Winston Churchill famously said, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Mecca McCrae embodies this quote by giving her time and energy to a variety of organizations in Atlanta, including Hosea Helps, Hands On Atlanta, High Museum, Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta, and the Fox Theater.
Become a Force of Nature in a Local Park with Park Pride
Snapper Freeman is a man on a mission
Meet Snapper Freeman, a man on a mission to make a difference in his community. Snapper is a Community Relationship Manager with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the founder of Community Service Redirect, and he also serves as Chair of the Fan Ambassador Program for the Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl. But Snapper is more than just a man with an impressive resume. He is a volunteer with a passion for giving back.
Pam Sidhi on Making Service Fun for the Whole Family
We're shining a light on Pam Sidhi, a 2023 Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellow and local volunteer who is dedicated to making a difference in her city! Pam is a devoted volunteer who spends her free time helping out with a variety of organizations, including Hands On Atlanta, Scouting, Mustang Volunteer Support, Atlanta Food Bank, St. Paul Vincent Thrift Store & Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC).
Tracy Dansby On the Power of Love
Tracy Dansby is a 2023 Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellow and Georgia Peach who loves serving the community both locally and globally. By day, Tracy is a Controller for her family's trucking business, but by nights and weekends, she regularly serves with Hands On Atlanta, Grove Park Foundation, Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, and Reflections of Trinity. Last year, Tracy served over 200 hours and is on track to surpass that mark this year!
In this spotlight, Tracy discusses the pressing needs facing Atlanta, why she volunteers with the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, and how volunteering has impacted her life.
Volunteers are Improving Patient Recovery with Grady Food As Medicine
Through Hands On Atlanta’s special partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, we’re able to support some really strong nonprofits focused on food insecurity. While many organizations focus on keeping bellies full, one special partner – Grady Food As Medicine – is taking a different approach.
Kat Reynolds: Champion of Collaboration and Volunteerism
Kat Reynolds is a champion for solving local issues in her community and beyond by leveraging unique collaborations between corporations and nonprofits. She has devoted her work to uplifting children’s educations and future careers, providing resources to those suffering from food insecurity and general hardship, gathering funds and supplies to donate to communities experiencing natural disasters, tending to environmental and sustainability efforts, and empowering women in their careers, under harsh conditions or battling unforeseen circumstances.
Her passion for volunteerism shines through in her work with various organizations, including the Junior League of Atlanta, Corporate Volunteer Council, Junior Achievement of Georgia, Girl Scouts of Greater ATL, and Trees Atlanta. As Reynolds explains, "There is an opportunity for every person to give something of themselves - I hope (if you haven't already) that you find your light bulb moment!"
Teaming up with these groups, she turns community sponsorships into meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime. Reynolds says, "With Trees Atlanta, I can see my impact, and get a great workout at the same time! With Junior League, I have access to inspiring professional mentors and can learn about many nonprofits in the Atlanta community."
“Getting in the weeds, getting your hands dirty, being a servant leader is the BEST way to learn what your city/community needs to enhance your neighbors’ lives...” ”
Through thought leadership around skill-based volunteerism, Reynolds enabled Veritiv to work with the Girl Scouts to design the Cookie Rally box design to help launch their latest cookie, thinking "outside the box" to spearhead nonprofit capacity building.
Reynolds' dedication to social impact and community engagement is not new. Before her role at Veritiv, she served as Mercedes-Benz USA’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager. She implemented the Give Back employee program and doubled the company’s volunteer time through hours given, Matching Gifts donated, and Executive Management skills-based community engagement. One of her notable projects was the Girls Have No Limits campaign, which intended to break down gender stereotypes through female mentorship. Her efforts earned Atlanta Public Schools 2021 Corporate Partner of the Year for Mercedes-Benz.
When asked about the impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta that she cares about most, Reynolds shares, "Access to healthcare for women. Women need to not only have affordable access to healthcare, but the flexibility from workplaces to access appointments, and then also respect and empathy from the healthcare system for our unique needs."
“Atlanta didn’t birth me, but it raised me... I love the diversity of people, food, entertainment, neighborhoods, music, and advocacy work. Atlanta truly does influence everything.””
For Reynolds, volunteering has impacted her personal and professional life in profound ways. "I have built friendships and relationships I otherwise never would have started," she says. "Getting in the weeds, getting your hands dirty, being a servant leader is the BEST way to learn what your city/community needs to enhance your neighbors' lives. Professionally, I have mentors from interns to Csuite that I can call upon for advice, share kudos, and bounce ideas off of. It's a tremendous gift to serve with like-minded people and have them on your 'Personal Board' as a result."
Reynolds' advice for those interested in getting involved with volunteering is simple: "First, think of a topic you are passionate about. Research your local volunteer organizations that support that issue. Attend a volunteer fair or "speed dating" for volunteers. Volunteer on a one-time basis and see what comes of it. Finally, don't forget to thank those who supported you along the way!"
In the end, Reynolds' love for Atlanta shines through. "Atlanta didn't birth me, but it raised me," she says. "I love the diversity of people, food, entertainment, neighborhoods, music, and advocacy work. Atlanta truly does influence everything. I want to be a part of it!"
Feeling inspired by Kat's amazing volunteer work?
You can help others like her continue to make a positive impact in our community by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta, where every $1 donated turns into $6 of economic impact. Click here to donate now.
Andre Person on the Powers of Volunteering
When it comes to giving back to the community, Atlanta resident and Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellow, Andre Person, is a leader and an inspiration. He volunteers with Hands On Atlanta and Citizens of Georgia Power, focusing on issues that are close to his heart, such as food insecurity and beautification projects. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on volunteering, leadership, and the joy of making a difference.