Generated by Rank Math SEO, this is an llms.txt file designed to help LLMs better understand and index this website. # Toco Hills Alliance ## Sitemaps [XML Sitemap](https://tocohillsalliance.org/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages. ## Posts - [Of Bread, Buses, and Building Legacies](https://tocohillsalliance.org/of-bread-buses-and-building-legacies/): Here we are in August, a month where summer's heat feels endless, but school starts up and you realize the year is more than halfway gone, and the busy fall season with its headlong rush to the end of the year is just around the corner. - [Dog Days and Good Neighbors July 2026](https://tocohillsalliance.org/dog-days-and-good-neighbors-july-2026/): The Dog Days of Summer are here, running from July 3 to August 11, bringing the hottest days of the year.  - [Celebrating Community](https://tocohillsalliance.org/celebrating-community/): Have you caught World Cup fever yet?  - [Choosing Courage May 2026](https://tocohillsalliance.org/choosing-courage-may-2026/): Surely, with all that is going on, well, ... everywhere, I cannot be the only one that often feels overwhelmed, can I? I mean, I find myself worrying about our neighbors having what they need to survive and thrive, and about THCA having all we need to serve our neighbors through the long, hot summer. - [Joy Grows Here April 2026](https://tocohillsalliance.org/joy-grows-here-april-2026/): Spring reminds us that even small seeds can grow into something beautiful. At THCA, that growth comes to life through our community. With every family helped and every smile shared, joy begins to take root. - [Nothing but Net for March Madness 2026](https://tocohillsalliance.org/nothing-but-net-for-march-madness-2026/): This is the time of year, even if you are not a basketball fan, you can't help but to see ballers all over your TV and social media feed, and to hear about busted brackets in the break room. Yes, it is now March Madness, the NCAA College Basketball championship for both men and women. - [Where Is the Love February 2026](https://tocohillsalliance.org/where-is-the-love-february-2026/): In a world full of so much turmoil all around us, we find ourselves asking so many questions, like the one the Black Eyed Peas asked in their song, "Where Is the Love?"  - [A Year of Hope January 2026](https://tocohillsalliance.org/a-year-of-hope-january-2026/): As we close the books on a 2025 that was challenging, and look forward to opportunities in the new year, we do so with gratitude for the hope you shared last year and look forward to what is possible in 2026.  - [We Are Stronger… Together](https://tocohillsalliance.org/we-are-stronger-together/): At Toco Hills Community Alliance, we are Neighbors Helping Neighbors, by sharing food - and hope. - [We Are Stronger… Because of Our Volunteers](https://tocohillsalliance.org/we-are-stronger-because-of-our-volunteers/): At Toco Hills Community Alliance, we are Neighbors Helping Neighbors, by sharing food - and hope. - [We Are Stronger… Because of Our Board](https://tocohillsalliance.org/we-are-stronger-because-of-our-board/): Dedicated. Committed. Full of heart. Hard-working. Fun-loving? YES! - [We Are Stronger Because of Our Partners](https://tocohillsalliance.org/we-are-stronger-because-of-our-partners/): At Toco Hills Community Alliance, we are Neighbors Helping Neighbors, by sharing food - and hope. Because Hope Is Stronger Than Hunger.  - [The Power of Community August 2025](https://tocohillsalliance.org/the-power-of-community-august-2025/): Summer is winding down, we are getting back to our routines, and looking toward a fall full of activities, and I've been thinking about our community... - [Summer of Caring July 2025](https://tocohillsalliance.org/summer-of-caring-july-2025/): Summer is a time when many of us get to take a break from the usual routine. The team at THCA hopes you are enjoying the summer sunshine, enjoying time with loved ones and taking care of yourself!  - [Hello Summer! Highlights June 2025](https://tocohillsalliance.org/hello-summer-highlights-june-2025/): First and foremost, THANK YOU for all of your support! - [Saving What We Love May 2025](https://tocohillsalliance.org/saving-what-we-love-may-2025/): As befits the Executive Director of a food pantry like Toco Hills Community Alliance, one of my favorite songs is "Crowded Table" by The Highwomen. I especially love the line in the lyrics that says, "I want a house with a crowded table/And a place by the fire for everyone." - [Facing Challenges with THCA April 2025](https://tocohillsalliance.org/facing-challenges-with-thca-april-2025/): With our Spring holidays behind us, now starts the headlong rush into the summertime. There is much to look forward to, longer days, picnics, vacations. Here at Toco Hills Community Alliance, summers bring those joys, yes, but they also bring their challenges, like covering the work when volunteers go on vacation, ensuring kids home from school have access to food, and the HEAT! - [Spring Into Action With THCA March 2025](https://tocohillsalliance.org/spring-into-action-with-thca-march-2025/): On a cool, windy, rainy day, Team THCA, the teams supporting us, and thousands of others fighting food insecurity in our area walked (or ran) in the Atlanta Community Food Bank Hunger Walk Run. The funds raised for THCA during this event help cover our food purchases at the Food Bank.   - [On the Road with THCA February 2025](https://tocohillsalliance.org/on-the-road-with-thca-february-2025-2/): After being iced in for almost a week in January, February has been quite an active month here at Toco Hills Community Alliance.   - [A Year of Impact January 2025](https://tocohillsalliance.org/a-year-of-impact-january-2025/): As we look back on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible generosity and support from our community. Thanks to you, we were able to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families facing food insecurity. Together, we accomplished so much last year, and as we move into 2025, we are excited about the opportunities ahead. - [Gold Medal Impact](https://tocohillsalliance.org/gold-medal-impact/): At the heart of every successful Olympic team is a shared commitment to excellence and teamwork. Your support of our food pantry is no different. Whether you've donated food items, volunteered your time, or made a financial contribution, you are an essential part of our team. Together, we work tirelessly to provide healthy food and essential support to individuals and families facing food insecurity. - [Freedom From Food Insecurity](https://tocohillsalliance.org/freedom-from-food-insecurity/): Dear Supporters of Toco Hills Community Alliance, - [Nourishing Minds…](https://tocohillsalliance.org/nourishing-minds/): Dear Supporters of Toco Hills Community Alliance, - [Unless](https://tocohillsalliance.org/unless/): Dear Supporters of Toco Hills Community Alliance, - [Celebrating Success Along the Way](https://tocohillsalliance.org/celebrating-success-along-the-way/): Operations Manager Juan Carlos celebrating after running the Atlanta Community Food Bank Hunger Walk Run 5K - [Walking Together](https://tocohillsalliance.org/walking-together/): Dear Supporters, - [Looking Forward to 2024!](https://tocohillsalliance.org/looking-forward-to-2024/): Dear Supporters, - [A Winter Holiday Message 2023](https://tocohillsalliance.org/a-winter-holiday-message-2023/): And, Toco Hills Community Alliance, is - [A Thanksgiving Message from Our Executive Director](https://tocohillsalliance.org/a-thanksgiving-message-from-our-executive-director/): At Toco Hills Community Alliance, it is impossible to shut thanksgiving up in a single day because every day here, there is always, always, always something - and usually many, many things - to be thankful for. Even when the days are long, even when we are stretched, even in the midst of crisis and challenge, even in the midst of growing need that led to a record of serving over 600 families last week, we have much to be grateful for.  - [Helping families and communities thrive for 25 years](https://tocohillsalliance.org/helping-families-and-communities-thrive-for-25-years/): Each and every week, Toco Hills Community Alliance serves hundreds of vulnerable families with children, seniors, the unhoused, veterans, and so many others, with nutritious food. Numerous studies have linked food insecurity to poorer physical and mental health, chronic stress, and increased chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Those facing food insecurity may have to choose between medicine and food, leading to further complications. Children in food insecure households are more likely to struggle in school and have poorer health. Georgia ranks 4th among the states with the highest levels of food insecurity and 41st in overall health. That’s not a coincidence. Toco Hills Community Alliance was founded by a physician to create better health for the community, especially for the children of the community. And we continue that legacy today. - [Our Community_ Committed to Generosity Annual](https://tocohillsalliance.org/our-community_-committed-to-generosity-annual/): Our community truly bands together to help those suffering from food insecurity. This year, we will distribute weekly boxes of food that often total 40 pounds or more (over a million pounds total for the year) to struggling families; serve hot meals to thousands of unhoused friends and neighbors; help to fill school backpacks with food for children to bring home for the weekend. It all comes from local stores and retailers; restaurants and caterers; organic farmers; faith-based communities. And of course, our partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Second Helpings Atlanta, Goodr, the Sandwich Brigade, and Bagel Rescue. All total, we work with over 30 retail, restaurant, and non-profit partners to garner the food to serve over 20,000 families this year. - [Working together works. And has for 25 years](https://tocohillsalliance.org/working-together-works-and-has-for-25-years/): Neighbors helping neighbors. It’s more than a slogan; it’s the heart of our mission and how we will feed over 20,000 families this year. Our people come from all over the neighborhood: churches, synagogues, and faith-based organizations; schools and universities; local businesses; non-profit and civic organizations. We bring people together from across the community because neighbors want to help neighbors. And through THCA they do. - [25 Years of Serving our Neighbors in Need](https://tocohillsalliance.org/25-years-of-serving-our-neighbors-in-need/): In 1998, Dr. Ken Herrmann, a pediatrician at the CDC and member of St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, realized that many of the health issues children were facing were related to them being hungry. Very quickly, a small continues to serve our most vulnerable neighbors with compassion, joy, and respect for the dignity of all. Our commitment to serving families and households suffering from food insecurity has never waivered. And we continue to serve because of the support each year from hundreds of our neighbors that share our passion for serving those in need. - [In a Growth Era](https://tocohillsalliance.org/in-a-growth-era/): You may have noticed the monthly newsletter going out a bit later than usual. To be honest, August has seemed to be slipping away quite quickly. Not only are we continuing to see a huge need, and has there been heat and humidity, we are in a time that our high school volunteers are back at school and the college students are not here yet, and many volunteers are still on vacation. - [Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation July 2023](https://tocohillsalliance.org/hunger-doesnt-take-a-vacation-july-2023/): Many of our staff and volunteers, and probably many of you, have been able to take some time for vacation this summer. It is so good to be able to get away from the regular routine, get some rest even. Hunger, however, does not take a vacation! - [Together With THCA June 2023](https://tocohillsalliance.org/together-with-thca-june-2023/): We don't know if the need will increase, but seems highly likely.We don't know if the weather will treat us kindly, but it seems summer storms and heat are highly likely. We do know that the way we meet the challenges is - together. As US Youth Poet Laureate says: - [Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day May 20](https://tocohillsalliance.org/do-something-good-for-your-neighbor-day-may-20/): Started right here in Atlanta in 2009, National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day is a holiday on May 16 to celebrate and show kindness to our neighbors and strengthen our neighborhood. ## Pages - [Items Needed](https://tocohillsalliance.org/items-needed/): We can take donations at our building - [Partners](https://tocohillsalliance.org/partners/): THCA PARTNERS COMMUNITY PARTNERS Atlanta Community Food Bank https://www.acfb.org/ Andy's Frozen Custard Emory University- Candler School of Theology Feeding America Fresh Market Frontline Response Bagel Rescue Gathr'd Market Kroger Lidl The Sandwich Project Masada Bakery Mobile Ice Box Publix  Repair the World Sarah's Donuts Spiller Park Coffee Sprouts Second Helpings Atlanta https://secondhelpingsatlanta.org/ Taqueria del Sol Target  Trader Joe's Whole Foods The Yoga Hive SUSTAINING PARTNERS Aulick Engineering Central Congregational United Church of Christ Clairmont Presbyterian Church Hope Xpress Community Church Intown Community Church North Decatur Presbyterian Church Oak Grove United Methodist Church Saint Martin Lutheran Church Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church ASSOCIATE FAITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Bridgepoint Church Congregation Bet Haverim Congregation Ohr HaTorah Decatur City Church Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Please Note The policy for inclement weather at Toco Hills Community Alliance is that if Dekalb county schools close for weather reasons, Toco Hills Community Alliance will also be closed for the day. - [Gallery](https://tocohillsalliance.org/gallery/): Gallery Please Note The policy for inclement weather at Toco Hills Community Alliance is that if Dekalb county schools close for weather reasons, Toco Hills Community Alliance will also be closed for the day. - [Leaders](https://tocohillsalliance.org/leaders/): Leaders BOARD OF DIRECTORS - OFFICERS President/Chair - Bob Watson (Central Congregational United Church of Christ) Vice President - Elaine Taylor (Clairmont Presbyterian Church) Secretary - Edward Kallal (Oak Grove United Methodist Church) Treasurer - Brian Hillis (At-Large) STAFF Rev. Dr. Lisa Heilig-Executive Director lisa@tocohillsalliance.org Juan Carlos Chavez-Operations Manager juancarlos@tocohillsalliance.org Madeline Ormenyi-Program Managermadeline@tocohillsalliance.org Sabrina Wilson, Operations Coordinator For Volunteer Questions: volunteer@tocohillsalliance.org BOARD MEMBERS Heather Bowman (Intown Community Church) Evelyn Brewer (Central Congregational United Church of Christ) Jenny Castles (Intown Community Church) Linda Cerjean (Aulick Engineering) Jim Engstrom (St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church) Emily Floress (Aulick Engineering) Missy Gibson (Oak Grove United Methodist Church) Barbara Gifford (North Decatur Presbyterian Church) Rev. Alfred Holston (Hope Xpress Community Church) Rev. Jo Ann Holston (Hope Xpress Community Church) Andy Jordan (At-Large) Carol Lyle (St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church) Rev. Allie Osborne (Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church) Shannon Prewitt (Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta) George Trusler (Taqueria del Sol) Dr. Kenneth Herrmann (Emeritus) Please Note The policy for inclement weather at Toco Hills Community Alliance is that if Dekalb county schools close for weather reasons, Toco Hills Community Alliance will also be closed for the day. - [Participate](https://tocohillsalliance.org/participate/): Understanding the Food Pyramid: A guide to the different food groups and their significance. - [About](https://tocohillsalliance.org/about/): About At Toco Hills Community Alliance, you are welcomed and respected Our Organization Toco Hills Community Alliance was founded in 1998 by a group of faith communities to provide emergency assistance to neighbors in need. The organization became a qualified 501(c)3 non-profit agency serving the Northeast Atlanta are. We currently operate a food pantry and community kitchen. Our Mission At Toco Hills Community Alliance, we are Neighbors Helping Neighbors as we provide assistance and support for those in need in the Northeast Atlanta area by fighting food insecurity and providing resource information. What We Do? Our food pantry provides each family with a box that includes non-perishable food, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy items, breads, desserts, and frozen meat. For those without access to a kitchen, we provide a bag of easy to open items that require minimal preparation. Our unhoused neighbors can receive a hot meal. For certain sites pre-approved by the Atlanta Community Food Bank, we coordinate Mobile Food Pantries, usually on a Friday or Saturday and usually once a month. In 2020, due to COVID-19, we served 22,322 households representing 63,068 members, and we distributed 898,637 pounds of fresh food. During the height of COVID-19, the number of families seen each week was double our usual. By the end of 2024, we were serving 750 families or more each week - triple the number pre-pandemic! We could not do this without the support of our entire community! Please Note The policy for inclement weather at Toco Hills Community Alliance is that if Dekalb county schools close for weather reasons, Toco Hills Community Alliance will also be closed for the day. - [Newsletters](https://tocohillsalliance.org/newsletters/): Newsletters Subscribe and stay fully connected with Toco Hills Community Alliance * indicates required Email Address * Please Note The policy for inclement weather at Toco Hills Community Alliance is that if Dekalb county schools close for weather reasons, Toco Hills Community Alliance will also be closed for the day. - [Contact](https://tocohillsalliance.org/contact/): This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. - [Volunteer](https://tocohillsalliance.org/volunteer/): And please follow us on Facebook - [Donate](https://tocohillsalliance.org/donate/): We are grateful for your generosity! - [Nutritional Resources](https://tocohillsalliance.org/nutritional-resources/): At Toco Hills Community Alliance, we're committed not only to providing food but also ensuring our community has the knowledge to make healthful and nourishing choices. Dive into our wealth of nutrition resources designed to enrich your meals and promote overall wellness. - [Special Events](https://tocohillsalliance.org/events/): Please Note The policy for inclement weather at Toco Hills Community Alliance is that if Dekalb county schools close for weather reasons, Toco Hills Community Alliance will also be closed for the day. - [Services](https://tocohillsalliance.org/services/): *Each individual or family may come once a week to receive a box of groceries that will have dry goods, frozen meat, fresh produce, dairy items, bread, and desserts. Those without access to a kitchen will receive a large bag of non-perishable, easy-open, low-preparation foods. - [Home](https://tocohillsalliance.org/): Never feel alone in your time of need. We're here to ensure nutritious meals reach every table, including yours. ## Static Blocks - [Footer](https://tocohillsalliance.org/staticblocks/contact/): Copyright © 2023 Toco Hills Community Alliance - All Rights Reserved.