ATLANTA: Join the Can-A-Thon Food Drive and Make a Difference This Holiday Season!

ATLANTA: A Call to Action – Kick Off This Season’s Can-A-Thon Food Drive!

Hey there, amazing Atlantans! The holiday season is upon us, and you know what that means, right? Joy, giving, and a bit of that good old community spirit! But this time, it’s a call to fill some hearts and tummies with your kindness. The annual Can-A-Thon food drive is here, ready to gear up and make a huge impact. This monumental food drive hopes to benefit our local buddies at The Salvation Army of metro Atlanta, and they need every bit of your help.

Now, we all know how hectic holiday shopping can get. But hey, why not spare a moment to grab some extra non-perishable items on your next grocery run? Every single lit bit you throw in makes a difference, trust us on that. The good folks at The Salvation Army will make sure your shelf-stable food reaches those in need, with a special emphasis on certain much-needed items.

“We want people to be mindful of what they are giving us and what we are putting in a box,”

Those are the wise words coming from Major Luna Smith, a cherished coordinator with The Salvation Army, working tirelessly at the Krog Center in Atlanta’s Pittsburgh neighborhood. The mission is crystal clear – each packed box is brimming with enough goodies to whip up a solid 20 meals for a family. And, believe it or not, just at the Krog Center, they’re rolling out up to 160 boxes each month!

“When asked what they wish they had more of in the holiday season, here’s what Smith said: “Canned meat and spaghetti sauce and spaghetti,” stated Smith. “Usually snacks are a real challenge. It’s hard to keep up with crackers, bars, and things like that.”

It’s not just about keeping the adults fueled. Let’s remind ourselves that many recipient families also have energetic little ones with big appetites. Major Smith urges us all to keep these families in mind: “We have to think about the children,” she rightly says. “Mac and cheese, rice, beans. Soup, mashed potatoes, cereals.”

Let’s not forget!

Food preferences and needs can differ. Smith sheds light on how essential it is to tailor food donations to suit various family dynamics, cultures, and even cooking capabilities. “We have to be mindful of, are we in a population where it’s fully Hispanic? Because there’s culture that’s heavily involved when it comes to food,” she explains. Not everyone has the luxury of a stove or microwave, so your donations of ready-to-eat items like canned ravioli can be real game-changers!

Whatever you give, rest assured, it’s making a significant difference. Smith shares, “I’ve never seen anybody turn down something that we put in a box. Being part of this is giving somebody life, and we thank them for giving people life and giving people hope. That’s what we are shooting for.”

So, Atlanta, rally up! Let’s show a big ol’ heart to those who could use a helping hand. Interested in donating? Click here for a handy list of donation drop-off points and see how you can help. Every can counts, every box builds hope, and every donation offers a little warmth and joy to our beloved community!

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