Old St. Nick dropped by the Ron Anderson Recreation Center on Dec. 18 to deliver toys and bikes to his helpers at the Powder Springs Community Taskforce.
From District 4 Cobb County Commissioner Monique Sheffield's newsletter/Special
Powder Springs resident and candidate for Superior Court Judge of Cobb County, Taneesha Marshall recently hosted her annual Christmas for Cobb’s Kids event along with Judge Robert E. Flournoy III, Santa and his helper.
From District 4 Cobb County Commissioner Monique Sheffield’s newsletter/Special
Group photo of the volunteers from Pebblebrook High School, the Lions Club and First Christian Church of Mableton at Sweetwater Mission’s food distribution event.
From left are Kelly Loftin, Piedmont Healthcare Foundation executive director; Josh Roberts, chief operating officer of Piedmont Atlanta Hospital; Sam Opdenbosch; and Patrick M. Battey, M.D., chief executive officer of Piedmont Atlanta Hospital.
Hillgrove High School is one of 24 schools the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta donated period products to this year. JLCM Gives Committee Member Patra Card delivered period products to Hillgrove.
Monica DeLancy and MUST Ministries volunteers Andrea and Erin.
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Thank you to MUST Ministries for bringing the mobile food pantry to the Thrive Resource Center located at Kingsley Village Apartments in the Riverside community. Families received fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and eggs and cheese.
The MUST Ministries mobile food pantry will come to the Thrive Resource Center on the first Wednesday of the month for the next six months from 1 to 3 p.m.
-Monica DeLancy
Hillgrove High School is one of 24 schools the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta donated period products to this year. JLCM Gives Committee Member Patra Card delivered period products to Hillgrove.
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Did you know that 1 in 4 people struggle to purchase period products due to lack of income. This is called period poverty, and chances are you know someone who has experienced it — a neighbor, co-worker, classmate or friend.
The Junior League of Cobb-Marietta strives to help end period poverty for women and girls in Cobb County. This year, JLCM held its fourth annual Period Product Campaign to collect period products and donations in support of the cause. JLCM collected more than 50,000 products and raised just over $2,200 to purchase period products thanks to donors across Cobb County and the U.S.
“It’s not just residents here in Cobb who are supporting this need,” said Ariel Starke, Chair of JLCM Gives, which organizes the annual fundraiser. “We receive product and monetary donations from people all across the U.S., which is amazing. They are wanting to support women and girls here just as much as you and me here locally. People across the country recognize how much these products are needed, whether it’s in their own backyards or all the way over here in Georgia.”
A majority of period products are donated to schools in the Cobb County and Marietta City school districts. This year, JLCM was able to donate to 24 schools. Additional products are donated to community partners, such as pantries and shelters.
JLCM also set up collection boxes at five businesses in Cobb County, including Tactical Martial Arts, CycleBar East Cobb, Java Cats, Honeysuckle Bakery and Apotheos Roastery.
“We truly couldn’t have done this without our period product campaign partners,” Starke said. “Their members and customers did an incredible job this year of helping us reach for our campaign goal.”
Most of the 12 million women ages 12 to 52 who live below the poverty line in the U.S. don’t have access to period products. The cost of these products is not included in health insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts and public benefits programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Women, Infants and Children; and Medicaid cannot be used to purchase period products. The Alliance for Period Supplies estimates that
only 4% of women are aware of a local resource where free or reduced cost period supplies are available.
To learn more about the JLCM Period Product Campaign or make a donation, visit jlcm.org.
NCCS middle school students pack up donations for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta family pantries.
Caroline Clark/Special
NCCS middle school students pack up donations for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta family pantries.
Caroline Clark/Special
NCCS middle school students pack up donations for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta family pantries.
Caroline Clark/Special
NCCS middle school students pack up donations for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta family pantries.
Caroline Clark/Special
NCCS middle school students pack up donations for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta family pantries.
Caroline Clark/Special
NCCS middle school students pack up donations for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta family pantries.
Caroline Clark/Special
NCCS middle school students pack up donations for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta family pantries.
Caroline Clark/Special
NCCS middle school students pack up donations for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta family pantries.
Caroline Clark/Special
NCCS middle school students pack up donations for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta family pantries.
Caroline Clark/Special
NCCS middle school students pack up donations for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta family pantries.
Caroline Clark/Special
NCCS middle school students pack up donations for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta family pantries.
Caroline Clark/Special
Every year, North Cobb Christian School hosts the “Great Kindness Challenge,” a weeklong focus on kindness, during which students are encouraged to go above and beyond to prioritize the needs and feelings of others.
This year during the challenge, NCCS reached out to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and discovered that the family pantry at the Sibley Heart Center was in need of restocking. The pantry provides snacks and drinks to families whose children are undergoing heart procedures.
“One in 110 babies is born with a congenital heart defect, so this opportunity allowed our students to meet a real need for patients and families in our community,” said Emily Siller, upper school counselor at NCCS.
For one week at the end of January, which aligned with NCCS’ kindness challenge, students were encouraged to bring in donations from the list of items requested by CHOA, including bottled drinks, Keurig cups, microwavable meals and individual snacks. Students from preschool through 12th grade overflowed the school’s designated collection points. To add personal encouragement, students in K3 through fourth grade made cards for all the young patients in the cardiac unit. Then, NCCS middle school students in the school’s Service Club spent a Friday afternoon boxing and organizing all the supplies. On Feb. 1, high school Beta Club students arrived at school early to load the donations into vehicles.
The real reward came, however, when the supplies were delivered to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Not only did the donations completely fill the Sibley Heart Center pantry, but they also filled other pantries at CHOA, including the transplant unit, and there were still items left to contribute to the Ronald McDonald House pantry where families stay while their children are in surgery. Siller, who helped deliver the supplies, said, “When the employees at CHOA asked how long it took us to collect so much, they were blown away that our community brought in that many items in just one week. I was proud of our students for rallying together to meet this need in our community.”
Tuesday, Feb. 1
We Thrive On Riverside Renters Association resident leaders in the community.
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We Thrive On Riverside Renters Association resident leaders in the community.
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Congratulations to the resident leaders who completed a two-month resident leader boot camp with We Thrive on Riverside Renters Association. The resident leaders learned about planning resident activities, being involved in the community and connecting with neighbors. To learn more about being a resident leader, contact www.wethriverenters.com.
-Monica DeLancy
Monday, Jan. 31
Sweetwater Mission held a Jan. 28 Meals On A Mission event at The Waverly Mobile Home Park.
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Claudia greeting guests at Sweetwater Mission's Jan. 28 Meals On A Mission at The Waverly Mobile Home Park.
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Neal and Terri loading cars at Sweetwater Mission's Jan. 28 Meals On A Mission at The Waverly Mobile Home Park.
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Sweetwater Mission hosted the Jan. 28 Meals On A Mission at The Waverly Mobile Home Park whereby 133 families were treated to dry/canned groceries, Post Cereal and Kenny's Key Lime Pies. volunteers from Cumberland Christian Church and the South Cobb Lions Club had a great time as we served our neighbors. Sweetwater Mission is always in need of volunteers. For more information, visit www.sweetwatermission.org.
Jeff Padgett at Shady Grove Nextdoor.com Group litter clean-up on Jan. 29.
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Barry Krebs at Shady Grove Nextdoor.com Group litter clean-up on Jan. 29.
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We had some dedicated Friends Of Mableton and Lions Club volunteers show up to remove 14 bags of litter on Jan. 29 from Old Alabama Road in Austell. It was not that cold if you stay in motion. The area looks much nicer now.
Those interested in adopting a mile, contact Dawn at keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.org. She will get you everything that you need to keep your mile clean.
-Barry Krebs
Friday, Jan. 28
Volunteers A.D. and Barry Smith at The First Christian Church of Mableton’s Jan. 27 Meals On A Mission event.
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Volunteers Fortunia and Steve loading cars at The First Christian Church of Mableton’s Jan. 27 Meals On A Mission event.
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Group photo of volunteers at The First Christian Church of Mableton's Jan. 27 Meals On A Mission event.
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Volunteer Jailene greeting guests at The First Christian Church of Mableton's Jan. 27 Meals On A Mission event.
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The First Christian Church Of Mableton hosted the Jan. 27 Meals On A Mission whereby we served 143 families with dry/canned groceries, Post Cereal and Kenny's Key Lime Pies compliments of Sweetwater Mission. Volunteers from Pebblebrook High School and the South Cobb Lions Club received words of inspiration from Executive Minister Barry Smith on "Steps To Serving Others Well." Care for others, even though it costs you something. There is a world of needs in our own community. Intentionally set aside time each week to help someone in need on a personal level. We took those words to heart as we served our neighbors.
-Barry Krebs
Monica DeLancy, left, giving a family an apple filled with treats at the Kingsley Village bus stop.
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Students smiling after a great day at school.
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Community stake holder Barry Krebs sending 100 days of school greetings.
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Pastor Barry Smith sending 100 days of school greetings.
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Congratulations to all students and families for reaching 100 days of school this school year. We Thrive on Riverside Renters Association was out in the community visiting with families at the school bus stops and at the First Christian Church of Mableton drive through food pantry passing out treats and family engagement tips.’ The past two school years have been a challenge for our schools families and students and having supportive community partnerships keeps us thriving.
-Monica DeLancy
Monday, Jan. 24
Food for almost 1,000 people was distributed on Jan. 19 in the first drive-through food pantry event of 2022 at South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road in Mableton. Find more Drive-Thru Food Pantry dates by visiting https://www.cobbcounty.org/library/events/drive-thru-food-pantry.
Need help locating a food pantry near you or assistance with securing food, healthcare, childcare or other necessities? Text 'FINDFOOD' (COMIDA for Spanish) to 888-976-2232 or find a food pantry near you at www.acfb.org/get-help.
Barry Smith greeting guests at the Jan. 20 Meals On A Mission event.
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Group picture of the volunteers at the Jan. 20 Meals On A Mission event.
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The First Christian Church Of Mableton hosted the Jan. 20 Meals On A Mission whereby 118 families were provided with dry/canned groceries, Post Cereal and Kenny's Key Lime Pies furnished by Sweetwater Mission. We appreciate the volunteers from Pebblebrook High School and Linked Up Church who pitched in to help. Executive Minister Barry Smith has been giving us tips to better serve our neighbors. This week, he encouraged us to take time to listen. Taking time to listen to our neighbors, memorizing their names and praying with and for them helps us dignify those whom we serve.
Volunteers Michelle, Jermaine and Renae at First Christian Church of Mableton’s first adopt-a-mile clean-up of 2022 on Jan. 22.
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Volunteers Michelle, Jermaine, Jeff, Kim, Ray, and Barry at First Christian Church of Mableton’s first adopt-a-mile clean-up of 2022 on Jan. 22.
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The First Christian Church of Mableton conducted on Jan. 22 their first adopt-a-mile clean-up of 2022. We appreciate volunteers from the South Cobb Lions Club and Mableton Improvement Coalition for pitching in to remove 26 bags of litter. We had lots of fun and did not let the cold bother us.
If you or your church is interested in the Adopt-A-Mile program, please contact Dawn at keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.org. She will provide you with all of the supplies that you need to keep your mile clean. It is a nice feeling to drive to church on a litter free road.
Volunteer Nelson the Cereal Man at the Jan. 21 Sweetwater Mission Meals On A Mission food distribution.
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Volunteer Debbie loads a car at the Jan. 21 Sweetwater Mission Meals On A Mission food distribution.
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On Jan. 21, Sweetwater Mission conducted their Friday Meals On A Mission food distribution at The Waverly Mobile Home Park and later at the Extended Stay. They provided dry/canned groceries, Post Cereal and Kenny's Key Lime Pie to 112 families who drove through. It was fun serving our neighbors. Sweetwater Mission is always in need of volunteers. Please visit https://www.sweetwatermission.org/ to learn more.
-Barry Krebs
Friday, Jan. 21
Thank you to all who participated in the Betty White Challenge on Jan. 17. A total of $3,000 was donated, which will provide much needed food, supplies, and care for the animals in the Cobb Animal Services shelter.
Actress, animal lover, and animal advocate, Betty White, would have turned 100-years old on Jan. 17. Her death on New Year’s Eve has sparked a challenge to donate to animal shelters on her birthday.
Even though the date has passed, it is not too late to make a donation or to volunteer. Help is always needed and appreciated.
Cobb Animal Services is also running a Big Love Adoption Special. Participants can get their forever friend, that weighs 40 pounds or more, for only $20. That is more than 82% off the regular price for the next few weeks. The special ends Feb. 14.
Life University recently donated 50 school desks to benefit Family Connection and Communities in Schools of Glascock County with assistance from the Communities in Schools of Georgia and The Home Depot.
Life U Executive Director of Development Angela Getter coordinated with CISGA Board Member Arlethia Perry-Johnson and State Director, President and CEO of CISGA Carol Lewis to rehome these vital resources. Life U became a financial supporter of CISGA in 2021, so this donation is yet another extension of that commitment.
CISGA serves as a statewide drop-out prevention organization working in schools and beyond. CISGA accepted the donation of 50 desks and reached out to a local partner that would most benefit from them. Thus the desks found their home at FCCIS-GC Inc., headed by Executive Director Wanda Davis.
-From District 3 Cobb County Commissioner Joann K. Birrell's newsletter
Tuesday, Jan. 18
Group photo of South Cobb Lions Club on MLK Jr. Day litter clean-up.
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The South Cobb Lions Club honored the MLK Jr. Day Of Service by braving the cold weather and cleaning up 33 bags of litter from Hillcrest Drive, Whispering Pines Road and their adopted Lions Club Drive. We had lots of fun and the cold was not a big problem because the work kept us warm. Those areas look much better now and it was a great way to celebrate the MLK Jr. Holiday.
If you are interested in the adopt-a-mile program, please reach out to Dawn at keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.org. She will take you through the simple process and supply you with everything that you need.
-Barry Krebs
We Thrive on Riverside Renters Association volunteers preparing for community clean-up.
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We Thrive on Riverside Renters Association volunteers with their certificates. Monica DeLancy is in the center.
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We Thrive on Riverside Renters Association volunteers Janell and her son standing by the Riverside community Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. banner.
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We Thrive on Riverside Renters Association observed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday with a weekend of action events. Jan. 14, volunteers kicked off renters advocacy with a movie night at the Thrive Resource Center at Kingsley Village Apartments in Austell. Jan. 15, was a packed day of action volunteers were able to participate in thriving and healthy workshop, life after high school planning workshop, a community clean up and a family game night. Over 220 volunteer hours were earned by the volunteers. Jan. 17 was a day of reflection as volunteers supported the Cobb NAACP Dr. MLK program. We Thrive on Riverside Renters Association hosted a resource connection zoom night that evening as we shared resources. Thank you to volunteers and community partners for participation with We Thrive on Riverside Renters Association's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend of action
- Monica DeLancy
Monday, Jan. 17
From left are Kelly Loftin, Piedmont Healthcare Foundation executive director; Josh Roberts, chief operating officer of Piedmont Atlanta Hospital; Sam Opdenbosch; and Patrick M. Battey, M.D., chief executive officer of Piedmont Atlanta Hospital.
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Marietta resident Sam Opdenbosch, owner of Sam’s Cookie Company, thought she had just missed her chance to compete in an episode of the “Christmas Cookie Challenge” on the Food Network, when she was named an alternate. But one morning in April 2021, she got the call: a baker was sick and she needed to drive from Georgia to Tennessee for filming with Ree Drummond and Eddie Jackson the next day, starting at 7 a.m.
The furniture salesperson by day and cookie entrepreneur by night got in her car.
Opdenbosch ended up winning the competition – with its $10,000 prize. The successful cookies were a lemon llama and polar bear, followed by a 3-D snowman sugar cookie with chocolate espresso blackberry cookie arms and snowflakes. The episode featuring Opdenbosch, “Reindeer Auditions,” aired on Dec. 23.
Opdenbosch said she felt so lucky to participate and win that she decided to donate the prize money. She selected as beneficiaries a staff support fund at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital as well as Angels Among Us Pet Rescue and Furkids Animal Rescue & Shelters.
“I felt like it was just serendipity that I was able to be on the show. And then just considering what’s been going on with COVID, I just felt like it was the right thing to do,” Opdenbosch said. “The healthcare industry is being taxed beyond what anybody ever anticipated and so the opportunity to give
back is just so overwhelming.”
The Piedmont staff support fund pays for initiatives that help raise employee morale, like staff celebrations, daycare expenses and mental and emotional support services.
“Being able to donate the winnings to incredible organizations like these has made this one of the most memorable moments of my life," Opdenbosch said.
Opdenbosch founded Sam’s Cookie Company in 2018, after years of requests for her cookies from furniture clients. She takes limited orders for cookies and, for clients who have their own 3-D printer, requests for digital files to create custom cookie cutters. She also offers a subscription to her cookie-related tutorials.
Group photo with Cobb County School volunteers at the Jan. 14 Meals On A Mission event.
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Cobb County Schools social workers Kimberly and Mandy at the Jan. 14 Meals On A Mission event.
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Cobb County Schools social worker Xenia loading pies at the Jan. 14 Meals On A Mission event.
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Cobb County Schools social worker Mr. Pierre loading cereal at the Jan. 14 Meals On A Mission event.
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Sweetwater Mission hosted the Jan. 14 Meals On A Mission event at The Waverly Mobile Home Park. With the help of the Cobb County School Social workers and counselors, Cumberland Christian Church and the Lions Club, we were able to provide dry/canned groceries, Post Cereal, frozen turkeys and Kenny's Key Lime Pies to 167 families in need. We had a lot of fun as we served our neighbors.
Volunteers at the Friends of Mableton Litter Clean-Up of Queen Mill Road on Jan. 15.
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Volunteers Yaran and Dreese at the Friends of Mableton Litter Clean-Up of Queen Mill Road on Jan. 15.
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Volunteer Jeff with bags at the Friends of Mableton Litter Clean-Up of Queen Mill Road on Jan. 15.
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The South Cobb Lions Club assisted the Friends Of Mableton on their Jan. 15 litter clean-up of their adopted Queen Mill Road. Together, we were able to remove 23 bags of litter and then did a quick clean-up of Ivey Road removing five bags of litter. We had fun and got some good exercise as we improved the appearance of our community. If you are interested in the adopt-a-mile program, contact Dawn at keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.org and she will set you up with everything that you need.
Group photo of volunteers at We Thrive In Riverside MLK Jr. Weekend of Action Litter Clean-Up.
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Volunteers with the Martin Luther King Jr. sign at We Thrive In Riverside MLK Jr. Weekend of Action Litter Clean-Up.
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Volunteers in action at We Thrive In Riverside MLK Jr. Weekend of Action Litter Clean-Up.
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Thank you to Monica DeLancy for inviting the South Cobb Lions Club to assist with their We Thrive In Riverside MLK Jr. Weekend Of Action Litter Clean-Up whereby we removed 20 bags of litter from the lower part of Riverside Pkwy. We also reported potholes and other road problems to Cobb DOT via the SeeClickFix App. We had lots of fun and the area looks much better now.
-Barry Krebs
Friday, Jan. 15
Group photo of the volunteers from Pebblebrook High School, the Lions Club and First Christian Church of Mableton at Sweetwater Mission’s food distribution event.
First Christian Church of Mableton's Executive Minister Barry Smith with words of encouragement at Sweetwater Mission's food distribution event.
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Volunteer Lucia delivering pies at Sweetwater Mission's food distribution event.
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Volunteer Foronda gathering pies at Sweetwater Mission's food distribution event.
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Volunteers including Pebblebrook High School students and the Lions Club had a great time at the First Christian Church of Mableton providing 123 families with dry/canned groceries, Post Cereal, frozen turkeys and Kenny's Key Lime Pies that were supplied by Sweetwater Mission. Executive Minister Barry Smith challenged the volunteers to use the example that Jesus exhibited to be humble and dignify the people that we serve. While the volunteers try to be as friendly as possible, there is always room for improvement.
- Barry Krebs
Wednesday, Jan. 12
Acworth United Methodist Church has operated a food pantry every Tuesday for many years. Before COVID it was a small group of closely knit mostly senior volunteers serving about 30 families per week. Everything drastically changed very suddenly at the onset of COVID. Within a matter of a few weeks the needs of the community went from the 30 families a week to over 300 per week and at its peak over 400.
Obviously to meet those needs the operation needed to change on the fly. The pantry needed more food, more space and many more volunteers in a hurry. Amazingly it happened. With the partnership of the Atlanta Community Food Bank for food the church was able to convert the operation into a drive through pantry, move everything to a different larger building of the church, purchase freezers, refrigerators, carts, pallet jack and recruited many volunteers. With lots of hard work everything worked out. In 2020, the pantry served 654,836 pounds of food, 34,990 people, 8,739 homes. Pre-COVID January was 7,613 pounds of food and in December it was 94,978 pounds. What seemed impossible at the time happened. Mid 2021, the church was proud to announce the distribution of over one million pounds of food since the onset of COVID.
Fortunately, the need has lessened to an extent. Currently the church is serving 180 families a week. It operates every Tuesday from noon to 4 p.m. or until the food runs out.
MUST Ministries mobile food pantry hosted their mobile site at Kingsley Village Apartments in the Riverside/Austell community on Jan. 5.
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Thank you to MUST Ministries mobile food pantry for hosting their mobile site at Kingsley Village Apartments in the Riverside/Austell community. On Jan. 5, families were able to receive fresh fruit and vegetables and a food box with rice, beans and pasta. The mobile site was in partnership with We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association.
-Monica DeLancy
Monday, Jan. 10
The Lassiter High School ROTC litter clean up team on Jan. 8 at Shallowford Road in Marietta.
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The Lassiter High School ROTC braved the cold on the morning of Jan. 8 to clean-up litter from their adopted Shallowford Road in Marietta. They had fun as they improved our community.
Volunteers from South Cobb Lions Club and Friends of Mableton cleaning up litter from the Padgett Landmon Adopt-A-Mile on Clay Road.
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The South Cobb Lions Club joined with Friends Of Mableton volunteers to remove 21 bags of litter from the Padgett Landmon Adopt-A-Mile on Clay Road. Even with the frigid weather, we had fun during our first litter clean-up of 2022.
If you or your organization is interested in the Adopt-A-Mile program, please contact Dawn at keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.org. She can fill you in on all of the details and supply you with all of the tools that you will need to keep your mile looking good.
Hillgrove High School’s Navy JROTC volunteering at the Dallas Highway Home Depot for Keep Cobb Beautiful’s Jan. 8 Bring One For The Chipper event.
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Volunteer Diego at the East West Connector Home Depot for Keep Cobb Beautiful’s Jan. 8 Bring One For The Chipper event.
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Marietta Rotary Club unloading a tree at the Roswell Road Home Depot for Keep Cobb Beautiful's Jan. 8 Bring One For The Chipper event.
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Metro Marietta Rotary Club volunteering at the Roswell Road Home Depot for Keep Cobb Beautiful’s Jan. 8 Bring One For The Chipper event.
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Boy Scout Troop No. 795 and volunteer Barry at the Sandy Plains Road Home Depot for Keep Cobb Beautiful's Jan. 8 Bring One For The Chipper event.
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Keep Cobb Beautiful sponsored the Jan. 8 Bring One For The Chipper event whereby designated Home Depot and Cobb County Parks accepted Christmas Trees. These trees will be chipped up into fine mulch which will be used for gardening and agriculture. Volunteers such as the Hillgrove High School Navy JROTC, Boy Scout Troop No. 795, Lassiter High School Key Club, Lions Club and Metro Marietta Rotary Club gave their time to unload trees and assist in getting them ready for recycling. Keep Cobb Beautiful provided Dogwood Tree saplings as a way to say "thank you" to our neighbors who delivered their Christmas Trees. The goal was to recycle over 5,000 Christmas trees.
-Barry Krebs
Friday, Jan. 7
Group photo of First Christian Church of Mableton and Sweetwater Mission volunteers at the Jan. 6 Meals on a Mission event.
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Produce bagging by new volunteers at the Jan. 6 Meals on a Mission event.
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Fortunately for the volunteers, the rain and cold held off long enough for us to serve 152 families with dry/canned groceries, frozen meat, fresh produce, Post Cereal and Kenny's Pies on Jan. 6. Hosted by the First Christian Church of Mableton and supplied by Sweetwater Mission, volunteers were happy to see each other and our neighbors after the holiday break. We took to heart Executive Minister Barry Smith's words of encouragement with a passage from Isaiah 43:18 - "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old." Referring to a bright and exciting new year.
-Barry Krebs
Wednesday, Jan. 5
A collage of photos from Cobb Collaborative's 21 in 2021 Little Free Libraries.
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As the local point of contact for the Get Georgia Reading Campaign, the Cobb Collaborative works to improve 3rd grade reading levels in Cobb County. Data reveals that children who read proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely to graduate from high school—paving the way to higher education, better employment opportunities and improved health outcomes. Driven by the motivation of increasing access to books to improve reading
achievement, the Collaborative set a goal of installing 21 Little Free Libraries across Cobb County in 2021. In December, this goal was achieved with the installation of Little Free Libraries at McCall Primary School, Argyle Elementary School, and Cumberland Community Church.
The “21 in 2021” LFL initiative was a quintessential collaborative effort, with support from partners including Cobb County School District, Marietta City Schools, United Way of Greater Atlanta Northwest Region, American Opportunity Foundation, Scout troops, businesses, civic associations and Greystone Power Operation Roundup. Additionally, countless supporters donated new and gently used books to help fill and maintain the Little Free Libraries.
Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization dedicated to putting books in the hands of children and adults in communities around the world. These book-sharing boxes remove barriers to book access by being available seven days a week, 24 hours a day with free accessibility. They operate under the “Take One, Leave One” theory which encourages readers to not only take a book, but to leave one for others when there is an ability to do so.
For those interested in sponsoring or hosting a Little Free Library in 2022, contact Irene Barton at ibarton@cobbcollaborative.org.
Tuesday, Jan. 4
We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association hosted a New Year’s Eve lunch catered by Yummy’s Funnel Cakes food truck.
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We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association hosted a New Year’s Eve lunch catered by Yummy’s Funnel Cakes food truck.
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We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association hosted a New Year’s Eve lunch for residents that reside at Hunters Grove, Parkview and Kingsley Village Apartments in the Riverside community of Austell. Yummy’s Funnel Cakes food truck catered the lunch, which included hot dog combo with chips, drink and their signature funnel cake.
The Books For Africa, a nonprofit with a warehouse at 1491 Cobb Industrial Drive, Building B in Marietta, will ship over 100,000 books to schools and libraries in Somalia and Somaliland this week.
The books have been donated by people in Georgia, Minnesota and across the country to help the students in Africa. The books will be trucked to the port of Savannah and shipped to the port of Berbera, Somalia in five 40-foot containers. The shipment is being supported in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Funded Transportation program. The program provides logistical support to nonprofits in conjunction with the State Department.
The book drive was organized by the Tima-Ade Foundation.
The organizations receiving the books include the Gabiley National Library, a brand-new library where 55,000 books from BFA will help fill up the shelves. Other recipients include the Center for African Peace and Research in Bosaso; the East Africa University in Puntland and the Marodi Relief Organization in Hargeisa, Somaliland.
The Partnership, located at 1100 Circle 75 Parkway SE, Suite 930 in the Cumberland area, announced they provided nearly $30,000 in financial support for community programming and initiatives across the Southeast.
Heavily engaged in volunteerism and philanthropy, The Partnership focused support during 2021 on higher education, elementary school programming, non-profits, and youth development organizations. Selected organizations initiatives provided scholarship support, life-skill trainings, educational, and behavioral services, with a majority servicing underserved communities of women and at-risk youth affected by homelessness, unemployment, and challenged hardships.
Organizations supported by The Partnership included the University of West Georgia, Sanders Elementary School in Austell, Down 7 Up 8 Inc., and the Georgia Middle School Athletic Association.
Taneesha Marshall and Cobb County Judge Robert E Flournoy III teamed up with Santa to make Cobb’s kids’ Christmas bright.
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“Christmas for Cobb’s Kids” hosted over 50 families who received gift cards, participated in activities and crafts and enjoyed snacks with Santa.
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On Dec. 19, Superior Court Judicial candidate Taneesha Marshall co-sponsored a successful local children’s event with Cobb County Judge Robert E Flournoy III and others. The event, “Christmas for Cobb’s Kids," hosted over 50 families who received gift cards, participated in activities and crafts, and enjoyed snacks with Santa.
As the event left a surplus of Christmas cheer, Marshall and Judge Flournoy donated the remaining gift cards to the Center for Children & Young Adults in Marietta, which caters to at-risk homeless youth, and to LiveSafe Resources, an organization which helps families impacted by domestic violence.
A former staff attorney for Judge Flournoy with 20 years of state and federal legal experience, Marshall is a steadfast community advocate who dedicates her free-time to giving back to the county she and her family call home. She is running for Judge Flournoy’s soon-to-be-vacant seat and will appear on the ballot in 2022.
Wednesday, Dec. 29
Credit Union of Georgia employees volunteered to ring the bell for The Salvation Army at Kroger in Kennesaw for an entire week.
Their efforts and Doing the Most Good spirit paid off as they raised over $2,800. Along with this total, the credit union contributed an additional $2,500 bringing the grand total of funds raised to help individuals and families in the community to over $5,300.
Group photo of the We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association volunteers, who cleaned up litter on Riverside Parkway in Austell.
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We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association volunteers cleaning up litter on Riverside Parkway in Austell.
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We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association volunteers cleaning up litter on Riverside Parkway in Austell.
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Thank you to the We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association volunteers for cleaning Riverside Parkway in Austell. On Dec. 27, 32 bags of litter were collected.
Group photo of Lexington Properties residents at the Dec. 23 holiday party at the Riverside Epicenter.
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Family receiving gifts at the Dec. 23 holiday party at the Riverside Epicenter.
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Family receiving gifts at the Dec. 23 holiday party at the Riverside Epicenter.
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Family receiving gifts at the Dec. 23 holiday party at the Riverside Epicenter.
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Family receiving gifts at the Dec. 23 holiday party at the Riverside Epicenter.
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We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association hosted a holiday party for Lexington Properties residents and a toy giveaway in partnership with STING Inc. on Dec. 23 at the Riverside Epicenter. The residents enjoyed bowling, an arcade, a toy giveaway and a special visit from Santa Claus. Thank you to Lexington Properties for community partnership and to the holiday planning committee and volunteers from STING Inc. and The HOPE Club from South Cobb High School.
-Monica DeLancy
Monday, Dec. 27
Group photo of Meals On A Mission volunteers at The Village Apartments off Six Flags Road in Austell.
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Meals On A Mission volunteer Nelson at The Village Apartments off Six Flags Road in Austell.
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Sweetwater Mission hosted the Dec. 21 Meals On A Mission in a new location, The Village Apartments off Six Flags Road in Austell. Volunteers from the Lions Club and the First Christian Church Of Mableton helped serve 137 families with frozen turkeys, milk and frozen dinners. We met some really nice people and the apartment management team was terrific. We hope to conduct additional events at their location.
Sweetwater Mission delivered 200 frozen turkeys to the Sheriff's Department on Dec. 22.
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On Dec. 22, Sweetwater Mission delivered 200 frozen turkeys to our Sheriff’s Department. Later in the day, they delivered 110 frozen turkeys to Precinct 2 police and fire fighters. Hopefully, they will have a chance to relax and enjoy the holidays.
H.O.P.E. Family Resource Center Toys For Tots and Clothing Drive.
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H.O.P.E. Family Resource Center is a designated Toys For Tots destination providing gifts for over 150 children up to 12 years old. They also accepted donations and supplied 60 coats, 32 pairs of shoes, clothing, suits, jewelry and small household items to approximately 50 adults. It was clear to everyone involved that the people who came by the center were in need of help and were very grateful for the efforts of H.O.P.E. Family Resource Center.
-Barry Krebs
Thursday, Dec. 23
Families from Roswell, Marietta, Lawrenceville and Kennesaw recently helped raise money for The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta's Red Kettle campaign.
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Families from Roswell, Marietta, Lawrenceville and Kennesaw recently helped raise money for The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta's Red Kettle campaign.
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Families from Roswell, Marietta, Lawrenceville and Kennesaw recently helped raise money for The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta’s Red Kettle campaign.
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Families from Roswell, Marietta, Lawrenceville and Kennesaw recently helped raise money for The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta's Red Kettle campaign.
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Families from Roswell, Marietta, Lawrenceville and Kennesaw recently helped raise money for The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta's Red Kettle campaign.
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Families from Roswell, Marietta, Lawrenceville and Kennesaw recently helped raise money for The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta's Red Kettle campaign.
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The family volunteer group Little Helpers of Atlanta teamed up with The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta recently to help raise money for the Red Kettle campaign. Families from Roswell, Marietta, Lawrenceville and Kennesaw rang the bell, sang holiday carols and even played musical instruments to encourage shoppers to donate.
Pastors John and Aventar Gray, left, of Relentless Church on Macland Road distributed toys to the community on Dec. 15.
From District 4 Cobb County Commissioner Monique Sheffield's newsletter/Special
Pastors John and Aventar Gray, parishioners and friends distributed toys to the community on Dec. 15 at Relentless Church on Macland Road. Kids received toys, played video games, showed off their arts and crafts skills, took photos at the 360-selfie booth and filled their tummies with yummy treats. The atmosphere was festive with lots of smiles and Christmas cheer. A heartfelt thanks to Pastors John and Aventar Gray for their support and sharing Relentless' first Christmas with the residents of Powder Springs.
Old St. Nick dropped by the Ron Anderson Recreation Center on Dec. 18 to deliver toys and bikes to his helpers at the Powder Springs Community Taskforce.
From District 4 Cobb County Commissioner Monique Sheffield's newsletter/Special
Old St. Nick dropped by the Ron Anderson Recreation Center on Dec. 18 to deliver toys and bikes to his helpers at the Powder Springs Community Taskforce. Congratulations to the team for hosting their 7th Annual Giving Hope for the Holidays event and spreading Christmas cheer, gifts and toys to the youth in west Cobb.
Powder Springs resident and candidate for Superior Court Judge of Cobb County, Taneesha Marshall recently hosted her annual Christmas for Cobb’s Kids event along with Judge Robert E. Flournoy III, Santa and his helper.
From District 4 Cobb County Commissioner Monique Sheffield’s newsletter/Special
Powder Springs resident and candidate for Superior Court Judge of Cobb County, Taneesha Marshall recently hosted her annual Christmas for Cobb's Kids event along with Judge Robert E. Flournoy III, Santa and his helper. The event at the Play Bistro & Desserts restaurant on Powder Springs Road in Marietta was a great day of fun for the District 4 youth as they munched on some of their favorite cookies and cupcakes, gave instructions to Santa on where to hide their gifts, designed their own ornaments and received an early Christmas gift from Santa. They all promised not to be naughty ... at least not before Christmas. Thank you Taneesha for your community outreach and helping to make Christmas magical.
-District 4 Cobb County Commissioner Monique Sheffield's newsletter
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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.