Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellow, Krista Pierce, tackles homelessness and food insecurity across metro Atlanta by volunteering with Hope Atlanta, Make a Wish Georgia, Atlanta Mission and Citizens of Georgia Power.

Learn more about Krista’s commitment to a more equitable and engaged Atlanta.

What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?

Homelessness and food insecurity. These two needs have grown exponentially over the last few years. These are two of the most basic needs everyone should have access too. My dream is that we can all work together to make this happen one day.

What do you love most about the organization you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer with them?

During my time as a Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellow, I have been honored to work with Hope Atlanta. As mentioned earlier, food insecurity is one of my main areas of focus. Being a part of Hope Atlanta’s mission, to feed families thru the food box packing and to feed children thru their Super Pack program has been such a joy.

Knowing that so many families will not worry about having food on their table or knowing that children can leave school on Fridays with food in hand so they do not go hungry over the weekends, just makes the day brighter. Also, the passion you feel from the volunteers who give up three hours on a Saturday to help feed others is immeasurable. They want to help as many as they can during their time at the center. No words can describe that feeling of seeing all of them come together for one common goal, to feed those in need.

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your volunteering efforts?

I had to learn how to think outside of the box. Just because the world had to pause, the needs did not. I looked for virtual opportunities whether that be simply donating to food banks close by or by participating in Zoom or Teams events where we colored pictures for senior citizen homes or wrote thank you notes to first responders. There’s always a way to give back regardless of circumstances.

Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?

Three weeks ago, Make a Wish Georgia sent me an email about an upcoming wish they were trying to grant. The 17 year old girl has a very serious auto immune disorder. Her mother, eight siblings and herself had been homeless most of her life. Despite all of that she has graduated high school early and is currently pursuing a nursing degree.

Her mother was able to purchase their first ever home in February and they were ready to move in. The wish she wanted was to set up their new home. I presented it to our chapter and everyone jumped in on it. We provided silverware, dish towels, mixing bowls, towels, and many other basic necessities one would need to make a house a home. Plus, she received two gift cards from Target so she could purchase items for her new bedroom. Seeing the smile on her face as she unwrapped this gifts was all we needed. That smile is why you volunteer. We are lifelines and sometimes lifesavers for those in need. No matter how big or how small the gift is, we change lives.

Volunteering in April? Share where, when and if others can join you or how they can get involved.

I will be working with my Citizens of Georgia Power chapter for Earth Day events in April.

Anything else you think our community should know about you, your volunteer service, or your commitment to Do Something Good!

I have been so blessed throughout my life. I have never had to know what it means to be without any basic necessity. It’s because of that, I serve. I know I can’t help everyone, but I want to help as many as I can in my lifetime.

Inspired by Krista’s story?

Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like hers, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.