Residents of Buford and the surrounding areas looking for a way to give back in their local community can look no further than Home of Hope at Gwinnett Children’s Shelter — in addition to monetary donations, the organization accepts donations of meals for its residents, which include children and their single mothers experiencing homelessness.
The volunteer meal program began as a way for the local community to get involved with Home of Hope.
“We do not have full time food services employees on weekends and this was a really good way to engage volunteers while filling a need on the weekends,” said Maureen Kornowa, CEO and executive director of Home of Hope at Gwinnett Children’s Shelter, which is located in Buford.
Volunteers can sign up to provide a homemade meal, catered options or meals from area restaurants for lunch or dinner on specific weekends dates and occasional weekdays. Options for meal donations include spaghetti, lasagna, fried chicken, chicken tenders, pasta dishes and more.
In addition to meals, donations of paper plates or bowls and plastic forks and spoons are appreciated.
Home of Hope averages about 30 residents, including children and their mothers, but recommends that those providing a meal contact the organization the week of the scheduled donation to find out an accurate number of residents.
“While our guests are not required to have meals here, we know they appreciated the fact that we always have meals and alternative meals should they decide to stay on campus on weekends,” Kornowa said.
Home of Hope serves children from birth to age 17 and their mothers. The organization offers a three- to 12-month transitional living program in which families receive room and board, customized plans and life skills training to become independent. The program focuses on education, career preparation, parenting and financial planning.
Home of Hope at Gwinnett Children’s Shelter is located at 3850 Tuggle Road in Buford. To schedule a meal donation, contact Bridgette Fredrick, Hope of Hope’s food services manager, at bfredrick@gwinnettchildrenshelter.org or 678-546-8770.
