Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for our blessings, families, friends, and way of life. As this important day approaches, you may want to give back to your community to help those who are not as fortunate. There are so many ways to give thanks this Thanksgiving in Marietta and other communities in Cobb County, Georgia. The many nonprofit organizations in the area accept donations of money, time, volunteer services, goods, grants, and partnerships. Below, we describe a few of the organizations in our community that help the homeless, support the arts, conduct medical research, provide assistance to children and their families and help those in need.

Must Ministries

Must Ministries provides assistance to children, families, the homeless, and those who feel hopeless and do not know where to turn. Through donations, volunteer services, corporate partnerships, and community initiatives, they provide food, temporary housing, rental assistance, financial counseling, educational training, career assessment, job referrals, access to healthcare, and other services. Client testimonials show the deep impact Must Ministries has in giving support, love, assistance, and hope to those in need.

You can donate food, volunteer at a food bank, donate money, volunteer administrative and professional services, and more. Corporate sponsors can offer food, professional services, company volunteers, financial support, and in-kind services.

Enduring Hearts

Enduring Hearts funds research to find innovative ways to improve the lives of children who have had heart transplants. Approximately 25% of heart transplants fail. Transplants last an average of 17 years, requiring additional medical intervention during a child’s lifetime. In addition to research, Enduring Hearts initiated the Road to Recovery Feed the Heart Program during the COVID-19 epidemic. The fund helps families in financial distress bear the costs of medication and food for their child who has undergone a transplant.

Individuals can donate money, gift cards, or groceries, sponsor gas cards, donate time at fundraising events or initiate individual fundraising efforts. Corporations, businesses, and individuals can sponsor fundraising events, donate money or establish partnerships. If you have an idea, check out their website to see the giving initiatives they offer. Your time and effort will help improve the quality of life of these children.

Friends of The Strand Inc.

The Strand Theatre, built in 1935, is the last extant historic theater in Cobb County. This nonprofit organization restored the theater, which reopened in 2009. Today, it supports a wide range of performing arts, films, live performances and private events. Rooms are available for rent, including the auditorium, Lumiere Lounge and rooftop terrace. You can also rent the marquee to display notices about private events, parties, congratulations and more.

There are several ways to give, including donations of money, volunteering at events, purchasing an item on their wish list, engraving your name on their Walk of Fame, or commemorating a seat. You can also create your own fundraiser. If you have other ideas, give them a call. Volunteering and supporting Friends of The Strand is a great way to support local arts and keep this important venue open.

For more information about local charities in Cobb County, Marietta, and nearby communities, the Great Nonprofits website lists organizations by city and the issue the organization supports, including sports, medical research, health, environment, and education. Each organization is rated. A description of the charity explains what they do and how you can help.

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, take time to give back to your community. It can enrich your life and help someone in need thrive and live a happier life.