Students at North Gwinnett High School have been affected by COVID-19 just as much as their families have. As a result, they have put themselves to work making sure that their communities are supported during this difficult time. Among this diligent group of students is an initiative known as ATL Relief. It is led by four juniors at North Gwinnett High School who were inspired after one of them faced a personal issue which prompted them to believe that others could also be experiencing such things. Together, they formed the initiative to help their local small businesses thrive during a time of need. 

Sharan Krishnappan (CEO), Erin Kong (CPO), Dat Nguyen (COO), and Sarvesh Kasture (CFO) have begun gaining volunteers in the Metro Atlanta area as an effort to improve the quality of life for as many people as they can. “Our initiative focuses on giving shoutouts to local businesses that help us in our efforts to raise money and awareness for those impacted by the virus. We like to do this by doing our Business Spotlights. With these spotlights, consumers know where the safest places are to eat around Atlanta to protect their health and local businesses get the support they need during dire times like these,” says CEO Sharan Krishnappan on what the main goal of their initiative is. This month, they will be moving forward with their “Masks that Matter” movement as an effort to gain donations to buy masks for doctors and nurses who are on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a GoFundMe page set up, they have a goal to raise $2,500 for this endeavor. 

As the year continues, the Atlanta Relief Initiative hopes to hold more events and showcase more businesses to help take a stand against COVID-19. It would be extremely helpful to this group if as many people as possible would donate to the link provided below. It has been promised that every dollar raised will go towards the benefit of doctors, nurses, and local small business owners. 

“If you have any businesses deserving of support or questions regarding the Atlanta Relief Initiative, please feel free to contact us at atlantareliefinitiative@gmail.com or message us on our Instagram page @atlrelief.” the group stated together when asked if there was a way for the public to support their efforts. 

The North Gwinnett Voice is happy to be a sponsor to these students and to assist in the fight against COVID-19.

— By Anoshka Ramkumar