour requirements for Beta Club and National Honor Society. Students are submitting “Family Serve” hours, where students perform acts of service for their families.
Pictured is an unidentified Mount Paran Christian High School student meeting their service hour requirements for Beta Club and National Honor Society.
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Such acts range from disassembling an old play set to planting a garden to assisting with household chores, car washing, pet care and grocery shopping. Several students have made “Thank You” cards for the staff at Kennestone Hospital. Other students, as well as a few staff members, have made face masks for senior living centers and hospital facilities.
Pictured is an unidentified Mount Paran Christian High School student meeting their service hour requirements for Beta Club and National Honor Society.
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Other students have recorded themselves reading stories for lower school students. Each year, high school teacher Jenn Fitzpatrick requests that the students in her public speaking class visit lower school classrooms and read children’s books to the elementary-aged students.
Pictured is an unidentified Mount Paran Christian High School student meeting their service hour requirements for Beta Club and National Honor Society.
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When students submit their service hours, they are asked to explain how it allowed them to be “the hands and feet of Christ” to others.
-Amber Irizarry, Communications Content Specialist at Mount Paran Christian School
Pictured is Jennifer McLarty of Marietta.
I am writing to submit a story about a local angel by the name of Jennifer McLarty of Marietta.
Amidst the chaos and confusion in the world due to COVID-19, there are angels amongst us independently administering acts of kindness and selflessness to put smiles on the faces of local high school seniors.
After receiving the news that her senior math class at Walton High School in east Cobb opted to accept their final grades from March 1, Mrs. Mclarty knew she would not see her students again in a class setting.
She also knew her senior class was horribly disappointed that they would not be afforded a senior graduation, prom or any of the senior festivities they all worked so hard for. Although there was nothing she could do about that, she knew she had to do something to put a smile on her senior math class’ face. Something to let them know their hard work was not in vein, she loves them dearly and they will be missed.
Jennifer McLarty of Marietta drove to the homes of each of her Walton High School senior math class students and drew inspirational and congratulatory messages on the ground in colorful chalk.
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Mrs. McLarty drove four hours total to each and every one of her students homes to draw inspirational and congratulatory messages on the ground in colorful chalk. The students witnessed Mrs. McLarty, unexpectedly outside their homes expressing how proud she was of them. Singing her praises to them.
Jennifer McLarty of Marietta drove to the homes of each of her Walton High School senior math class students and drew inspirational and congratulatory messages on the ground in colorful chalk.
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Parents and students watched in tears, appreciating her efforts and the level of love she has for her students to drive to every single home. Thanking her and loving her at six feet of distance.
Jennifer McLarty of Marietta drove to the homes of each of her Walton High School senior math class students and drew inspirational and congratulatory messages on the ground in colorful chalk.
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With the constant reminder of the weight of the world at this time with COVID-19, stories like this remind us that humanity is not lost. And even the smallest acts of kindness can have the biggest impact.
-Andrea Stewart
Friday, April 3
Murph’s, a sports-themed restaurant located at 1 Galleria Parkway in the Cobb Galleria Center, provided 50 meals in total to individuals in the Cobb County Community Services Board’s Mothers Making a Change program.
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Individuals in the Cobb County Community Services Board’s Mothers Making a Change program were recipients of a meal from Murph’s as part of the Operation Meal Plan created by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Cobb Community Foundation and the Center for Family Resources. The goal of the effort is to provide local non-profits and agencies with food to those in need, while helping our Cobb County restaurants keep their workers employed.
The MMAC program is a highly structured, gender-specific, trauma responsive program that offers intensive services to women who have substance use disorders who are pregnant and/or with children. Individuals in the program are empowered to maintain their recovery, resolve legal obligations, obtain/maintain employment, consistently meet familial responsibilities and make referrals for safe, affordable housing. The program works with the Department of Family & Children Services and the courts to safely transition children back into the care of their mothers, as appropriate.
“We greatly appreciate Murph’s providing us a delicious meal through the Cobb Foundation and Cobb Chamber’s program,” said Kamryn Rock, program manager for MMAC. “Our mothers are either receiving food stamps or are in the process of applying for them: every meal helps, and every healthy meal matters.”
Murph’s, a sports-themed restaurant located at 1 Galleria Parkway in the Cobb Galleria Center, provided 50 meals in total. Lunch consisted of turkey sandwiches, fresh fruit and homemade potato chips. Murph’s co-owner Chuck Douglas says he is happy to help out.
“This program also enabled me to employ my chef while delivering a meal for a great cause,” Douglas said.
If you are a restaurant interested in participating, contact Nate Futrell at NFutrell@cobbchamber.org.
Individuals can make donations to pay for the meals through a tax deductible fund through the Cobb Community Foundation.
For non-profits that need food, contact Melanie Kagan with Center for Family Resources at MelanieKagan@thecfr.org.
Cobb Travel & Tourism recently shared the following list of Cobb County “Helpers.”
With reports of shortages and price gouging, Dry County Brewing Company began shifting production from Blueberry Lemonade Vodka over to Dry County brand hand sanitizer. These bottles are being offered free to those in need. This is not about profit. They are doing this to support the community. If you know of high risk individuals or groups that could use a bulk order, contact them directly at info@DryCountyBrewCo.com.
Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre may be closed to the public, but these organizations are still present in the community. They recently donated approximately $4,000 in goods to local food banks. The donation included fresh produce, dairy and bread items.
Cobb Travel & Tourism is reaching out a helping hand to hotel partners. With many Cobb County hotels down to only 10-15 staff members to run the show, CT&T wanted to show them appreciation. By the end of last week, CT&T had fed 263 employees at 25 partner hotels. Individually packaged lunches from Maggiano’s and On The Border Mexican Grill were provided.
Acworth Police Department had a shortage of N95 respirator masks. Freedom Church became aware of the need for masks to keep patrol officers safe after a conversation with Chief Wayne Dennard. On March 20, they presented Chief Dennard with 100 masks for the officers.
Marietta’s School Nutrition and Transportation Departments developed a plan to deliver food to their students at 81 specific stops across 18 different routes throughout the district. A healthy lunch and a snack will be delivered each day until school is back in session. During the first two-week closure, 39,842 meals were served. For more information, visit https://www.marietta-city.org/mealdelivery.
The Marietta Museum of History decided to donate gloves and masks their team normally wears when handling artifacts to the Marietta Police Department, as they are in urgent need. If you would like to help, please contact Tanya Twaddell from the Marietta Police Department at TTwaddellWmariettaga.gov or Tim Milligan from Marietta Fire Department at TMillig2@mariettaga.gov.
In an effort to help the many at-risk students and their families who do not have enough food during the closing of schools due to the coronavirus, MUST Ministries has coordinated a MUST FOOD Rapid Response program. They are distributing food at three pantries and helping every week to distribute meals for Cobb County School District. 3,500 family food boxes were distributed in the first three days. For more information, visti https://www.mustministries.org/must-food-rapid-response.
The Y is working with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to expand food pantries at several branches and offer food distribution to the community. They have developed a childcare program for emergency responders. Working with healthcare partners, the Y will provide childcare for those who don’t have the option to work remotely, including medical professionals and emergency response workers.
Thursday, April 2
Scott Lowden
For the eighth year in a row, Georgia Power and other electric utilities in Georgia are celebrating and thanking utility workers across the state.
Throughout Georgia Power’s 2020 Thank a Lineman initiative, saying “thank you” is quick and easy by signing the digital card at www.GeorgiaPower.com/ThankALineman
Georgians can also celebrate and engage through social media by using and following #ThankALineman and visiting Georgia Power’s Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower, Twitter at @GeorgiaPower and Instagram at @ga_power.
Pictured are Acworth sisters — Lindsay Butts, 17, Lauren Butts, 15, and Logan Butts, 13, who have been hard at work making masks at home to help fill the need created by COVID-19.
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A trio of Acworth sisters aren’t letting social distance keep them from making a difference.
Lindsay Butts, 17, Lauren Butts, 15, and Logan Butts, 13, have been hard at work making masks at home to help fill the need created by COVID-19. The family follows the #millionmaskchallenge on Instagram, sending the finished masks to locations where they are most needed.
Pictured are masks made by Acworth sisters — Lindsay Butts, 17, Lauren Butts, 15, and Logan Butts, 13, to help fill the need created by COVID-19.
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They have partnered locally with the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance as well to make GOCA-inspired masks out of the nonprofit’s branded bandanas. They plan to share the masks with Doug Barron, GOCA’s executive director, to distribute to local ovarian cancer patients and survivors who could benefit from the extra protection.
I am writing about a neighbor who has helped my husband and me long before the coronavirus. I have a bad back and it’s hard for me to shop for groceries. She works for a supermarket nears us. Months ago, she called me and told me that she would be glad to shop for groceries for us if we can’t do it ourselves.
Her husband has some serious health problems himself and she has to be at work at 4:30 in the morning. Even after getting home from work, she has called me and asked me if we needed anything and was willing to go back to the supermarket to get whatever we needed. She also brings us pastry and home-made cakes.
Also, her husband, who is in constant pain, will do anything for us. He cuts our grass and trims our shrubbery. A few years ago, we had a snow storm that caused several trees to fall across our driveway blocking us in. All of a sudden we heard a chain saw in our driveway. He and his wife were cutting up the trees so that we could get out of our driveway. We didn’t even ask them for help; they just saw that we needed help.
We went to a church that had almost 1,000 members and my husband and I did a lot for people who needed help for many years but we have never had one person from our church who has even called us or asked us if we needed help. We have gotten a lot older and both of us have bad backs and we are not able to physically help people anymore.
We are extremely thankful for the neighbors who we have who are willing to help us.
- Naomi Storey, Powder Springs
SJCS students Paige, Avery and Ella thank their sanitation and recycling workers with notes and snacks.
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St. Joseph Catholic School in Marietta took our 67 years of accredited, Blue Ribbon education and converted it to a Home Learning platform in one weekend.
Students still get the strong sense of family and community when they enjoy the recordings of our daily morning announcements. These include the Pledge of Allegiance, our daily prayer, our St. Joseph pledge and the ever popular Joke of the Day.
SJCS student Dylan takes his homemade dog treats to the animal shelter to cheer up the pups.
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Teachers are driving instruction on Google classroom and Google Meet to engage and interact with students. All students, K-8th grade are still receiving instruction in PE, music, art, Spanish and library.
SJCS student Lily helps make lunches at MUST Ministries.
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Community outreach continues with a different “Mission Monday” each week, where we live out our faith.
SJCS fifth grader Lucca conducts his buoyancy science experiment at home.
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Students were encouraged to write letters of encouragement to grandparents, seniors in assisted living communities or even their local mail carrier. They made dog biscuits for the local shelters and donated gently used items to local organizations. Our students continue to give back and think of
others.
- Ann Frazer, Director of Enrollment and Communications at St. Joseph Catholic School
Wednesday, April 1
Chattachoochee Technical College donated food to Cobb County firefighters on Monday. Pictured is the over 200 pounds of food from the Culinary program being loaded up into a college patrol vehicle at the Mountain View Campus.
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Chattahoochee Technical College donated over 200 pounds of food from the college’s Culinary program to Cobb County firefighters on Monday to offer support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Making this delivery on behalf of the college was the Chattahoochee Tech Campus Police Department, under the direction of Tim Hilley, who serves as the college’s Director of Public Safety.
Chattachoochee Technical College donated food to Cobb County firefighters on Monday. Pictured is the delivery of the over 200 pounds of food from the Culinary program at the Mountain View Campus.
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When Hilley was researching where to donate the food, he first contacted the Cobb County Emergency Management Agency. They recommended a local fire station because of restrictions placed on how many times firefighters may leave their stations to get food to cook.
“It just so happens that my son, Michael, is a Captain at Cobb County Fire Station 14, so I called and asked if they would be interested in the donation, and if they would be able to split it up among some of the other fire stations,” said Hilley. “They were very excited about the idea.”
Chattachoochee Technical College donated over 200 pounds of food to the Cobb County firefighters on Monday from the Culinary program at the Mountain View Campus.
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After loading up a Chattahoochee Tech patrol vehicle with the food at the college’s Mountain View Campus, Hilley and Campus Police Lt. Mary Forman delivered the food to Cobb County Fire Station 14. This fire station is located near the Mountain View Campus on the other side of Sandy Plains Road.
“When we arrived at the fire station, they were excited that we were bringing the food,” said Hilley. “But when we opened the truck, they were amazed with the amount of food, and said they would be able to take some to several other fire stations.”
Included among the donated items were several boxes of whole and cut chicken, two large slabs of pork, whole and cut duck, scallops, halibut, barbecue ribs, steaks, cakes, and a whole case of butter, along with many other items.
“It made us feel good to know we were able to help a large group of first responders with these much-needed supplies,” said Hilley, “so they wouldn’t have to go out any more than necessary.”
- Chattahoochee Technical College
Tuesday, March 31
Pictured is Salvation Army Cobb/Douglas Corps Lt. Yamira Valentin delivering meals door-to-door for those in need.
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Salvation Army officers at The Salvation Army of Cobb and Douglas Counties delivered meals to neighbors in need last week.
Because of COVID-19, the Corps suspended all of its onsite food pantry services and instead was delivering meals door-to-door for those in need. The officers who oversee the Cobb/Douglas Corps, Lieutenants Jose and Yamira Valentin, also served meals from their canteen or mobile kitchen.(tncms-asset)e347f4c0-7383-11ea-ad42-6b690f3beb08[57](/tncms-asset)
Pictured is the Salvation Army’s Cobb/Douglas Corps canteen, or mobile kitchen, serving meals to those in need.
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3DPPE, a group of Wheeler High School students, who are 3D printing face shields to donate to local hospitals. They have printed and donated over 300 face shields.
Pictured is an unidentified Marietta Police officer with one of the complimentary meals provided by GC BBQ.
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Last week several Marietta Square Market restaurants partnered together to provide over 100 complimentary meals to local first responders.
Pictured are members of Kennestone Hospital’s ICU staff with some of the complimentary meals provided by several Marietta Square Market restaurants.
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Owners Jason Morgan of Lucky’s Burger and Brew, Robert Owens of GC BBQ and Jerry Momin of Pita Mediterranean Street Food all personally packed meals and aided in delivering them to the Marietta Fire House, Marietta Police Department and the Kennestone Hospital ICU staff.
Pictured are workers at Papa John’s Pizza Store 779/Pine Mountain making the 826 donated pizzas that were distributed by Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Marietta.
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It’s our mission at Saint Joseph Catholic Church to serve and support those in need and we were able to do just that because of the generosity of Papa John’s Pizza Store 779/Pine Mountain.
Pictured are some of the 826 donated pizzas that Papa John’s Pizza Store 779/Pine Mountain made and were distributed by Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Marietta.
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Through the well-orchestrated collaboration of Papa John’s general managers Spencer House and Josh Orfe, director of operations Russ Dewitt, and SDO Chris Stelle, Saint Joseph and the Knights of Columbus Council 4599 were able to handout or deliver 826 donated pizzas. Pizzas were distributed to SJCC Parishioners in need, families in low income housing, MUST Minstries, individuals that may be experiencing homelessness and/or suffering from addiction and children suffering during this time.
Pictured are some of the 826 pizzas made by Papa John’s Pizza Store 779/Pine Mountain and were distributed by Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Marietta.
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Pizzas were also delivered for distribution through the Marietta Sixth Grade Academy Backpack Program and the Sprayberry Community Compassion during COVID-19 group.
It was also a great honor to extend our gratitude through this small token of appreciation to the police officers and fire fighters at Marietta Police Department, Marietta Fire Department and Cobb County Police HQ Precinct 1.
— Kai Fleming, Information Technology & Communications Director, Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Marietta
Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton announced the Support Smyrna initiative on Monday, March 30 in a Positive Announcements message to the Smyrna community with a call to help those in need and Smyrna responded resolutely.
“The call to action resulted in over 150 donations and $7,000 raised in five hours through the www.SupportSmyrna.org website that will provide groceries for Smyrna residents and families in need. We also raised $5,000 for hot meals delivery in a City partnership with Atkins Park and Tillman House. Beginning Friday, 100 meals will be delivered daily for at least the month of April. The generosity is humbling and uplifting. As of 9:30 a.m. (Tuesday), over $10,000 in 175 individual donations and another $1,500 in business donations equaling at least $11,500 has been raised, all in less than a day,” Norton said.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite will have a blood drive on April 2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Auditorium & Administration Lobby. Participants can register at donors.lifesouth.org or show up.
Monday, March 30
Eastside Baptist Church’s Mosaic Church Campus on Austell Road has volunteers sorting and packing food for distribution to those in need in their surrounding community of eastern South Cobb, South Marietta and Fair Oaks.
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Eastside Baptist Church’s Mosaic Church Campus on Austell Road has volunteers sorting and packing food for distribution to those in need in their surrounding community of eastern South Cobb, South Marietta and Fair Oaks.
Eastside Baptist Church’s Mosaic Church Campus on Austell Road has volunteers sorting and packing food for distribution to those in need in their surrounding community of eastern South Cobb, South Marietta and Fair Oaks.
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About 80-90% of Mosaic’s neighbors have been affected by the school closings, which have created a major absence of food for many families.
Under the leadership of Campus Pastor Adrian Coetzer, Eastside’s Mosaic Church has coordinated efforts with Storehouse Ministries, Fair Oaks Elementary, Cobb Family Resources, Eastside’s Lower Roswell Campus and Johnson Ferry Baptist Church to meet these needs.
“Since the onset of the Coronavirus, 900-plus boxes of food have been placed into the hands of our neighbors. We want Mosaic Church to be in the center of life in our community,” Coetzer said. “The Bible tells us to feed those who are hungry so we gladly serve our community during this difficult time.”
Coetzer invites those in need of food to come by the Mosaic Campus on Tuesday or Thursday between 1 and 4 p.m. to receive a food box. Morning pick-up is by appointment only.
Since 1915, Kiwanis has empowered youth to be confident, capable, and compassionate leaders in their communities.
The K-Kids Service Leadership Program at the Marietta Center for Advanced Academics under the direction of faculty advisor John Creger is clearly making a difference to the residents at Walton on Henderson Street. The K-Kids are working on writing letters that will be sent electronically to the community liaison who in turn will share with the residents.
Walton on Henderson Street is the same facility that the MCAA K-Kids students have visited for the past two years during holiday time. There are more details posted in a video on the school website at www.marietta-city.org/Page/2834.
There is also a community service mask sewing project being led by Paula Alexander and her Sunday School class at First United Methodist Church. For more information, contact Alexander at psa2556@gmail.com or 1-850-803-8377.
— Debbie McCracken, president 2019-2020, Kiwanis International-Marietta
Friday, March 27
Records Clerk Dori Askew with her third mask made from a tutorial.
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On March 22, our Records Clerk Dori Askew decided to do her part to help her co-workers.
Dori, who has a passion for the needle and thread, decided she would make masks for the officers of the Acworth Police Department.
As we take on the coronavirus crisis, Dori took to her sewing machine. She knew there was a shortage of masks and wanted to do what she could to help her local law enforcement officers. As she prepared her materials, Dori realized she needed some elastic.
She went out to purchase some elastic and could not find any. Dori being the creative person that she is, saw elastic hair ties. She purchased a few packs
and went home and began sewing with material that she already had at home.
Dori made masks in the dimensions of 12x6 which are about the size of a surgical mask. She also made 6x10 masks that can be worn over the N95 masks if needed.
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Dori has made enough masks for each officer at the Acworth Police Department. We are thankful to have a person of her character as a member of this Blue family.
— Cpl. Youlanda D. McIntosh, Acworth Police Department
Pictured is a worker at The Poke Company in Marietta preparing the 80 bowls delivered to Kennestone Hospital's ER Department.
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The Poke Company, 789 Church Street NE in Marietta, which is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 delivered 80 bowls on Wednesday to the ER Department of Kennestone Hospital.
Pictured are the Shrimp Bowls that The Poke Company in Marietta delivered to Kennestone Hospital's ER Department.
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Instead of throwing away the fresh food they serve, the restaurant decided to give back to the medical staff and the community that has supported them since opening two months ago.
Pictured from left are Maria Campos, Ashia Snipe and Antoinette Croyder of The Poke Company in Marietta that made and delivered 80 bowls to the ER Department at Kennestone Hospital.
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The effort was coordinated by their landlord, Michael Sunshine with BAMM Real Estate, who wanted to throw a lunch and cheer session for the doctors and nurses of the ER.
Pictured is Antoinette Croyder of The Poke Company of Marietta and Renee Button, general manager of McAlister's Deli.
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Renee Button, the general manager of McAlister’s Deli, also donated food.
Pictured is the 150 bags/boxes of food given to families at the apartment buildings in unincorporated Austell.
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Thank you to Grandview 7th Day Adventist Church and Destiny World Church for hosting the mobile food pantry at the Thrive Resource Center in Kingsley Village Apartments and Azure Apartments located on Riverside Parkway located in unincorporated Austell. There were a combined 150 bags/boxes given to families.
A special thank you to Marcia Fisher of Grandview 7th Day Adventist Church; Yolonda Walker of Destiny World Church; DeBorah Johnson of the Austell Community Taskforce; Cynthia Johnson of We are 1; and site coordinator Monica Evette DeLancy of Thrive Resource Center.
Grandview 7th Day Adventist Church, 750 Lansky Werber Road SW in Austell, will also do a food distribution at their church on Sunday from 2:30 to 5 p.m. or until supplies run out.
— Thrive Resource Center
While employees from Georgia Power in metro Atlanta have been unable to complete hands-on volunteer projects due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are supporting their neighbors by providing monetary donations to the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s COVID-19 Fund.
The donations will be used to provide meals to help those families struggling to put food on the table due to the closing of schools and businesses. To date, the employees have raised over $3,300.
Citizens of Georgia Power is the employee volunteer arm of Georgia Power Company with 42 chapters statewide and over 3,400 members, consisting of employees and spouses.
Thursday, March 26
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Marietta City Councilman Johnny Walker and two close friends, Mark Mozley and Hal Vaughn, are going to kick off the “MUST Ministries Food-Raiser Challenge” Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. at the MUST Donation Center, 1280 Field Parkway in Marietta.
Marietta-based MUST Ministries is in desperate need of food supplies for at-risk students and families who don’t have enough food due to the school closings because of the COVID-19 virus. The challenge is for people tagged on Facebook to donate a box of food or $35 and tag others.
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is offering hunger relief to Cobb County families amid school closures during the coronavirus outbreak through two targeted programs.
The Northeast Cobb Y is a delivery site for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Every Wednesday, 10 pallets of food ordered by Marietta City Schools is delivered to the Y branch and volunteers make 250 bags. Marietta Schools then picks up these bags on Monday and Tuesday to deliver to school district families with their lunch.
Cobb YMCAs are also taking the donations that Mt. Paran North Church receives along with online donations through Amazon Smile and putting together food bags to deliver to nearby hotels and apartment complexes in Cobb County that are not being served. Locations include Green Roof Inn, Superior Creek Lodge, Woodlands of Kennesaw, InTown KSU and InTown Marietta.
Wednesday, March 25
NW Metro Atlanta Habitat for Humanity found a pallet of more than 1,000 N95 masks in their warehouse and have donated them to the Cobb & Douglas Public Health to help with their shortages.
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Starbucks announced that they will be giving free tall brewed coffee, hot or iced, to first responders and healthcare workers from now until May 3. Customers should check with their location to see if they are participating in the offer.
Georgia Natural Gas Foundation has committed $25,000 to Meals on Wheels Atlanta to support COVID-19 relief efforts. Meals on Wheels Atlanta is a nonprofit organization working to deliver food to home bound and low-income seniors in Fulton County.
Shelly Owens, a very creative and caring neighbor in the Oakton subdivision, is organizing a “Flatten the Curve” parade, scheduled for Thursday to begin at 6 p.m. at Kennesaw Avenue and run throughout the subdivision. Participants spent last weekend decorating their cars. They will stay enclosed in their cars with immediate family members with six feet distance between each car and wave to those of us who will be waving either from inside our houses or our front yards.
Jessica Burnette has stocked the Little Free library at Depot Park in Kennesaw with food for neighbors in need. She asked that residents take what they need and help keep it stocked.
Tuesday, March 24
Mojave, 6450 Powers Ferry Road NW in the Cumberland area, announced that they have established a GoFundMe page to support the restaurant’s staff during the closure of restaurant.
The restaurant is asking the public to make donations to www.gofundme.com/f/the-mojave-employee-relief-fund so that the employees may have a little more peace of mind during this extremely uncertain time.
I wanted to share an act of kindness that happened to me today by a complete stranger.
Today I went to the post office by Marietta Square to mail some packages. While I was there, I dropped my license and didn’t realize until I was already at home.
I frantically turned around and raced back to the post office to see if they had it. Unfortunately, when I got there no one had seen it.
Since the DMV is closed, I started thinking the worst. How long would I be without my license? However, it just so happened that an older man found my license at the post office. While I was there searching for it, he drove to my house to personally deliver it to me.
Of course, I didn’t know about it until I returned home. But once my family told me, I felt a huge amount of relief and gratitude for this stranger that took the time out of his day to return my license to me.
We didn’t get his name, but I’m very thankful for him!
— Annie Martin
Pictured from left are Pat Smith, East Cobb Quilters’ Guild Community Service Committee; Kristie Naylor, Volunteer Services Coordinator, Cobb County Senior Services; and Lynda Bussolar, East Cobb Quilters’ Guild Community Service Committee member when guild delivered donated placemats at Cobb Senior Services.
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The East Cobb Quilters’ Guild, formed in 1982 and made up of over 250 quilters across the metro area, has a long history of community service.
Members give freely of their time and energy to create quilts and other items for donation to area charities, including Meals on Wheels. This past year, the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild donated 597 placemats to Meals on Wheels.
March for Meals on Wheels in a nationwide month-long celebration of the program and the millions of seniors who rely on the meals, visits and safety checks to remain independent at home. Hundreds of older adults and disabled individuals are served by the Cobb County Meals on Wheels Program, which is staffed by volunteer drivers.
Monday, March 23
The Powder Springs Community Task Force, Tapp Middle School and the Powder Springs First United Methodist Church have partnered to ease the challenge of getting a nutritious daily lunch for children during the school closures. Last week 630 lunches were distributed. This week they are looking to increase the number served.
Lunches are distribute daily from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Friday at Tapp Middle School, 3900 Macedonia Road in Powder Springs; and Powder Springs FUMC, 4329 Marietta Street in Powder Springs.
The public can help by dropping off items or a financial donation to the church from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Friday.
For more information, contact Elliott Hennington at 678-438-2461 or Shannon Alexander at 404-402-1322.
I’m so proud of the Church I go to, First Christian Church of Mableton on Old Alabama. One of our members fixed 67 plates of different foods, along with a friend of the church made donations of toys, and goody bags that were made up. Several members went to a couple of apartment complexes in Mableton and fed families a meal. They plan on doing this every Thursday at 5:30 until the food is gone or this virus is under control. Thank you so much for stepping out and being the church in the neighborhood.
— Gail Naylor
I wanted to pass along the story of Kennesaw resident, Michelle Davis, who along with her daughter, Maddie, turned what unfortunately became a cancelled birthday celebration, into an act of kindness.
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Maddie and her friend, Jules, were supposed to have a birthday sleepover, to celebrate her best friend’s 11th birthday. However, the festivities were canceled due to “safer at home” and social distancing practices. Sure, Maddie was upset because she was missing out on this sleepover, but she was sadder for Jules, whose birthday would come and go this year without any fanfare. As such, she and her mom took it upon themselves to make a fun crafty kit and do what they could to bring a smile to Jules’ face, letting her know the milestone was not going to go unnoticed.
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Using her Cricut machine, Maddie and her mom were able to make a pillowcase and shirt that could be colored in, two canvases and a personalized picture frame to decorate. Maddie also wrote a note to be included in the care package — Happy birthday. I know that having your party canceled sucks, but you now have some very entertaining crafts.
— Julie Merlin
Saturday, March 21
I was shopping at my local grocery store. Having heard that MUST Ministries was in need, I bought items to deliver to the shelter. I asked the cashier to bag separately the items for the shelter, separate from other items. A very nice lady in front of me overheard my request. She went over to customer service and came back and gave me cash for my purchase. I told her that wasn’t necessary, but she insisted she wanted to help. I told her that I would use the amount she gave for another shopping trip for a food pantry. People want to help!
— Sharon Rhodes
In order to drink her 60 ounces of water a day, my wife, Roselle, keeps a gallon of spring water on the kitchen counter to remind her. Yesterday, I was checking out at the store. I had 3 one-gallon jugs of spring water on the belt. The cashier told me that I could only buy one gallon.
While I was putting up a mild argument, a man behind me said: “Give me one, I’ll buy it.” Then a woman behind him said: “Give me the other one, I’ll buy it.”
While putting my other groceries in my car, both of them found me and gave me the water. Neither would let me pay them. There are nice and caring people out there, proving that “we’re all in this together.”
-Glenn Simmonds of Powder Springs
My wife and I are both very senior: 92 and 86 and married for over 62 years. Yesterday, my neighbor, Michael Syrup rang our doorbell and stated, his wife Nancy, (a candidate for Clerk of Superior Court) was at the grocery store and wanted to know if she could get anything for us. I already had a list made out to call in next week for delivery. Michael took a picture of the list and sent it to Nancy’s phone. A few minutes later she arrived and delivered all of the items to the curb for us. Nancy has done this several times in the past during snow and ice storms. Who could have more thoughtful, kind and considerate neighbors?
— Wayne Graves
Friday, March 20
Local attorney Matt Flournoy makes this suggestion to help restaurants suffering through this pandemic. Purchase gift certificates from your favorite haunts now and cash in the certificates post-pandemic. This will bolster the entrepreneurs with a bit of cash flow now when they need it most.
Yesterday, I went out for my mail and a couple walking their dog asked me if I was OK. I told them yes, I drive and I was okay for now. I am a senior and appreciate their offer that if I needed anything to call them. Thanks Felice and John for being such helping and friendly neighbors.
— Carol Huff
I have a sweet story if y’all need one. Jenny Burklow sent out an email yesterday about a thing she had seen on one of her websites about putting rainbows in the windows since the children in the neighborhood can’t play with each other when they go on their walks. Now almost every house on Freyer has at least one rainbow in their window.
— Trapp Tischner
On Thursday, the Smyrna Business Association announced to members on Facebook two items:
Campbell High School is trying to collect laptops for 18-20 English Language Learning Students that don’t have access to digital learning. If you have any resources or contacts that can help, contact Denisse Romero at rocio.romero@cobbk12.org.
MUST Ministries partner The Tillman House, 940 Concord Road SE in Smyrna, has run out of food for needy Smyrna families. Donate online at www.mustministries.org or in person from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
Looking for ways to volunteer and help keep food available to our community members? Here are three things you can do:
1. Prepare a box of nonperishable food that will keep a family of four supplied for a week for MUST Ministries. Drop off at MUST’s Distribution Center, 1280 Field Parkway in Marietta, between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.mustministries.org/must-food-rapid-response.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.