Shades & Highlights: Things We Like November 2012

TOOLS  © Muharrem Kartal Dreamstime.comWith Thanksgiving so close, we can taste it – each member of the Highlight Homes family reflects on our many blessings for which we are most thankful. We are thankful for the chance to do the work we love and the wonderful people for whom we are blessed to serve. While we normally devote our monthly “Shades & Highlights” article to people, places, companies and trends that inspire the design and implementation of our custom home construction and renovation work, we would like to take this opportunity to shine the light on a handful of local charities that inspire us in a completely different way. This holiday season, let’s give those less fortunate than ourselves something for which they can be truly thankful:

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Christmas House 2012 – Now through December 9, 2012 (Closed Mondays through Wednesdays, plus Thanksgiving Day) – Located at 4475 Dudley Lane in Atlanta’s highly revered Chastain area, the 2012 Christmas House showcases the work of some of the Southeast’s finest designers. Tickets are $20 and proceeds benefit Atlanta institution, The Alliance Theater, which relies on the generosity of donors to continue to provide “exceptional education programs that reach aspiring teenage playwrights, educators from over thirty-five Georgia schools, acting students of every age and over 70,000 school children each year.” Shuttles to the Christmas House are available from the Chastain Horse Park at 4371 Powers Ferry Road .

Atlanta Community Food Bank – In its 33rd year, the ACFB acquires more than 35 million pounds of food and groceries each year, which is then distributed to over 600 non-profit partner agencies in 29 counties throughout Metro Atlanta and North Georgia.  Needless to say, they can’t do this alone. They require the assistance of volunteers and donors in order to feed Georgia’s hungry month after month. To make a secure online donation, plan your own food drive, or learn how you can volunteer to help, visit the ACFB website.

Atlanta Day Shelter for Women & Children – This “place of hope” for homeless women and children in Atlanta relies heavily on donations in order to provide food, clothing, education and support nearly 100 people in need on a daily basis year-round. A donation of $25 can purchase a state of Georgia birth certificate and legal identification for a woman applying for a job, a donation of $60 can feed a family of 3 for a week; and a donation of $100 can pay the deposit on an apartment. In addition to monetary contributions, the Atlanta Day Shelter is also seeking donations of new unwrapped gift items such as clothing, gift cards, toys and more for its Christmas project. Last year, the Shelter was able to provide more than 1,700 personalized gift bags and this year, they hope to do even more.  With your help, they can!

Habitat for Humanity – Did you know that nearly 2 billion people around the world live in slum housing and over 100 million are homeless? Habitat for Humanity takes a global approach to providing decent shelter to those in need in hopes of eradicating poverty.  Habitat for Humanity is continually seeking donations of materials, volunteers to aid in the construction of homes for homeless victims of everything from natural disasters to war, and monetary contributions to fund their efforts worldwide. Since the organization’s founding in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has built over 500,000 homes and helped more than 2.5 million people all over the planet. A portion of their current efforts is devoted to helping the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Click here to donate directly to the Disaster Response Fund to aid our neighbors in the Northeast and victims of similar disasters.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE HIGHLIGHT HOMES FAMILY TO YOURS!

Image Credit:  TOOLS  © Muharrem Kartal | Dreamstime.com

Shades & Highlights: Things We Like November 2012