As the temperatures drop, the needs of our neighbors experiencing homelessness grow. Cold nights, wet weather, and the holiday season can make an already difficult situation even harder. The good news? There are plenty of ways you can make a real difference right here in Athens.
1. Donate warm clothing
Coats, hoodies, gloves, hats, thermal underwear, and especially new socks are in high demand. Our Clothes Closet gives away more than 2,000 pounds of clothing every month, and winter is our busiest season.
2. Stock our hygiene shelves
Travel-size soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and razors help keep our Holy Suds shower ministry running strong.
3. Serve a meal
Food for Friends serves breakfast and lunch every weekday, and we have served more than 260,000 free meals since 2015. Volunteers help prepare food, serve guests, and clean up.
4. Give nonperishable food
Canned proteins, peanut butter, soups, and easy-to-open snacks support our Emergency Food Program for neighbors who cannot make our regular meal times.
5. Provide work boots
A good pair of boots can be the difference between getting a job and missing out. New work boots in all sizes help our neighbors get and keep employment.
6. Rally your group
Churches, businesses, schools, and civic clubs can host a donation drive or serve together as a team. We are grateful for more than 40 local partners who already stand with us.
7. Give online
Financial gifts go the furthest. They help cover birth certificates, IDs, prescriptions, bus tickets, and the everyday costs of keeping our doors open. Year-end gifts are a meaningful way to close out the year with generosity.
8. Pray and spread the word
Share this post, follow us on social media, and tell a friend about The Sparrow’s Nest. And please keep our guests, volunteers, and staff in your prayers.
Drop-off details
Donations are accepted at 745 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30606, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. Have questions about what we need most? Call 706-549-6693 or email info@sparrowsnestathens.org.
Thank you for helping us creatively meet needs, build trust, and open the door to hope.
