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Dear Supporters of Toco Hills Community Alliance,
Your support is making a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors,
- the over 700 families that come every week to receive free groceries,
- the over 150 unhoused individuals and seniors that come every week for lunch,
- the over 50 families that come every month to find clothes for their families,
- the 25 families at a local elementary school that receive a backpack full of food each weekend…
Did you know that your support makes a positive difference for our neighbors and neighborhood, and for the Earth itself?
Earth Day is upon us and is a good reminder that this planet is the only one we have right now and we all need to join in caring for it, just as The Lorax from Dr. Seuss has urged us to. And, here at THCA, we are part of the “someones” who care a whole awful lot so that things can get better for the people AND the planet.
Currently, food waste is contributing 8% of total global greenhouse gas emissions because of food that ends up in landfills. Americans generate more food waste than any other country. Nearly 40% of food waste is fresh fruits and vegetables that may not look the prettiest, but are just as healthy!
By working with food rescue organizations like Second Helpings Atlanta, and others, and by picking up from retailers like Publix and Kroger as a partner agency of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, we take would-be wasted fresh food and share with our food-insecure neighbors. In addition, thanks to partner St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, we are now composting any spoiled produce and food waste from our kitchen.
Because you care a whole awful lot, our neighbors receive healthy, nutritious food, and our Earth is being saved. This Earth Day, we invite you to join us in celebrating the remarkable impact of our food pantry on our planet and in our communities.
Together, we can create a future where no one goes hungry, and where we honor and sustain the precious resources of our planet.
Grateful that all of you care enough to help make things better,
Rev. Dr. Lisa Heilig,
Executive Director
By giving of their time to sort and put up food and hygiene items, making bags and boxes, cooking and cleaning, our volunteers demonstrate every day that they care a whole awful lot. With the increase in number of people served, we have had to increase the number of volunteers to do the serving so that we currently have over 100 volunteers who make it all possible to share meals and groceries and clothes – and hope and love. Because our volunteers care, life is better for our neighbors and our neighborhood.
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and we celebrate all of our volunteers, even as we highlight just a few here:
Of our newer, younger volunteers, like Emory University students 
Jack, Maggie, and Havina, some originally came as part of a class, but continued on, and all have been volunteering because they love being here. They find it gratifying to be part of something bigger and to ensure people not only get food, but also hope and care. These three are all graduating and we will miss them, but know that pre-med Jack and Maggie and nursing student Havina will take lessons learned here with them wherever they go.
Two of our longest-serving volunteers, Barbara and Mary, have been working
in our kitchen, preparing lunches with love for about 10 years. Barbara had worked at Northside Hospital catering to patients and Mary had worked in the school system creating tasty meals in the cafeteria. When they retired, they wanted to give back and show how much they care in the best way they know – cooking lunches with lots of love! These ladies do not know how to make just a little bit of anything and always make sure that their lunches are filling and tasty for our unhoused friends.
With college students graduating, interns moving on to summer plans, volunteers taking much need vacation, summer is a great time to come volunteer with us here. We take volunteers 14 and up (it is a great opportunity for any high school students who need community service hours!). Volunteers need to be able to lift at least 25 pounds, stand for periods of time, and withstand various weather conditions. Click this link to sign up.
Donating items we need is another way to show you care.
MOST NEEDED ITEMS OF FOOD
- Shelf Stable Milk
- Canned Meat
- Canned Chicken
- Canned Tuna
- Canned Fruit
- Pop-Top Soup/Pasta/Chili
MOST NEEDED SUPPLIES
- Diapers (Especially size 5/6/7)
- Baby Wipes
- Clean used plastic grocery bags
- Reusable Cloth Grocery bags
Donated items can be dropped off Monday through Friday 9am to noon.
We are not in need of articles of clothing at this time.
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