HomeAid Atlanta’s 17th annual Essentials Drive just completed its run on May 11, just in time for Mother’s Day 2018, and the organization says it has been the most successful Essentials Drive since its inception. The drive raised around 200,000 items valued at $35,000.

The Essentials Drive benefits homeless babies and their mothers by collecting “essential” baby items across the community, including baby wipes, formula, diapers and more. Homeless families and children at 25 Metro Atlanta nonprofits will receive the relief and care they need, thanks to the generosity of the community who participated in the Essentials Drive. The drive began in 2002 as a way to provide aid to the growing homeless population in Atlanta. Since its beginning days, the Essentials Drive has been able to distribute more than one million items to charities that need them.

Regina Holloway, Residential Service Advocate at City of Refuge said, “We received many, many donations from the Essentials Drive.  On behalf of City of Refuge staff and residents, we would like to say thank you so much.  HomeAid Atlanta has truly gone above and beyond in supporting our families here at City of Refuge. Thank you for supporting our mission and bringing light, hope and transformation to our families that are in need.”

Atlanta individuals, plus over 40 businesses and organizations, donated the items to the drive. Participants included American Family Insurance – Robin Mitchell Agency, Ameris Bank, Ashton Woods, Atlantis Granite & Marble, Bank of America LEAD for Women, Atlanta Chapter, BankSouth Mortgage, BMC, Boral Industries, CBRE, Cecily Stevens Zumba, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta-Scottish Rite: Technology Dependent ICU, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Denim Marketing, Ed Voyles Chrysler ,Fifth Third Bank ,Fitness Together, Ganek, PC, Greater Atlanta HBA, Haven Design Works, Healthquest Chiropractic, Honest-1 Autocare, Interior Specialists, Inc., Kiwanis Club of Druid Hills, Making A Way Housing, McMichael & Gray, PC, Attorneys at Law, Meridian Brick & Masonry Supply, Modern Image Scanning – Atlanta, Monte Hewett Homes, Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, Northwest Exterminating, NterNow, O’Kelley & Sorohan, Attorneys at Law, Out Front Media, Paran Homes, Professional Women in Building Council, SR Homes, State Bank & Trust Company, SunTrust, Sutter, McLellan & Gilbreath, Inc., Tallulah Montessori, Taylor Morrison, The Framing Studio, Thrive Wellness Center and Vining Financial Services, Inc.

Additionally, several companies volunteered their time once all the collecting was completed. On May 10, volunteers from SunTrust, Denim Marketing, Bank of America, McMichael & Gray PC, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Bank of America, CBRE and more helping sort and pack the items for delivery. Special assistance and support was provided by Takeaway Movers, Boral Industries, Meridian Brick & Masonry and Atlantis Granite and Marble.

For the twelfth consecutive year, UPS once again assisted in the delivery of the items. Receiving organizations included The Drake House, Nicholas house, Atlanta Mission, Sheltering Arms, Rainbow Village, Decatur Cooperative Ministry, City of Refuge, Salvation Army – Red Shield Services and more.

HomeAid Atlanta would like to thank all the individuals, communities, organizations, businesses and volunteers who participated in the 17th Essentials Drive.