Kiwanis Donates to After School Scholarship Fund

Working families who cannot afford to place their children in the Fayette County School System’s After School Program are getting some help thanks to a local civic organization and the school system’s CARE (Children at Risk in Education) After School Scholarship Fund.

The Kiwanis Club of Fayette has donated $1,000 of its proceeds from its annual fair to the scholarship fund. The fund helps pay partial after school tuition for students whose parents work but do not earn enough to pay for the program.

“The scholarship fund helps working parents provide quality child care for their children. The after school program gives children a safe, structured place to be while their parents are at work, keeping them from becoming involved in inappropriate, delinquent or criminal behaviors or falling victim to a predator,” says Jane Gough, Fayette County After School program manager.

Less than one percent of Fayette’s after school population receives scholarships for tuition, but for those who need financial assistance, it can mean the difference between keeping a family together or splitting it apart. Scholarship supporters realize the importance of this service to children, their families and the community.

“Kiwanis is pleased to support an effort like this because we know that after school is much less expensive than juvenile detention or foster care,” says Kiwanis Board Member Teresa Thaxton.

More information about the CARE After School Scholarship Fund can be obtained by contacting CARE Coordinator Karen Spangler, 770-460-1309 or Jane Gough, 770-460-3990, ext. 255.
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Atlanta Hospitality House Invites All to Join its Annual Angel Network

Who: The Atlanta Hospitality House which provides food, lodging and “a home away from home” for the families of many individuals hospitalized in the Atlanta area.

What: Requesting donations of $25 or more for their annual Angel Tree to be hung at the Atlanta Hospitality House and Emory University Hospital.

When: Throughout the month of December.

Where to Donate: Online at www.atlhhh.org or call 404-377-6333 for more information.

Why: This small donation helps support thousands of guests who care for family members being treated in one of 17 Atlanta area hospitals.

The Atlanta Hospital Hospitality House, a 501(c)3, non-profit organization, believes in the improvement of health and welfare by providing lodging, meals and a “home away from home” for traveling families of inpatients receiving medical treatment at any of the 17 Atlanta regional medical facilities. As the only hospitality house in the Atlanta area, which serves anyone with a need regardless of medical facility or medical issue, the AHHH has catered to over 100,000 guests from all 50 states and 39 foreign countries since 1981. At the AHHH, families can enjoy a safe, quiet and caring environment that focuses on the individual needs of each guest while bringing together families experiencing similar situations. Beginning spring 2009 the newly renovated Home Depot Marcus Hospitality Cottage will house an additional 4 bedrooms for patients of the Marcus Autism Center. For more information, visit www.atlhhh.org.
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Fayette County Families Need Holiday Help

This holiday season is particularly hard for some families in Fayette County. Many people are out of work or have limited income. Fayette DFCS is helping children who are in the foster care system. Also, they are helping grandparents and other relative caregivers for children who might otherwise end up in the child welfare system.

There are many children who have not been sponsored yet. Most of these are older children, pre-teens and teens. Sponsors can buy gifts, provide money, or gift cards to help meet the needs. If you would like to sponsor any of these children, please contact Sharon Herbert, 770-460-2477, ssherbert@dhr.state.ga.us, today.

Lawrenceville Kiwanis Club to Provide Christmas Cheer to Children in Need

The Lawrenceville Kiwanis Club will be hosting its annual Christmas party for children in the community who otherwise would not get to experience the traditional joys of the season. The party will include lunch, a visit and photo with Santa Claus, arts/crafts with local high school Key Club members, and gifts. Each child will go home with gifts from his or her wish list to open on Christmas Day, courtesy of corporate and individual sponsors and donors.

Corporate and individual sponsors have signed on to sponsor more than 300 children. Companies and organizations like Gwinnett Technical College, which hosts the party, participate in the event by donating popular toys and video games, as well as winter clothing and jackets, school supplies and other common items that top the list of children's wishes – and needs. This year, faculty, staff and students from Gwinnett Tech will provide gifts to 57 children. The event is held in cooperation with the Gwinnett County Department of Family and Children's Services.

Children and their families, sponsors and supporters of the Lawrenceville Kiwanis Club's Christmas program will attend the party on Saturday, December 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The party will take place on the campus of Gwinnett Technical College in the Busbee Center, Building 700, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, 30043

A special appearance by Santa Claus will take place during the party, where an anticipated 300 children, ranging in age from newborn to teens, will be the honored guests.
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Thanks for Giving 2008 Food Distribution Makes History

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Center for Family Resources (CFR) would like to give thanks for the supporters of Thanks for Giving 2008, the largest distribution in our history! Because of the generous support from local schools, colleges, businesses, volunteers, individuals and civic and religious organizations, CFR provided food boxes to 1,370 families, a 25 percent increase from 2007.

More than 150 food drives helped support Thanks for Giving 2008, a 50 percent increase from 2007, including 56 schools and colleges, 62 businesses and civic organizations and 33 individuals. The support of Cobb County and Marietta City Schools was integral to the success of the food distribution. CFR is pleased to announce Lost Mountain Middle School as the overall largest food drive participant, providing nearly 3,000 food items. Also, Harrison High School and Burruss Elementary School were the largest high and elementary school food drives.

“The food drive participation from the schools quadrupled from our efforts last year,” Jennifer Cain, CFR Development and Volunteer Coordinator said. The increased demand we saw at registration meant the food coming in had to be greater than ever and the schools really helped us meet that challenge. We could not have gotten this done without them.”

The coordination and execution of Thanks for Giving 2008 relied entirely on the support of local individuals, schools, businesses and religious and civic organizations. Sponsors included Lockheed Martin, Turner Construction and Subcontractors, Cobb County Civic Center, Marietta Daily Journal, Audrey Bender, Butch Thompson Enterprises, Inc., James Dalton, Keith Davidson, Davis Elementary School, Genuine Parts Company, Georgia Power, Madelyn Merle, Radio Disney, Repro Products and The Color Spot, Republic Services of Georgia, Solvay Pharmaceuticals, UPS, Vinings Rotary Club, Advantage Office Solutions, Alan Cox Automotive, ARCADIS, Angie Bolton, Chatfield Contracting, Inc., Compass Display Group, Creamer-Pearce, C.W. Matthews, D & H Construction, E. Smith Heating and Air, Eastminster Church of Marietta, Russell Fitzgerald, Great Lakes West, Pam Hickox, J.D.’s Barbeque, Kaiser Permanente, Kroger, Karen Morris, OCI Chemical, PBS&J, Publix, Tri-State Utility Products, Inc., and Wild Wing Cafe.

“As the economy slowed this year, we saw more and more families face real need, many having to ask for help for the first time,” Debbie Abernathy, Thanksgiving Task Force Chair said. The businesses in our community were also suffering, with dwindling revenues and tight budgets but even with these tough conditions Cobb businesses dug down deep and held food drives, helped transport food, sorted, distributed and provided great financial support too. I was just amazed at the generous giving from so many businesses large and small – Cobb really does take care of its own.”

In October, CFR registered more than 1,400 families in need to receive Thanksgiving food baskets. Unfortunately, because of the volume of families in need this season, more than 220 families were turned away. If the level of need continues to escalate in 2009, CFR will work to increase donation and distribution efforts even further. In 2007, CFR provided Thanksgiving baskets to nearly 1,100 families. For more than 20 years, CFR and the Department of Children and Family Services have partnered to provide Thanksgiving food baskets to families in need throughout Cobb County.

Distribution of the food boxes to registered families took place on Monday, November 24 and Tuesday, November 25 at the Cobb County Civic Center.

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Payless and Fayette Holiday Helpers Grant Wishes of Angels

Helen Rickman of Fayette Holiday Helpers (far left) and Karen Spangler with the school system’s CARE program (far right) accepted the donation of 100 gift coupons at the Payless Shoe Source in Fayetteville from store employees (L-R) Deatrice Hubbard, training supervisor, Vincent Clayton, store manager and Alex Patton, district manager.

Thanks to Payless Shoe Source and Helen Rickman of Fayette Holiday Helpers, 100 students in need of shoes on the CARE (Children at Risk in Education) Angel Tree will have their requests granted.

The Shoes 4 Kids program was initiated this year by Payless in response to the economic crisis, its impact on the underprivileged, the significant need across America for children’s shoes and to support smaller, localized nonprofits with a tool to assist them in helping those in need during the holiday season.

Fayette Holiday Helpers received 100 of the 67,000 gift coupons that were distributed nationwide. Each gift coupon is worth $15. Fayette Holiday Helpers, which assists with the CARE Angel Tree project each year, decided to donate all of the gift coupons to help fulfill the wishes of Fayette County’s public school students.

“We are so grateful to Payless Shoes Source and Holiday Helpers for this donation. We had just over 100 requests for shoes this year so this gift is very meaningful to us,” says Karen Spangler, the school system’s CARE coordinator.

A total of 16 schools from all areas of the county will receive the coupons for their Angel Tree participants.

The CARE Angel Tree project is designed to help working families struggling to make ends meet provide basic needs for their children. The tree fulfills nontraditional needs such as clothing, after school program scholarships, eyeglasses and dental work. All adults in the household must be employed in order for students to qualify for the program.

More than 2,600 nonprofits nationwide applied to receive the Payless gift coupons. Holiday Helpers was among the 630 nonprofit agencies selected in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

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Holiday Wishes Go Wild at Zoo Atlanta

The season’s wildest holiday wishers don’t want iPhones, don’t own a Wii, and don’t have the slightest use for the latest in cutting-edge digital must-haves. Boomer balls, puzzle feeders, ribbons, bells and mirrors are much more their thing. Where the clientele is wild, so is the wish list, and with the return of Zoo Atlanta’s annual Giving Tree program, secret Santas and animal lovers across the city have the opportunity to provide surprises for over 850 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Originally conceived as a means of allowing Zoo staff, Members and Volunteers to contribute holiday gifts for their favorite animals, Zoo Atlanta’s Giving Tree has expanded considerably in recent years. Located in the Zoo’s Administration Building, the tree is decorated to the hilt with handmade ornaments bearing images and descriptions of enrichment items for Zoo residents. Diverse in shape, size, use and cost (Giving Tree options are created to suit any personal budget, with the least expensive beginning at around $3), each wish list item has been selected with the sole intent of generating the interest, curiosity, play and enjoyment of a particular Zoo animal or species.

In the Zoo industry, the term “enrichment” refers to objects, activities or opportunities that encourage natural animal behaviors similar to those observed in the wild. Toys, puzzle feeders and novel foods, scents or sounds are all examples of items or experiences offered to spark animal interest and promote physical and emotional well-being. All of Zoo Atlanta’s animals enjoy enrichment on a daily basis through a comprehensive program managed by their animal management teams. Consistently unusual, always creative and often ingenious, these regular labors of love by the Zoo’s animal care professionals include swings made of fire hose for great apes; non-toxic paints for animal artists; and even hand-crafted faux “birds’ nests” for the World of Reptiles’ black mamba. Enrichment, in turn, enriches observers: Zoo guests enjoy unique insights into animal behavior, cognition and problem-solving.

Members of the community interested in contributing to the 2008 Giving Tree program are encouraged to visit zooatlanta.org for details and a complete wish list of items. Guests may also visit the Giving Tree in the Zoo Atlanta Administration Building to select ornaments or drop off items on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Those purchasing wish list gifts online are asked to arrange delivery directly to Zoo Atlanta at the following address: Zoo Atlanta; Attention: Jodi Carrigan/Giving Tree Program; 800 Cherokee Avenue, S.E., Atlanta GA 30315. Giving Tree donations will be accepted through December 31, 2008.

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6th Annual Festival of Trees and Lights to Benefit the Rainbow

Friday, December 12, 2008 – Sunday, December 14, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008 – Sunday, December 21, 2008

More lights! Bigger Displays!
6:00pm to 9:30pm each night
Only $7.00 per car at the gate! ($10.00 Vans/$20.00 buses)
Clayton County International Park, “The Beach”
2300 Hwy 138 SE, Jonesboro, GA 30236

We’ve added live trees, arts and crafts, and food for your enjoyment!
Bring the entire family for a night of fun!
• New Arts & Crafts*
• Nightly Entertainment
• Holiday Gift Shop*
• Gift Wrapping for $1
• Delicious Food Bar with New Items*
• Pictures with Santa*
• Games*
• Old Fashioned Hayride*
• Cake Walk Featuring Homemade Desserts*
• Decorated Trees
• Thousands of Lights
*There is a small fee for these activities

Saturday, Dec. 20th –Scout Night! All Boy & Girl scouts in uniform receive Free Hot cocoa or hayride at the Festival!

Proceeds benefit Rainbow House, Inc., a child & family resource center. For more information on the 6th Annual Festival of Trees & Lights please visit our website at www.RainbowHouseInc.org, or call (770) 692.1733
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Associates Pledge More Than $1.3 Million to Community Organizations

/PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) today announced that its associates have pledged more than $1.3 million to support more than 996 not-for-profit organizations in 2009 as part of the company's annual Associate Giving Campaign. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation will match 50 percent of associate pledges, increasing the total to more than $2 million.

"Every day our associates work to bring value to the health care system and our health plans' members. The generosity shown during this year's associate giving campaign is truly remarkable," said Monye Connolly, president and general manager, BCBSGa. "In these challenging economic times, our associates continued to exceed all expectations and surpassed our company-wide goal."

Nationwide, associates of BCBSGa's parent company pledged more than $16 million to nearly 10,000 charities.

During 2008, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, its associates and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation provided more than $3.6 million in grants and sponsorships to agencies across the state. Recipients include the March of Dimes (giving support to the South Health District/Lowndes County Board of Health's Baby LUV program), the Fragile Kids Foundation (supporting medically fragile children in need of equipment not covered by insurance and Medicaid programs), the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (sponsored Atlanta and Columbus walks in conjunction with associate fundraising), HealthMPowers (provides comprehensive health and nutrition educational programs to schools throughout Georgia), the CoverMe Foundation (providing the uninsured greater access to enrollment opportunities in Federal and State sponsored free and low-cost healthcare coverage programs), the Tour de Georgia (stressing the importance of exercise and movement in the battle against obesity), and many others.

"BCBSGa's community agencies serve as a vital public safety net," noted Connolly. "In difficult economic times like this, the role of these agencies is more important than ever before."

"Through the efforts of our foundations across the country we can help address local health concerns," said Caroline 'Caz' Matthews, president of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation. "But we go beyond simply providing dollars by giving of our time through our national Community Service Day, where associates volunteer in our communities to have an even greater impact. In the end, our focus allows us to have a measurable and sustainable impact on critical health care needs in the communities we serve."

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Payless ShoeSource Announces Non-Profit Partners for Payless Gives(TM) Shoes 4 Kids Holiday Program

/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Leading family footwear retailer, Payless ShoeSource, announced today that 630 nonprofit partners located in small towns, mid-size and large cities and rural areas representing 50 states and the District of Columbia have been chosen for its Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program, a national, grass roots campaign aimed at delivering $1 million of shoes to American children of families in need.

Payless is giving nearly 67,000 $15 gift coupons redeemable through Jan. 31, 2009, towards a new pair of kids' shoes at any of the more than 3,600 stores across the United States*.

Nonprofit partners chosen from Atlanta include City Of Refuge Inc., Atlanta Children's Shelter Inc., Atlanta Day Shelter For Women And Children Inc., Midtown Assistance Center Inc., and Jerusalem House Inc.

Payless said that all partners should receive their gift coupons packages today along with a personal letter from Matthew E. Rubel, chairman and chief executive officer of Collective Brands, Inc., which owns Payless, with a special request to get the coupons into the hands of the children that need them in time for the holidays. The quantity of gift coupons per agency was based on agency size and the number of constituents served. Packages landing today include as many as 200 coupons for some agencies. Many agencies will also provide transportation for group shopping trips to the local Payless stores.

"Kids will start shopping today for their free shoes," said Rubel. "A great pair of shoes can lift spirits, bolster self confidence and bring a huge smile to a child's face. The recipient children can actually select their own shoes -- which will be an even more inspiring experience for them. Together, with our partners, we are thrilled to deliver a true gift to so many families this holiday season."

Payless initiated the new program in response to the economic crisis, its impact on the underprivileged, the significant need across the United States for children's shoes, and to support smaller, localized nonprofits with a tool to assist them in helping those in need this holiday season.

The company launched the program on Nov. 11 with a call to action to the non-profit community to apply to be partners in the national shoe-gifting campaign with an aim to build a network of localized organizations across the nation for immediate, direct access to kids in need. In a 10-day application period, the retailer received more than 2,500 applicants at its application website http://www.paylessgives.com/ and inquiries from more than 3,000 U.S. cities nationwide. The application period is now closed.

"We were overwhelmed by the response from the non-profit community to join us in this important effort -- to give a free pair of shoes to children in need this holiday season," said Rubel. "Our intent is to work with and through a diverse network of localized non-profits that have direct and immediate access to the children. Our chosen partners -- 630 in all -- represent every state and a diverse group of non-profits located in small towns, mid-sized and large cities, as well as rural areas so that we can blanket the nation and most effectively reach those in need."

Greater Horizons of Kansas City, also a nonprofit, served as the independent third-party to manage the selection process based on Payless' core selection criteria, which included IRC 501(c) (3) status, filing form 990, and direct access to underprivileged children in local communities during December.

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Fayette County Civitan Club Selling Christmas Trees to Help Local Charities

Fayette County Civitan Club is raising funds by hosting their annual live Christmas Tree lot. The Club invites you to, "create your family holiday memories by purchasing a live tree for Christmas and help others while doing so".

Sales began the day after Thanksgiving, November 28th and will continue throughout December. The profits from the tree lot will be going to charities that the Fayette County Civitan Club supports.

The trees come in a variety of sizes. The location of the Christmas Tree lot is at Melear’s BBQ Restaurant Parking Lot, 420 Glynn Street South or State Highway 85 in Fayetteville, GA. Also offered by the Fayette County Civitan Club are one pound bags of fresh shelled Pecans, Christmas Fruit-Cakes, Paula Deen Spice Kits all of which make fabulous gifts for family and friends. These items can be purchased from any member of the Fayette County Civitan Club, at the Christmas Tree Lot or inside the Melears BBQ Restaurant as well.

The Fayette County Civitan Club has been serving the local community since 1970. The club meets in Fayetteville on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 7 p.m. at Melear's BBQ Restaurant in Fayetteville, Ga.

The club supports The Joseph Sams School, Christian City, Southwest Christian Care, American Cancer Society, Boy and Girl Scouts, The Fayette Samaritan’s, Christmas with the Police, and Camp Big Heart. Other fund raisers by the Civitan Club to raise funds to support their projects throughout the year are candy boxes set up on store counters for donations, a 5K road race, Tennis Tournament, Golf Tournament, and yard sales.

The Fayette Civitan Club is also involved in Junior Olympics, International Research Center, the senior center, Scouting groups and Relay For Life. Civitan clubs meet a wide variety of needs in their communities, with an emphasis on helping people with developmental disabilities. The Civitan International Foundation continues this mission with a $20 million dollar commitment to its flagship project, the Civitan International Research Center is at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Civitan is an international association of local community service clubs. Started in Birmingham, Ala. in 1917, Civitan has become one of the world’s leading volunteer service organizations, with more than 40,000 men, women and youth in 24 countries. For more information, visit the website at www.fayettegacivitan.org or www.civitan.org, or call 1-800-CIVITAN for more information on contacting the local Fayette County Civitan Club.

Donations are appreciated and accepted if you would like to simply donate funds to help support the charities of the Fayette County Civitan Club. For more information, please contact the club President, Chuck Clanton at 404-456-8151.
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National Beverage – St. Nick’s Drinks ... Helping the Kids of St. Jude

(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the fifteenth consecutive year, National Beverage Corp. (NASDAQ:FIZZ) is supporting medical research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through its St. Nick’s holiday drink program. Giving children the greatest gift of all ... the gift of good health, National Beverage is donating a portion of its proceeds from the sale of St. Nick’s soft drinks and juices to help St. Jude in discoveries that have completely changed how the world thinks of cancer and other catastrophic disease care for children.

Additionally, National Beverage has once again been designated an official partner in St. Jude’s "Thanks and Giving" campaign. Bearing the unique St. Jude "Thanks and Giving" logo, St. Nick’s holiday soft drinks in Snowflake Orange, Candy Cane Cola, Frosty Red Grape and Holiday Punch flavors are available in 8-ounce cans and 1 and 3-liter bottles at retailers. These holiday drinks are adorned by artwork done by the patients of St. Jude and contain only 90 calories per 8-ounce serving. New for the first time this year are St. Nick’s Everfresh juices in two seasonal flavors – Cinnamon Apple and Sugar Plum!

“The children of St. Jude, their Moms and Dads and I are thrilled to again welcome National Beverage to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Thanks and Giving campaign,” said Marlo Thomas, National Outreach Director for St. Jude. “National Beverage's dedication to this holiday campaign helps ensure that St. Jude can continue the lifesaving research and care that has brought hope to so many families.”

“In light of the challenging economic conditions facing many Americans, we believe it is more important than ever to team up with St. Jude’s wonderful cause,” stated Nick A. Caporella, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

“At this time of year, when we open our hearts ... St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital should be foremost in our minds ... for there is no better wish to make or gift to give than bringing joy and happiness to children. It is only in their little hearts that the ultimate feeling of the holiday spirit truly lives,” Mr. Caporella concluded.

To further support St. Jude’s untiring mission and to encourage donations, National Beverage Corp. has once again sponsored a full-page ad in USA Today to demonstrate the importance of the work being done at St. Jude. In addition to purchasing St. Nick’s drinks, consumers can also make donations online at www.stnicks4stjude.com.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is the nation’s leading pediatric cancer research and treatment center and the only one that covers all of the costs of medicine and treatment. Children come to St. Jude from across the country and around the world, and St. Jude covers the cost of food, travel and lodging for the patient and a family member. Eighty-five cents of every dollar received supports the research and treatment at St. Jude. Pioneering treatments at St. Jude have driven the survival rate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer, from 4 percent when the hospital opened in 1962 to 94 percent today. The research and treatment protocols developed at St. Jude are freely shared with the global scientific and medical communities.

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A Chair-ity Event

On Monday night community leaders, businesses and many, many caring people came together to support The Children's Village at Christian City. I'm not sure how many readers know about all the great things that the wonderful folks at Christian City do for ALL ages.

As I talk to people in the community it's interesting to hear their thoughts on Christian City. While the vast majority understand the scope of their services, others only know part of the picture. Some think they take care of retirees or that it's a community of retirees. Some think it's a home for children. Some just think it's a community of Christians. Others think about Southwest Christian Hospice.

Well, Christian City is a place for retirees to live, it's a nursing home, it's a place for on-the-go seniors and it provides a nurturing home for children.

Christian City is open to those of all faiths. Here's a bit from their website that explains their focus on faith much better than I could: "While expressly Christian in orientation, Christian City does not discriminate in any way with regard to who can benefit from services and ministries provided. We minister to the physical as well as the spiritual needs of people as an expression of the Love of God to them. Our motto is “Loving People…Loving People.” It is our hope that hurting people will experience the love of God through us and be drawn closer to Him. It is also our hope that everyone served by Christian City enjoys an enriched and fulfilling life."

While they do have hospice services, they are separate from Southwest Christian Hospice (or, to note the correct name, Southwest Christian Care). Southwest is located in the middle of the Christian City campus, but the two are different entities, each doing wonderful things for many in their own way.

Christian City is also working on a new venture which is something I will be supporting completely. Once they complete the NEW Children's Village, they will be remodeling the old children's homes to provide a place for older special needs adults. I'll share more information about that in a later write-up. Right now I want to focus on the event we held Monday night.

Belinda and Craig Fitch, owners of the Hollingsworth House in Fayetteville, and Metro Catering, put on a fund-raiser to beat all fund-raisers. For the second year they opened their antebellum home to raise money to build The Children's Village. The pair worked tirelessly to help put the event together, donating hours and hours of time AND donating all the food and services for the event. These are truly two wonderful people who, to quote a friend, put feet with their prayers.

Numerous volunteers joined the effort to make the fund raiser a huge success.

The fun twist that made the event unique was the auction. Artists from across the Atlanta area donated chairs and stools they painted for the event. Patsy Gullet, Vicki Turner, Miles Davis, Debbie Beauregard, Greg Blair, Donna Rosser, Jim Whitlock, Cress Chance, Fiona Arlene Dennis and others found chairs and painted them specifically for this event.

The chairs were a hit!

In case you're wondering why I'm rhapsodizing about this event... Aside from the fact that it's a great event for a great cause, I'm on the volunteer committee and we're already starting to work on NEXT year's event. This year we had tremendous support from the artistic community, the business community and many community leaders. We raised a lot of money, but you know that when you're dealing with children, there's never enough! Next year, we want to raise the bar and do more for the children at Christian City.

I'd like to tell you more, but this has probably already taxed your reading limits. Please visit http://www.christiancity.org/ and find out more about Christian City. I'd also like to ask you to visit http://www.chair-ity-event.org/ to find out more about the chairs, the artists and our great sponsors. And, last but not least, I'd like to ask you to consider sponsoring a child at Christian City or making a donation of some sort to help the kids. Visit http://www.christiancity.org/ to find out how to help.

Hear are some links from the Christian City website:

Children
Our people reflect Christ's love by providing hope, restoring trust, mending hearts and bringing happiness to each child entrusted to our care.
Sponsor a Child
Atlanta Foster Care
The Children's Village
Transitional Living Program

Seniors
Our passion to radiate the love of Christ results in extraordinary service to Seniors on the entire continuum of care, because it's not our job - it's our mission!
Atlanta Assisted Living
Atlanta Independent Living
Atlanta Nursing Home
Atlanta HUD Housing
Other Senior Services

Photos:
1. Detail from Patsy Gullet's chair which depicted scenes from Fayette County
2. Debbie Beauregard donated a chair and two stools with whimsical animals and florals
3. Miles Davis painted a fabulous chair with an owl on the seat and a large moon on the back
4. Tyrone artist Jim Whitlock painted a bar and two stools with three different aircraft.

- Janet McGregor Dunn

Come Celebrate the Season with ExceptionalOps

Friday, December 12th, 2008
6:30-8:30 PM

Guests who are Middle, High School and older and their family members
Get Your Dancing Shoes On
Live Music Provided by Allen Goodman Band
Fun, Food and Festivities

Peachtree City United Methodist Church Youth Center
400 Windgate Road
(Located on the Corner of Peachtree Pkwy)
Peachtree City, GA

RSVPʼs a must by Dec. 8th
770-631-1035 Janet Smola

Or e-mail janetsmola@numail.org

ExceptionalOps is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization providing advocacy, information, supports and choices for Fayette residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your tax-deductible contributions are encouraged and welcomed.

Mailing Address: 256 Commerce Dr., Suite 447, Peachtree City, GA 30269
Office: 100 Governorʼs Trace, Suite 107, Fayetteville, GA 30214 (by appointment)
Executive Director: Janet Smola - (770) 631-1035 or cell phone (770) 639-9169
Email: ExceptionalOPS@yahoo.com
Websites: http://www.ExceptionalOPS.com or www.ExceptionalOPS.org

The Fayette Fund Announces Grant Program

Charitable organizations in Fayette County have the opportunity to apply for grants to advance their good works. The Fayette Fund, a local fund of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations for grants to fund various community needs within the county. Organizations must be recognized as nonprofit entities with 501c3 status and provide programs and services to the residents of Fayette County.

The Fayette Fund awards grants up to $5,000.

Grant applications will be accepted through December 12, 2008. Grant application and guidelines can be found on The Community Foundation’s website at www.atlcf.org (under Local Funds – Fayette). For more information, contact Kim Frederking at 678-462-8320 or email at kfrederking@atlcf.org.

2008 grant recipients were Advo-Kids (Casa), Fayette Care Clinic, Fayette County Education Foundation, Fayette FACTOR, Fayette Family YMCA, Joseph Sams School, Real Life Center and Southwest Christian Care.

With nearly $800 million in assets, The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta connects donors, nonprofits, community leaders and other partners to make philanthropy happen. Last year, The Community Foundation awarded more that 4,600 grants totaling $63 million to nonprofit organizations throughout 23 counties in the greater Atlanta region in the areas of arts and culture, community development, civic affairs, education, health, religion and human services.

Fayette Care Clinic Announces Partnership with Georgia Lions Lighthouse and Dr. Nancy Barr

Fayette Care Clinic is happy to announce a new partnership with Georgia Lions Lighthouse and Dr. Nancy Barr. Thanks to Georgia Lions Lighthouse and Dr. Barr, Fayette Care Clinic now offer vision care to their patients. Vision Care patients are seen every other month and referred by our providers. Please join us in welcoming both Georgia Lions Lighthouse and Dr. Nancy Barr to our group.

Fayette Care Clinic is located at 128 Sumner Rd. Fayetteville, Ga. 30214. www.fayettecareclinic.com; If you would like to get involved or need additional information, please call us at 770.487.4778.

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4th Source Delivers “Dinner and a Donation” to Atlanta Ronald McDonald Charities

(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its corporate citizenship initiative, 4th Source will sponsor dinner at the Decatur, Georgia Ronald McDonald House on Monday, December 8, 2008. 4th Source families will prepare and serve dinner to the families who are staying at the House while their critically ill and injured children are being treated at nearby Egleston Children’s Hospital.

In addition, 4th Source COO, Mark Molinari will present a $5,000 check to the Ronald McDonald Charities. “We are delighted to work with such a wonderful charity,” says Molinari. “This is also an opportunity for our own families to be together during the holidays and share in the spirit of giving.”

“We are grateful to 4th Source for their support. Their generosity will help to provide much-needed hope and healing to many deserving families during their time of crisis,” says Linda M. Morris, President / CEO of Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Molinari also expressed concern over the toll the economy is having on organizations like Ronald McDonald House Charities. Molinari adds, “Although contributions by corporations and individuals are less this year, the need by organizations like Ronald McDonald House continues to grow. I’m pleased that 4th Source is in a position to support such a worthy cause.”

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Avoiding Charity Fraud

HHG Note: Tis the season to think of others. Fa la la la. Make sure your good deeds are given to legitimate charities. Fa la la la la.

(SPM Wire) In good times and in bad, Americans like to give charity. Unfortunately, some criminals try to take advantage of this generosity by illegally soliciting contributions, claiming to represent legitimate charities.

"If you want your money to go to a good cause, exercise caution to ensure it gets to those in need," says FBI Special Agent Richard Kolko.

The FBI provides the following advice:

* Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) e-mail.

* Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as officials soliciting via e-mail for donations.

* Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.

* Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.

* To ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.

* Validate the legitimacy of the organization by directly accessing the recognized charity or aid organization's Web site rather than following an alleged link to the site.

* Attempt to verify the legitimacy of the non-profit status of the organization by using various Internet-based resources, which also may assist in confirming the organization's existence.

* Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions: such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.

For more information about cyberscams, visit www.fbi.gov.

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Infinity Insurance Moves To Restock Depleted Food Bank Shelves

/PRNewswire/ -- Infinity Insurance announced a second annual food drive to benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank (www.ACFB.org) today. Infinity garnered more than 1,200 pounds of food donations last year and will operate 22 food drives throughout the Atlanta region beginning today through December 15, 2008.

"The holiday season is a perfect opportunity for Infinity and our agency partners to give back to the communities we serve. Our goal is to exceed last year's food donations by gathering at least 2,000 pounds of canned goods to cap off the year in 2008." - Vice-President of Business Development Jim Waldron.

According to the ACFB web site, 14% percent of Georgians live in poverty and more than 20% of those individuals are children. Through these food drives, Infinity and local independent insurance agencies hope to feed more hungry families this holiday season.

"Food donations from companies like Infinity are more important this year than ever. With the economic downturn, we have seen a tremendous increase in the demand for food. We have distributed 10% more food to our partner nonprofits this year than last, and 41% more this October compared to last October. The food is moving off our shelves faster than we can replace it, so we are counting on donations from the community." - Bill Bolling, Founder and Executive Director, Atlanta Community Food Bank

To find a local participating agency, please click on the link below. https://www.infinityauto.com/news-and-events/community-georgia.jsp

About Atlanta Community Food Bank:

Founded in 1979, the Atlanta Community Food Bank annually distributes over 20 million pounds of food and grocery products to more than 800 partner nonprofit organizations providing hunger relief in Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. In addition to food distribution, the Food Bank leads seven distinct community-building projects: Atlanta's Table, Community Gardens, Hunger 101, Hunger Walk/Run, Kids In Need, Product Rescue Center, and the Atlanta Prosperity Campaign. The Atlanta Community Food Bank is a member of Feeding America (formerly America's Second Harvest), the national network of more than 200 food banks. For more information on the Food Bank, visit www.ACFB.org .

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Toys for Tots Experiencing A Dramatic Increase in Toy Requests

/PRNewswire/ -- Another dismal sign of how the economy is affecting American families is the dramatic increase of request for toys from the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. As more families struggle to just pay their bills, they are turning to Toys for Tots to help them deliver the magic of the holidays to their children. At the same time, Toys for Tots is bracing themselves for a decline in toy donations as fewer families have the extra resources to purchase toys for the Toys for Tots barrels.

In response to this urgent need, Toys for Tots has launched a simple and affordable way to help the organization respond. By simply texting the word TOY to 90999, anyone can make a $5 donation to Toys for Tots. These donations will be used to purchase and distribute toys to the growing number of economically disadvantaged children across the country.

"With so many deserving families in need of our assistance this year, we want to make it easy and affordable for the American public to help us deliver toys to children," says Lt. General Pete Osman, USMC (Ret), president and chief executive officer for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. "If everyone would take out their phone and text the word TOY to 90999, we could achieve our goal of delivering a toy to every one of the 13 million U.S. children living in poverty."

To make the most of every dollar donated, Hasbro, Inc. announces today that it will donate one toy or game for every text donation completed now through December 21, 2008, providing up to 150,000 Hasbro toys and games.

"Through the gift of a shiny new toy, Toys for Tots delivers hope and joy to millions of children," says Brian Goldner, president and chief executive officer for Hasbro, Inc. "We want to help make sure every family who turns to Toys for Tots for assistance this year, will have the opportunity to put a smile on the face of a deserving child."

For each text donation, a one-time charge of $5 will be added to your mobile phone bill. Standard messaging rates and additional fees may apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service carrier. Proceeds benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Service is available on most carriers. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting 'STOP' to 90999. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org/textatoy.

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SouthernLINC Wireless Gives a Little “Home” to American Troops This Holiday Season

(BUSINESS WIRE)--SouthernLINC Wireless, a Southern Company (NYSE: SO), today announced it is supporting Any Soldier Inc., a non-profit organization that helps boost morale among deployed servicemen and women via letters and packages from “home.”

Until Dec. 13, multiple SouthernLINC Wireless locations will serve as collection points for cards, letters and care package items, which will be sent directly to soldiers deployed from military bases in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Mississippi. Employees, customers and community members are encouraged to support the troops by writing a letter or donating items to be included in care packages.

“We are proud to work with Any Soldier to support the dedicated men and women of the U.S. armed forces who are serving our country overseas,” said Bob Dawson, president and chief executive officer, SouthernLINC Wireless. “It’s comforting to know that a letter from ‘home,’ which costs so little, means so much to a soldier during these challenging times.”

Drop-off locations include SouthernLINC Wireless corporate offices in Atlanta and Birmingham, the Business and Government Sales Office in Montgomery and all SouthernLINC Wireless retail stores. For more information, including a complete list of drop-off locations, guidelines and suggested care package items, visit www.southernlinc.com/community.

Founded in 2003 by Marty and Sue Horn, Any Soldier® grew through a strong network of family and friends. Currently, Any Soldier is helping more than 100,000 active duty and reservists in all U.S. military branches.

“Our family started Any Soldier to help our son Brian and his unit from the 173rd Airborne Brigade,” said Marty Horn, a 20-year Army veteran and president of Any Soldier. “We are honored to be working with SouthernLINC Wireless to support soldiers from its local communities.”

In its five year history, Any Soldier has helped more than 1 million members of the U.S. military.

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Atlanta Braves Foundation Continues Thanksgiving Traditions

Fifth Annual "Atlanta Braves Foundation Turkey Drop"
Thursday, November 20th - Caravan will leave Turner Field at approximately 4:00 PM
11th Annual "Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless Thanksgiving Day Dinner" at Turner Field
Thursday, November 27, Thanksgiving Day
10 AM - 3 PM

The Atlanta Braves Foundation will continue two annual Thanksgiving traditions this holiday season with the "Atlanta Braves Foundation Turkey Drop" on Thursday, November 20 and the "Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless Thanksgiving Dinner" on Thursday, November 27.

Kelly Johnson and his wife Lauren will go door-to-door in the Turner Field neighborhood, distributing baskets filled with Thanksgiving provisions, including turkey, stuffing, vegetables, and desserts just in time for the holidays, during the fifth annual Atlanta Braves Foundation Turkey Drop. Five families, selected by the Georgia Avenue Food Co-op, a former Atlanta Braves Foundation Grant recipient, will receive the Thanksgiving baskets from the Atlanta Braves Foundation.

For the eleventh consecutive year, the Atlanta Braves Foundation will help facilitate Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless' annual event to serve the people in need on Thanksgiving Day. A seven-course meal will be served, and much more will be offered to those present, including a "Kids Corner" with toys, books, and school supplies for children; a barber and beauty Shop with hot showers, clean clothing and toiletries; church services; free medical check-ups; a long distance phone call center; and a job referral and housing center.

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Community Leaders Host "Chair-ity" Event for the Children's Village aat Christian City

Congressman Lynn Westmoreland, Senator Ronnie Chance, Senator Mitch Seabaugh as well as Fayette County's four State Representatives, three Fayette Mayors,and other well known members of the community are joining together to support Christian City's ministry to abandoned and abused children this Christmas by hosting a "Char-ity" Event at the Hollingsworth House in Fayetteville.

All proceeds will help the children who live in the cottages at Christian City to have a wonderful holiday season including buying gifts, holiday meals with all the trimmings, winter coats and clothing and to help buffer the many other operational costs this winter.

Over 20 local artisans including Vicki Turner, Patsy Gullet and Cressida Chance have painted unique and beautiful chairs which will be auctioned off in a silent auction.

The owners of the Hollingsworth House, Craig and Belinda Fitch, are inviting guests and the general public to drop in on Monday, December 1st from 5:00pm to 7:30pm and support this very worthy cause.

The event is volunteer driven and is being sponsored by over 50 local businesses including Truett Cathy and Chick-fil-A, Greystone Power, Metro Catering, AT&T, Georgia Power and BB&T Reece Insurance to name a few.

Tickets are $20 each and due to popular demand must be purchased in advance by calling Lauren at 770-964-3309.

Atlanta Call To Stuff the Truck

Tis the season for giving. This year, many Atlanta area families grow concerned that Santa will be unable to stuff their stockings, especially as the credit crisis and economy continues to affect families throughout the US. In recognition of this concern, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, the Atlanta Falcons, and Two Men And A Truck have partnered for the Stuff the Truck: Toys for Tots Toy Drive, prior to the game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, December 14th.

Representatives will collect new, unwrapped toy donations in the silver parking lot before, during, and after the football game. “Our goal is to stuff the moving truck full of donations,” says Kelly Wilson a representative from Two men And A Truck. “We also accept monetary donations which help fund the gift purchases. Think of what we could provide if each fan donated $1.00 to the cause,” commented Sgt. Jones of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.

Each year, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve collects thousands of toys and donations at area businesses and events for distribution in the Atlanta area. This year participation is down 30% from previous years. The Toys for Tots organization has scheduled numerous toy drives throughout the metro Atlanta area. The Atlanta Falcon’s participation is an asset to the organizations efforts.

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. Community participation is essential to the success of cause. For more information about participation, or scheduled events in Atlanta, visit www.atlantatoysfortots.org.
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Georgia Center for Child Advocacy Holds Statewide Trainings in Honor of World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse November 19

Abuse of children and adolescents is a complex international problem that seems to defy simple analysis and easy answers. On Nov. 19, organizations around the world will mark World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse with events to increase awareness and education about child abuse and violence towards children, and the urgent need for effective prevention programs.

Using training curriculum created by Darkness to Light, the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy will recognize World Day by hosting a number of child sexual abuse prevention trainings throughout the state of Georgia. The Darkness to Light training curriculum educates adults to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

“The Georgia Center is pleased to support the World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse initiative in the state as we all want to make the world a safer place for children,” said Nancy Chandler, CEO of The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy. “This is an opportunity for Georgians to show their commitment to protecting the world’s children by attending a Darkness to Light training.”

World Day, initiated by the Women’s World Summit Foundation (WWSF) in 2000, aims to create a culture of prevention by encouraging governments and community organizations to play more active roles in protecting children.

The Georgia Center will coordinate Darkness to Light sexual abuse prevention trainings in the following cities:

Rome – hosted by Harbor House
Macon – hosted by Crescent House
Augusta – hosted by Child Enrichment
Duluth – hosted by GUIDE
Albany – hosted by Lily Pad
Blue Ridge – hosted by North Georgia Crisis Network.

The trainings last approximately 3 hours and are facilitated by a trained professional. For more information and to register, please 678-904-2880.

In addition, each organization will host an essay contest entitled “World Prevention Day: How Should Adults Protect Children From Child Abuse.” Area middle-school students are invited to submit an essay about what adults can do to protect children. Three winners from each community will be selected and recognized.

The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, a nationally-certified child advocacy center, is committed to a healthy and safe community for children. The organization's mission is to champion the needs of sexually and severely physically abused children through prevention, intervention, therapy, and collaboration. The Georgia Center provides multidisciplinary team management services that include clinical experts and forensic interviewers in a neutral facility, and they plan to create two co-located facilities where law enforcement, case managers, prosecutorial resources and forensic, medical and therapeutic services will all be provided in a child-friendly environment.

With two locations in DeKalb and Fulton counties, over the past 20 years, the Georgia Center has offered assistance and healing for more than 9,200 children and their families by providing evaluation, therapy and treatment to aide in each child’s long-term recovery. Its professionals conduct forensic interviews, provide expert testimony in trials, supervise and train interviewers and conduct multidisciplinary case review. For more information please visit www.georgiacenterforchildadvocacy.org. To learn how to access a Darkness to Light training, contact the Center at 678/904-2880 x 205, or WillaB@GeorgiaCenterforChildAdvocacy.org.
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March of Dimes Unveils New ANGEL II Neonatal Transport Ambulance at State Capitol

The March of Dimes is donating a new ANGEL II Neonatal Transport ambulance to Emory University's Regional Perinatal Center. The new ambulance, housed at Grady Memorial Hospital, will transport vulnerable premature newborns from hospitals throughout north Georgia to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Atlanta-area hospitals.

The ANGEL II will be unveiled Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 8 a.m. at a press briefing in the North Atrium of the state capitol. As part of the March of Dimes 6th annual Prematurity Awareness Month, the agency will issue its first Premature Birth Report Card on the state of babies across the nation. In a presentation called "Solutions are Within Our Grasp," March of Dimes officials will share details on the growing crisis of premature birth, release Georgia’s ranking in the nation and encourage families, public officials and community partners across the State to sign a recently launched Petition for Preemies.

Premature birth, the leading cause of death in newborns, remains a complex and costly national health problem. More than half a million babies are born prematurely each year, with roughly one in eight babies born too soon and too small.

Since 1976 two ANGEL II ambulances have transported an estimated 20,000 premature and ill babies. The vehicles are virtual neonatal intensive care units on wheels that are fully equipped to stabilize the most critical infants. The ANGEL II and its specialized team of caregivers, which average about 600-650 transports a year, can mean the difference between life and death for a critically ill infant. The newest ANGEL II replaces an older ambulance that has logged nearly 400,000 miles.

“This new ANGEL builds on a 30-plus year history of uncompromising, unrelenting and unparalleled commitment to the babies in this state. ANGEL II moves sick babies from 40 counties in north Georgia to NICUs in the metro area,” says William Sexson, MD, a neonatologist at Emory University School of Medicine and Grady Memorial Hospital and chair of the March of Dimes Prematurity Awareness Campaign.

Providing a safe and reliable means for the transport of sick babies aligns with the core mission of the March of Dimes - to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. To date, millions of babies in the U.S. have been saved from death or disability thanks to advances made by March of Dimes-funded programs.

ANGEL II needs help to continue its mission. "We do so many transports each year we really need two new reliable ANGELs to effectively service the large area covered by the Emory Regional Perinatal Center," says Sexson. "The new ANGEL II is a phenomenal asset; our other transport ambulance has more than 300,000 miles. Another ANGEL is desperately needed so we can minimize breakdowns and avoid the very bumpy ride and potential breakdowns that can endanger these tiny babies during transport.”
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Atlanta Ballet Partners with Barnes & Noble for Book Drive

Atlanta Ballet, in partnership with Barnes & Noble has created a literacy project during the Nutcracker season which will benefit Atlanta Public Schools (APS).

“We saw an opportunity to use the reach we have with Nutcracker to do some additional good in the community” said Barry Hughson, Executive Director of Atlanta Ballet. “We put Nutcracker on the stage 25 times a season, so why not give our vast generous group of patrons the opportunity to help our cities schools?”

When holiday shopping at Barnes & Noble Nov. 28th – Dec. 28th, look for the Nutcracker Literacy Project table filled with 18 different books selected by APS’ Director of Literacy. Three books per child, grades K-5 have been chosen. Each book has been selected to solidify classroom learning and foster a love of reading.

“Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker is all about dreams coming true,” says John McFall, Artistic Director. “As the father of two little girls, I know first hand the importance of reading in children’s development. This project is a great way for Atlanta Ballet and our audience to help give local children the tools they need to attain their dreams and strengthen our community as a whole.”

Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker opens on Friday, December 5th and runs through the 28th at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. For more information on Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker or to purchase tickets, visit atlantaballet.com or call 404-817-8700.

Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is the longest continuously operating ballet company in the United States. Atlanta Ballet’s eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals.

Among Atlanta Ballet’s proud and unique 75-year history are its three Artistic Directors, Miss Dorothy Alexander, whose vision brought dance to the South; Robert Barnett, who turned Atlanta Ballet into a professional company; and currently, John McFall. Under McFall’s leadership Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance.

Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education in 1996 and is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. With diverse class offerings and student population, the Centre serves over 150,000 people in metro Atlanta each year. Atlanta Ballet's roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city's cultural growth and revitalization.
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Clayton State Students to Volunteer for Sixth Annual Festival of Trees and Lights

The Department of Campus Life at Clayton State University is currently looking for student volunteers to participate in the Sixth Annual Festival of Trees and Lights at the Clayton County International Park in Jonesboro.

With beautifully decorated trees, a fun-filled children's area, great shopping, food, entertainment, photos with Santa, and other special events, the Festival, which is sponsored by the Rainbow House, has become a community tradition.

Clayton State’s volunteer night at the Festival of Trees and Lights will be Friday, Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Clayton State volunteers will be handling; arts and crafts, gingerbread men, concessions, the gift shop, entertainment, gift wrapping, and the hayride.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Clayton State Student Organizations Sponsoring Thanksgiving Food Drive

The Clayton State University Teacher Education Club and the Honors Student Association are working together this Thanksgiving season to sponsor a canned food drive from Nov. 6 to Nov. 18.

Donations may be dropped off in the labeled boxes located in the lobbies of the following Clayton State University campus buildings: Arts & Sciences, Lecture Hall, Student Center, and Technology.

For further information, contact Brent Jackson at mjackson37@student.clayton.edu.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Macy’s Gives 1 Million Meals During Thanksgiving

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Macy’s (NYSE:M) is giving the ultimate gift this Thanksgiving season – one million meals to those at risk of hunger – in partnership with Feeding America, the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States. In addition, Macy’s Culinary Council chefs will add stops along their 12-city fall tour to join Macy’s Partners in Time employee volunteers in preparing menu items, serving food for hunger-relief charities and providing recipes.

“Macy’s Million Meals project is a special way Macy’s is able to benefit the communities we serve during our 150th birthday year,” said Tim Adams, chairman and CEO, Macy’s Home Store. “This is an opportunity to link Macy’s Culinary Council chefs with Macy’s Partners in Time volunteers and the result brings new attention and new support for the important cause of hunger in America.”

* Atlanta, Nov. 14: Chef Tyler Florence will join Macy’s associates to cap off a six-day volunteer effort benefiting the Open Hand food delivery charity. He also will make a North Point Mall store appearance Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
* San Francisco, Nov. 26: Chef Andrea Robinson and Macy’s volunteers will prepare and serve meals in partnership with Glide Memorial Church and the San Francisco Food Bank. Macy’s volunteers also will distribute thousands of meals on Nov. 21 with the Food Bank at neighborhood pantries and on Thanksgiving Day.
* Miami, Nov. 26: Drawing on Chef Tyler Florence’s recipe for The Ultimate Mac-n-Cheese, Macy’s volunteers will serve meals for Community Partnership for Homeless. Hundreds of employees annually take part in shopping, cooking, delivering and serving a hot meal for 400 people in downtown Miami.

In addition to these events, Macy’s Culinary Council Chef Dave Lieberman worked with Macy’s volunteers in Philadelphia on Nov. 1. About 400 meals were prepared and Chef Lieberman helped to deliver them to St. John’s Hospice with Greater Philadelphia Cares, in conjunction with his appearance for the grand opening of Macy’s Center City Home Store.

The Face of Culinary at Macy's

Macy’s has a number of culinary initiatives that impact the way customers shop, cook and eat at home including the Macy’s Culinary Council, a national culinary authority comprised of 16 of the nation’s top chefs. Macy’s Culinary Council fall tour, Oct. 22 – Nov. 13, visits 12 cities where chefs demonstrate their favorite recipes and offer special cooking tips and techniques. Customers can access the Macy’s Culinary Council online by visiting www.macys.com/culinarycouncil for the latest recipes, tips and events. Macy’s Culinary Council includes culinary masters Govind Armstrong, Rick Bayless, Elizabeth Brown, Cat Cora, Tom Douglas, Todd English, Tyler Florence, Gale Gand, Dave Lieberman, Wolfgang Puck, Andrea Robinson, Marcus Samuelsson, Nancy Silverton, Tim Scott, Ming Tsai and Takashi Yagihashi. These chefs serve as the face of Macy’s Culinary and Housewares divisions.

Macy’s Community Impact

Macy’s 2008 “Million Meals” grant will fund Feeding America to provide at least 1 million meals, through its nationwide network of member food banks. Learn more at www.macys.com/thanksgivingmeals. Macy’s has had a long history of support for the hunger cause. Beginning in 1998, Macy’s volunteers made a pledge to “Bag Hunger,” collecting food and donations totaling 40.3 million pounds, providing 62 million meals, to local charities nationwide – many in the Feeding America network.

“We are deeply grateful to Macy's for their continued commitment to fight hunger,” said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. “To our knowledge they implement the largest employee food drive in the United States and with this new initiative we’ll be able to provide one million meals through our network to those at risk of hunger nationwide.”

In its 150-year history, Macy’s has had very close ties to the cities it calls home. Collectively, contributions from Macy’s, Inc. and the Macy’s Foundation, as well as employee contributions through workplace giving campaigns and customer contributions through our signature giving programs – totaled more than $78.4 million last year. Macy’s Partners in Time employee volunteers gave more than 1.5 million hours of service – valued at $25 million – to charities around the country since the program was founded in 1989.

About Feeding America:

Feeding America (formerly America’s Second Harvest) provides individuals and families facing hunger with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief charity, their network members supply food to more than 25 million Americans each year, including 9 million children and 3 million seniors. Feeding America serves the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks, which operate 63,000 agencies that address hunger through emergency food assistance and programs. To find out where Feeding America helps near you and how you can help: visit www.feedingamerica.org

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An Evening of Delights at Cheer for Children Ball 2008

Atlanta’s Premier Fall Culinary Event Benefits the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy

Sample delicious delicacies, sip on great wines, and help build a brighter future for our children. The 2008 Cheer for Children Ball will be held at the beautiful Atlanta History Center on Friday, November 14, 2008 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and feature a fabulous evening of great food, live music from Papa-Sol and a one-of-a-kind auction - all while raising funds and awareness to end sexual abuse among children in Atlanta. The evening will feature specially selected wines paired with culinary delights provided by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Greater Atlanta Chefs Association and exciting live and silent auctions that include an array of jewelry, art, fabulous vacation packages and entertainment opportunities. Proceeds will benefit the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, the preeminent authority on the treatment of childhood sexual abuse, providing evaluation and treatment for a child's long-term recovery and leading a statewide prevention and education program to end the sexual abuse on children. Cheer for Children Ball tickets are $150 in advance. For more information, call (678) 904-2880 or visit www.cheerforchildren.org.

Brock Built Green House for Sale, Proceeds to Benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Brock Built's eco-friendly Green House is now for sale. The beautiful two-story single-family home is located on Craftsman Drive in Brock Built’s award winning West Highlands community. The EarthCraft certified home showcases environmentally friendly and sustainable design features and is priced at $419,000. Proceeds from the sale of the home will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

The eco-friendly house consists of three bedrooms with three and one half bathrooms. Interior features include a two-story foyer, gas fireplace, large kitchen with natural stone countertops, recessed lighting, loft area and a walk-out finished basement with a fourth bedroom option, full bathroom and flex room. Environmentally friendly and sustainable design features including energy efficient appliances, plumbing, doors and windows as well as environmentally friendly paints, cleaners and recycled insulation, foundation and siding. Contributions were made for the funds, services, building materials, fixtures, appliances and everything else necessary to build the home.

The exteriors of the home are as beautifully designed as the interiors of the home. Features include a front porch, rear screened porch, rear deck and two-car garage. Beautiful landscaping in the backyard showcases a rear patio with brick outdoor fireplace, brick fire pit, vegetarian and herb garden, rear wood and side fencing. There are 2-55 gallon exterior hand painted rain barrels and 2-300 gallon cisterns that provide supplemental water for irrigation but also enable the homeowner to wash their car and much more.

Prospective buyers are encouraged to tour the property. Tours are available by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call Dahlia Aitova at 404-794-4880.

The EarthCraft program is a voluntary green building program which serves as a blueprint for healthy, comfortable homes that reduce utility bills and protect the environment. EarthCraft homes are thoroughly inspected and tested (for factors such as air leakage and carbon monoxide safety) before the homeowner moves in. They are proven to help save energy and water and conserve natural resources. They are more affordable because they help
homeowners lower energy costs by up to 30%, lower maintenance and repair costs, and even lower doctor’s bills for health problems related to poor indoor air quality.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, one of the leading pediatric healthcare systems in the country, is a not-for-profit organization that benefits from the generous philanthropic and volunteer support of our community. Operating three hospitals with more than half a million patient visits annually, Children’s is recognized for excellence in cancer, cardiac, neonatal, orthopedic and transplant services, as well as many other pediatric specialties. To learn more about Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta call 404-250-KIDS.

Brock Built has been making an impact on the Atlanta residential real estate community for more than two decades. Steve Brock, founder, established Brock Built with a mission to build superior homes at an exceptional value for his customers, while improving on the surrounding community at large. With a focus on the Westside of Atlanta, Brock Built’s goal is not to change existing communities but to recreate them into more livable environments, where current residents and new homeowners can feel at home. By building new homes and bringing new neighbors in to underdeveloped parts of the city, economic development is promoted and these neighborhoods become vital parts of the city. To date, Steve Brock has built more than 1,000 homes in Atlanta. Brock Built neighborhoods offer the convenience and amenities of city living with the charm of a bygone era within the peaceful surrounds of the suburbs where generation after generation can call home. For more information on Brock Built’s communities or The Green House, visit www.brockbuilt.com or call 404-351-7555.
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Subscriptions for Soldiers Remembers U.S. Veterans November 11

PRNewswire/ -- Subscriptions for Soldiers is calling on the American public this Veterans Day to remember those soldiers who put their lives in danger today to ensure the safety of the country. Citizens have the opportunity to sponsor an active-deployed service member's request for their favorite magazine subscription by simply visiting www.subs4soldiers.com and making a $10 donation.

Launched by Magazines.com in 2008, Subscriptions for Soldiers provides free magazines to soldiers serving overseas. For deployed service members, receiving a monthly magazine can boost morale in stressful times and serve as a source of entertainment and a connection to home. "Veterans Day is a time for people to remember our troops and give back to the men and women serving our country," says Jay Clarke, president and CEO of Magazines.com.

Now nearing its 90th anniversary, Veterans Day is a time to remember those who sacrificed everything to serve their country, and the service members who continue to carry out the honorable task of service.

Veterans Through The Years

In 1944, Jimmy Gentry of Franklin, Tenn. was 18 years old and joined the U.S. Army to serve in World War II with the 42nd Infantry Division. "Back then, the only thing we had to look forward to was a letter from home," Gentry says.

In 1991, Gary Barksdale of Lexington, Ky. was deployed to Desert Storm. "I can't begin to tell you how much we enjoyed hearing from our friends while serving overseas," says retired Maj. Barksdale. The importance of being remembered still rings clear with Barksdale today. "Our soldiers need morale support from home to help them get through tough times."

Sgt. Jonathan Wardell, based in Ft. Bragg, N.C., joined the Army in 2005. Serving two tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Wardell's words resonate with those veterans who fought before him. "Getting a package from home was the one thing we had to look forward to," Wardell recalls. "We felt isolated, and any reminder of America was like a light at the end of a tunnel." Like many other veterans, Veterans Day for Wardell is a time to think of comrades and be thankful for the simple pleasures of home, like a magazine, that give soldiers a taste of America.

This Veterans Day, please visit www.subs4soldiers.com and show your support to a service member overseas with a monthly reminder of home -- a magazine.


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Chick-fil-A Founder to Recieve 2008 William E. Simon Prize for Philanthropic Leadership

Atlanta’s Truett Cathy Cited as Exemplary Philanthropist And Champion of America’s Youth

S. Truett Cathy, founder of the Chick-fil-A® quick-service restaurant chain, has been named winner of the 2008 William E. Simon Prize for Philanthropic Leadership, the Philanthropy Roundtable announced today. He will receive a $250,000 cash award, payable to the charity of his choice.

The award presentation will take place tonight in Naples, Fla., at the Philanthropy Roundtable’s annual meeting. National Philanthropy Day, meanwhile, will be observed next week (Nov. 15).
Established by the William E. Simon Foundation and administered by the Washington, DC-based Philanthropy Roundtable, a national association of individual donors, foundation trustees and staff, and corporate giving officers, the annual prize – created in honor of the late U.S. Treasury Secretary and U.S. Olympic Committee President – honors living philanthropists who have shown exemplary leadership through their charitable giving.

“Truett Cathy has touched thousands with his generosity and his heart,” said Philanthropy Roundtable President Adam Meyerson. “He doesn’t merely write out checks; he gets involved. He follows through. He works as hard at his philanthropy as he has worked to build a successful business. He has set a standard all philanthropists, and all Americans should attempt to emulate.”

Meyerson described Cathy as “a champion of America’s youth, an inspiration to others, and a leader in a very difficult field: the $300 billion-a-year world of charitable giving.” Most of all, Meyerson said, “Cathy has shown that it is possible to do well while doing good. He should inspire everyone with a giving heart to at least try to do better.”

From humble beginnings, Cathy started the Chick-fil-A® chain in 1967 with a single store in Atlanta’s Greenbriar Mall. Today the privately held chain – noteworthy because Cathy insists on keeping his stores closed on Sunday, a day he believes should be devoted to family and faith – has more than 1,400 locations and annual sales of more than $2.64 billion.

Cathy’s philanthropic activities over the years have focused largely on young people. A company scholarship program, established in 1973, has provided more than $24 million in scholarships to more than 23,000 restaurant employees. The program emphasizes community service and leadership skills. This year Chick-fil-A expects to contribute an additional $1.4 million to the program. And the S. Truett Cathy Scholarship Awards program offers an additional $1,000 to the top 25 scholarship recipients.

In 1984, Cathy established the WinShape® Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports a network of foster homes, summer camps, a wilderness camp, college scholarships, and even marriage retreats. WinShape, whose objective is “shaping individuals to become winners,” in Cathy’s words, spent $18 million last year.

Consistent with the main purpose of the William E. Simon Foundation – “to assist those in need by providing the means through which they may help themselves” – the Simon Prize honors the contemporary philanthropist: 1) who has shown exemplary leadership through his or her charitable giving; 2) whose good works have demonstrated the power of philanthropy to achieve positive change, and 3) who seeks to inspire others to support charities that achieve genuine results.

Cathy’s $250,000 prize will be donated to two Union City, Ga. charities: Southwest Christian Care, to support the Hope House Children’s Respite Center, which provides respite care services for families with medically fragile children; and Christian City, to support The Children’s Village, which provides a safe haven for children ages 5-17 who have been victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment.

Meet S. Truett Cathy

Winner, 2008 William E. Simon Prize
for Philanthropic Leadership

Presented by The Philanthropy Roundtable
November 7, 2008, Naples, Florida

ABOUT:
S. Truett Cathy, 87, is the founder and CEO of Chick-fil-A, Inc the $2.64 billion a year (2007 revenues) quick-service restaurant chain headquartered in Atlanta. Started in 1967 with a single store in an Atlanta mall, Chick-fil-A now has more than 1,400 stores in 38 states and the District of Columbia. The company’s corporate symbol is a comical cow, urging customers to “Eat Mor Chikin.” Cathy and his wife Jeannette have three grown children, 12 grandchildren and five great grandchildren – and have opened their hearts and their foster care program to an estimated 150 foster children each year.

CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES:
Cathy has been giving time, talent and treasure, inspiring others, and helping to mold young people into productive and successful adults – “shaping individuals to become winners,” as Cathy describes it – for more than 35 years.

In 1973, he established a scholarship program for Chick-fil-A restaurant employees and has provided more than $24 million in scholarships to some 23,000 restaurant employees since then. This year the company expects to contribute another $1.4 million to the program.

In 1984 Cathy established the WinShape Foundation, which supports a network of foster homes, a summer camp, a wilderness camp, provides scholarships and supports marriage-counseling programs. The WinShape Foundation spent over $18 million in 2007.

Cathy tithes 10 percent of his personal income and donates 10 percent of Chick-fil-A’s profits each year to the foundation and other giving.

CORPORATE PURPOSE:
Many companies and organizations have mission and/or vision statements, which are periodically reviewed and updated. Chick-fil-A has a two sentence “Corporate Purpose” statement, adopted in 1982 and unchanged to this day: “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.”

BOOKS:
Little says more about Cathy than the title of five recent books:
“How Did You Do It, Truett” – foreword letter from Warren E. Buffett (2007)
“It’s Better to Build Boys than Mend Men” – foreword by Art Linkletter (2004)
“The Generosity Factor: Discover the Joy of Giving Your Time, Talent, and Treasure” – with Ken Blanchard (2002)
“Eat Mor Chikin: Inspire More People” – an autobiography (2002) and
“It’s Easier to Succeed than to Fail” (1989)

HONORS:
Dubbed a “Moral Tycoon” by a writer for the Colorado Springs Gazette (Feb. 27, 2003), Cathy has received numerous awards and honors in recent years, including:
2008 – The President and Mrs. George W. Bush Community Impact Award
2008 – President’s Volunteer Service Award (White House honor recognizing those who have dedicated more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service over a lifetime)
2007 – Silver Buffalo Award (Boy Scouts of America. Established in 1925 to recognize “distinguished service to youth.”)
2006 – Governor of Georgia designates May 23, 2006 “Truett Cathy Day”
2004 – National Fatherhood Award (from National Fatherhood Initiative)
2003 – Congressional Angel in Adoption Award (Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute)
1999 – Ember Award for Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy (Camp Fire Boys and Girls)
1998 – Norman Vincent Peale Award (Horatio Alger Association)
1997 – Newcomen Society Award (for “the study and recognition of achievement in American business and the society it serves,” Newcomen Society of the United States)
1994 – National Business Commitment to Foster Care Award (National Foster Parents Association)
1992 – National Caring Award/Hall of Fame for Caring Americans (The Caring Institute)

IN HIS OWN WORDS:

“My wife and I were brought up to believe that the more you give, the more you have.”

“Nearly every moment of every day we have the opportunity to give something to someone else – our time, our love, our resources. I have always found more joy in giving when I did not expect anything in return.”

“Don’t be too concerned that your children don’t listen to you. But be very concerned that they see everything you do.”

“When we share time with children, the little things often become lifetime memories for them.”

“Not many men can claim that more than 150 children call them ‘Grandpa.’ It’s my proudest distinction.” (on his experience as a foster parent)

“We like to concentrate on kids – grown-ups have had their chance and they’ve blown it.”

“It’s sad when people neglect their families. You can gain the whole world and lose what’s most precious.” (explaining why Chick-fil-A is closed on Sunday)

“At Chick-fil-A we are motivated by a serving spirit. We can compete with the toughest competition simply because of the kindness of our people.”

“It doesn’t cost you any more to be gracious in a service industry but it sure pays great dividends.”


WHAT OTHERS SAY:

“I am now equipped to break the generational cycle of poverty. He truly saved my life and helped me to become a better person.” – Leslie Hogan Hitchcock, former resident of a WinShape foster home.

“Through Mr. Cathy, I have been able to give back to the community because he first gave to me.” - ibid

“By focusing on helping others around him make the most of their lives, Truett Cathy has achieved outstanding success on his own.” – Frederick F. Reichheld, author of “The Loyalty Rules: How Today’s Leaders Build Lasting Relationships.”
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Remembering Troops with Treats at the Holidays

When I was 12 years old, my brother was a sergeant in the U.S. Army. Yep, Sgt. Peppers. He was stationed in Germany, guarding the border between East Germany and West Germany. As Christmas neared, we worried he’d be lonely there without the usual hubbub of our house at the holidays. So, we baked all of his favorite holiday treats to ship to him so he could still be a part of our holiday season.

My mother got women in our neighborhood to make batches of their secret recipes that were his favorites. One neighbor made her famous peanut butter cookies that he loved. Another baked her special spicy cheese straws. I made my super-specialty: slice-and-bake sugar cookies straight from their premade refrigerated tube. Hey, I added fancy sprinkles.

We carefully packed them in wax paper and holiday tins. Then my mother took them to the local post office to be shipped.

A few weeks later we got a funny letter from my brother. He described how much he and his friends enjoyed our neighbor’s peanut butter cookies, but by the time they got them they were just a pile of crumbs they had to eat with a spoon. It was, indeed, the thought that counted.

The east-west German border is long gone, but the tradition of shipping holiday treats to men and women who serve our country in the military is alive and well.

Good intentions aren’t always enough. Getting those treats there fresh and in one piece takes time and planning.

To make sure your treats make it safely, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension food safety specialist Elizabeth Andress recommends:

Sending heavy cakes, cookies high in sugar and shortening, fudge and nut bars.

Avoiding cookies with cream or custard fillings or moist cookies. They may mold in humid climates. Certain cream and particularly custard fillings could also make someone sick.

Sending other items that ship well like coffees, dried foods, nuts, teas and mixed cereal snacks.

Pay particular attention to packaging. It’s important to get the gift there in peak condition. She says to:

Place foods and gifts in clean boxes or metal tins and put that box inside a packing box.
Place packing materials like newspaper, foam pieces or bubble wrap around the first box.

Take into account the military and each country’s customs regulations. Size and weight may be an issue, too. If baking and shipping sounds precarious, but you still want to contribute, check with local Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts. Both offer options for buying cookies and popcorn that they will ship to troops for you. Also, many organizations online, in your community or through the United Service Organizations need volunteers and donations to make gift boxes for the troops.
Mail delivery to troops overseas is often spotty. The shipping deadline for a mid-December arrival is late November to early December. Check with the local U.S. Postal Service or other shipping companies for exact deadlines.

When the smell of fresh baked goodies fills your house this holiday season, it’s only natural to want to share the joy with your loved ones or neighbors who are serving in the military. A better option may be personal items like sunscreen, lip balm, playing cards, books and baby wipes, which can be just as big a treat as a tin full of homemade cookie crumbs.

(author Faith Peppers is a news editor for the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)
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