Events, ATL Community
Tim Adkins
Connection, fun and impact highlight the 2024 ...

For the 2024 edition of Hands On Atlanta Week, presented by Delta Air Lines, more than 3,000 volunteers supported over 50 nonprofits and schools across 300 projects! The focus for the week prioritized projects around Food Security and Hurricane Helene relief efforts, but volunteers created meaningful impact in all kinds of areas including building bikes, park beautifications, tutoring elementary students and so much more!

News
Tim Adkins
FOOD SECURITY AND HELENE RELIEF HIGHLIGHT ...

Hands On Atlanta Week, presented by Delta Air Lines, to mobilize close to 5 ,000 volunteers, serving over 10,000 hours at more than 200 projects in support of more than 50 nonprofit and schools.  

Kahiah Polidore
Introducing our Class of 2026 Hands On Hunger ...

We’re excited to introduce our newest Hands On Hunger cohort! Since 2018, in partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, we’ve led 10 cohorts of pantries through our intensive 2 year capacity-building program, with this being our 11th.

Kahiah Polidore
Congratulations to our 2024 Hands On Atlanta ...

The 2024 Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program, powered by Constellation, has officially graduated as the largest cohort of Civic Fellows in program history.

MLK Days of Service
Kahiah Polidore
Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024

Nonprofit Spotlight: Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

We’re thrilled to celebrate our incredible nonprofit partner, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, Callanwolde is more than just a place to take an art class, it’s a vibrant hub of creativity, community, and history.

Callanwolde believes that art should be for everyone. That’s why they’re breaking down barriers to access, making sure that world-class programs in dance, music, painting, pottery, and more are within reach for low-income families, veterans, people experiencing housing insecurity, and individuals with disabilities. Their mission isn’t just about teaching art, it’s about building equity, opening doors, and creating a more connected, expressive Atlanta.

Nonprofit Spotlight: Another Chance of Atlanta, Inc.

As one of our amazing nonprofit partners and a current agency in our Hands On Hunger program, Another Chance of Atlanta Inc. is working every day to meet people where they are and offer the resources they need to thrive. What started as a mission to support women in Atlanta has evolved to not only helping women, but now assisting men, families, veterans and ultimately anyone who may be in need. From providing food and housing in Fulton County to offering permanent supportive housing for veterans in Gwinnett and Clayton counties, their impact runs deep.

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ATL is in Good Hands - the 2025 High Five Party

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On April 17—yes, actual National High Five Day—we threw up our hands (literally) and celebrated Atlanta’s all-star volunteers the only way we know how: with food, fun, and a whole lotta gratitude.

The High Five Party made its triumphant return, this time doubling as a fundraiser to fuel the fire our volunteers light in communities across the city. We packed out The Painted Pickle with ping-pong, pickleball, putt-putt, and pure joy. There were good eats (seriously, the waffle fries are insane), cold drinks, great music, and more than a few friendly competitions (shout out to our own Trey Stanley aka Mr. Discovery for the Highest High Five).

But the true highlight? Our awards program, where we hit pause on the games to shine the spotlight on some of Atlanta’s most inspiring changemakers. Let’s meet the winners:

Left to right: Jay Cranman, Monica Taylor, Jennifer Smith, Predita Lundy, David Jernigan

🎉 Corporate Champion Award: Jennifer Smith, OneDigital

Presented by the incredible Elizabeth Chrane, this award recognized Jennifer’s unwavering dedication to corporate volunteerism and creating a culture of service at OneDigital.

🎉 School Legacy Award: Monnica Taylor, Kindezi at Gideons

Presented by the amazing Angeleria Willis, Monnica was honored for going above and beyond to empower her students and bring meaningful volunteer partnerships into the classroom.

🎉 Nonprofit Legacy Award: Grady Health

With words of admiration from Hands On Atlanta Board Chair, Adrienne White, we celebrated Grady Health for its deep-rooted commitment to health equity and community partnership that spans decades.

🎉 Founder’s Award: David Jernigan, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta

Presented by none other than Michelle Nunn, this special award went to David for his visionary leadership and lifelong devotion to building brighter futures for Atlanta’s youth.

These honorees aren’t just names on plaques—they’re the heartbeat of this movement. The ones who rally teams, ignite change, and make it their mission to leave Atlanta better than they found it.

And speaking of impact… in just the first few months of 2025:

  • We’ve activated 60,000 volunteers

  • Our 52 AmeriCorps members clocked over 250,000 service hours

  • 30 Civic Leaders engaged 2,000+ neighbors

  • And our top volunteers contributed thousands of hours to local causes

So yeah, a party was very necessary.

The High Five Party means we can give high fives all year long at volunteer projects, events, meal distributions and more.

Give here to keep the good work going.

To everyone who came out to celebrate, to cheer, to play, to give—thank you. This night was for you. And to everyone who supports this mission year-round: you’re helping us build an Atlanta where service is second nature and high fives are a love language.

Until next time… high fives all around. 👋💥

Thank you to our Host Committee

  • Michelle Nunn & Ron Martin

  • Elise Eplan

  • Amber & Frank Hall

  • Allyson Eman

  • Jay & Brendalee Cranman

  • Tara and Rahul Naya

  • Barbara and Nick Costides

  • Beth Cabrera

  • Chloe Barzey

An extra special Thank You to our sponsors

 
 

Meet Beverly Rice - A volunteer bringing literacy to the forefront

I’m thrilled to spotlight volunteer Beverly Rice, a lifelong advocate for literacy and equity who brings her passion and expertise to every volunteer opportunity she takes on.

Beverly generously gives her time to an incredible list of organizations, and she’s committed to creating a more informed, empowered, and connected community.

A former reading specialist of over 20 years, Beverly continues to share her gift by helping others discover the power of reading. And the impact goes both ways, volunteering has deepened her sense of purpose and fulfillment: “To share my gift of reading with so many others helps me to know that my living is not in vain.”

Nonprofit Spotlight: City Bridges Food Pantry

When you see a need in your community, you step up, and that’s exactly what New City Church did nearly 20 years ago when it launched City Bridges Food Pantry. What started as a small outreach effort has grown into a vital resource for over 4,000 families monthly facing food insecurity across Atlanta.

In 2024, the agency distributed nearly 950,000 pounds of food distributed to more than 50,000 people in need. That’s not just food—it’s stability, it’s care, and it’s compassion delivered right to the doorstep of those who need it most.

Meet Wanda Lee - A Champion for Community Wellness

I’m excited to spotlight this month’s volunteer: Wanda Lee! Wanda leads with compassion and unwavering dedication, always showing up with heart and purpose to serve Atlanta’s communities.

By day, she’s a Director at Elevance Health, where her work supports the well-being of others on a professional level. But her impact doesn’t stop when the workday ends, after hours, Wanda continues to uplift others through her volunteer service, focusing especially on improving both physical and mental health in underserved communities.

Learn more about Wanda’s love of volunteering below!

Meet Ashley Cole - A Volunteer Leading with Empathy & Compassion

Meet Ashley Cole, a powerhouse of purpose whose volunteer journey is rooted in compassion, community, and a deep love for Atlanta. For Ashley, giving back isn’t just a pastime—it’s transformed the way she lives, leads, and connects with others. When she’s not girl bossing as a IT Technical Content Creator, you can find her all throughout Atlanta enjoying the city and volunteering to help the unhoused!

Learn more about Ashley in our interview below!

Meet Beatrice Jones - A Young Leader Bringing Joy Everywhere She Serves!

Say hey to Beatrice Jones — a Sophomore in high school and a total rockstar volunteer!
When she’s not kicking goals on the soccer field, she’s out in the community making an even bigger impact. Beatrice is a regular with First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta’s Community Ministries, City of Refuge, and Make-A-Wish Georgia — talk about a service superstar! She's passionate about fighting homelessness, helping others, and rallying her friends to join in too. Funny, creative, and full of heart, Beatrice is proof that young people are leading the way and having fun while they’re at it.

Learn more about Beatrice in our interview below!

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