With all the hustle and bustle happening this time of year, it's easy to forget what the holiday season is all about. Our real estate agents believe in taking some time away from our hectic schedules to give back to those less fortunate. If you'd like to join us in doing our part to make the world a better place, check out some of these volunteer opportunities. You may be surprised to see how donating just a few hours of your time can help.

1. Atlanta Mission - 2353 Bolton Road NW Atlanta, GA 30318
   The Atlanta Mission aims to end homelessness, one person at a time. This organization helps men, women, and children get back on their feet and reclaim the dignity they deserve by providing meals, shelter, clothing, job training, and more. Volunteer opportunities are available for both individuals and groups and include helping out in the kitchen, serving meals, sorting donations, and volunteering at the thrift shop.
   
   
2. Nicholas House - P.O. Box 15577 Atlanta, GA 30333
   Homeless families transitioning to self-sufficiency can turn to the services of Nicholas House during the holidays or any time throughout the year. They provide housing, adult education and training, youth services, and aftercare. There are many ways to offer your time and talent to support this worthy cause. Individuals or groups are welcome to help out with preparing meals, mentoring children, participating in the after-school program, or sharing their knowledge and skills as part of the adult education program.
   
   
3. HomeAid Atlanta - 1 Dunwoody Park S., Suite 200 Atlanta, Georgia 30338
   There are plenty of gorgeous Atlanta homes for sale, but, unfortunately, many of the city's most destitute residents don't have the security of knowing they have a place to call home. The volunteers at HomeAid Atlanta are working to change that by building and renovating housing facilities for homeless individuals and families in the metro Atlanta area. Volunteer opportunities include joining in on a hands-on build project, spending a day helping to give an existing facility a facelift, and attending or sponsoring events. If you're willing to make a longer-term commitment, consider joining one of the committees that keeps this organization running.
   
   
4. The Atlanta Children's Shelter - 607 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30308
   There are approximately 13,000 homeless people in Atlanta, and nearly 2,500 of them are children. The Atlanta Children's Shelter cares for them by providing early childhood education and social services for the entire family. This includes housing and job assistance, support groups and workshops, medical services, and an aftercare program. You and your family can get involved by assisting in the classroom, starting an in-kind needs drive, donating clothing, helping to organize the donation closets, providing administrative support, helping with job skills training, or volunteering to support one of the organization's upcoming events.
   
   
5. Gateway Center - 275 Pryor St. SW Atlanta, GA 30303
   The Gateway Center is a 369-bed facility that houses men who are working their way out of homelessness. The center also operates a client engagement center (CEC), which is accessible to the public and serves men, women, and children. The CEC offers public showers and bathrooms, telephones, coin-operated laundry, and storage lockers. They also operate a clothing closet and provide links to resources including housing assistance, substance abuse programs, medical services, and more. A few of the volunteering opportunities include preparing and serving meals, painting, light housekeeping, supervising the computer lab, assisting with GED programs, or organizing a donation drive.

Whether you're buying or selling a home in the Atlanta area, we're here to help. Contact us when you're ready to make a move, and together we'll turn your dreams into a reality.