Community Connection

As many of you know, our beloved, long-time member, James "Buck" Andrews passed away in July 2009. It was always his wish that Assistance League have a proper sign on Broad Street to identify our organization and the thrift shop. Thanks to your generous contributions to the Buck Andrews Memorial Fund, that sign is now in place.

Placed on the sign is a bronze plaque honoring Buck. The stonework was generously donated by Willie Medina, President, Action Contracting, LLC and the signage by Michael Yag, President, Access TCA, Inc. The Memorial Fund Committee will decide how to use the remaining donated funds in a way that best honors Buck.

We thank all of you for your generous support and for remembering "Buck" in this special way.

When a child has been in an accident or violent situation and is scared, holding onto a teddy bear makes everything feel better. Distributed through more than 35 hospitals, police and fire departments, our special "AL" Bears bring comfort and security to more than 5,750 children each year.

"This is such a wonderful program and even our 'toughest' officers have made very good comments about having the bears available. Thank you for a wonderful program, and for allowing us to share in making one moment in the life of a traumatized child a bit easier."
DeKalb County Police Department

So many college students must work at several jobs while trying to earn a degree. It's hard to make ends meet and concentrate on studies. To ease the financial burden, Assistance League created Links to Education. Since its inception, this program has awarded over $320,000 in scholarships to students at six Atlanta area institutions of higher learning.

"I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to further my education by pursuing a Master's Degree in Nursing Education. I hope I can mentor young women and men to develop their skills as nurses and encourage professional growth and self confidence."
Links to Education Recipient

If you found yourself homeless with nowhere to go or the victim of abuse and no one to call, you would welcome the comfort of clean clothing, soap and toothpaste, shelter and safety. Working through more than ten social agencies, New Beginnings enriches the lives of more than 30,000 homeless and abused children and adults by providing clothing, linens, hygiene kits and basic household items to those most at risk.

"New Beginnings has been instrumental in helping us to provide these daily-need items to our residents. By providing the Center with toiletries, clothing, paper products, laundry detergent and food donations, New Beginnings allows the Center to focus our dollars on caring for the kids' medical, psychological and scholastic needs."
Center for Children and Young Adults

Some children never had new clothing to wear to school until Operation School Bell^® came along. Started more than 50 years ago when a teacher in California discovered that several family members in her classes had to take turns coming to school because they did not have enough clothes to go around, this national program now clothes more than 270,000 children across the country. Last year in Atlanta, Assistance League clothed more than 7,500 children in 175 schools in the greater Atlanta area.

"The excitement of the children could hardly be contained as they were fitted for their clothing and actually took ownership of their bag full of brand new goodies. It was truly a most incredible event to witness . . . one which I will never forget."
Counselor, Brockett School

Patients at Shepherd Center come from all over the world for treatment of severe injuries. Frequently they have no family or friends in the Atlanta area. Each year, Assistance League comforts more than 400 patients with rehab-friendly clothing, birthday greetings, cookies, hugs and smiles.

"Many times our patients arrive from another hospital with a hospital gown and nothing else. We get patients up and into therapy on their first day when possible, but not without the proper clothes. Thanks to Assistance League, it's one less thing that stressed-out family members have to worry about."
Shepherd Center Founder

Babies are born every day to mothers who lack proper baby supplies. Each year Assistance League purchases a variety of newborn items, then assembles and delivers more than 2,000 layette packages to hospitals in the Atlanta area for mothers in need.

"...your donations will help mothers who lack baby supplies due to homelessness, domestic abuse, joblessness and low or no income with little or no support from their family or friends. You have brought sunshine into the lives of new moms and new babies. Grady First Steps program appreciates you and your gift."
Grady Hospital