Hometown Heroes: Charities Making a Difference

Giving back to our community is one of the most meaningful ways we can connect with others and support our neighbors. Over the years, we’ve had the joy of partnering with and supporting some truly incredible local charities, nonprofits, food pantries, and support organizations right here in Fayette and Coweta counties. Whether you’re looking to donate, volunteer your time, or simply spread the word, we encourage you to explore and share these resources. You never know who in your circle might be in need of a helping hand, and this list might just make all the difference for a family going through a tough season. We’re honored to introduce you to a few of our favorites. Read on to learn about who they are and how you can get involved.

Domestic Violence & Family Services

Bloom – Fayetteville

Who They Are:

Bloom is a nonprofit organization based in Fayetteville, Georgia, with a mission to empower families and communities to transform the lives of children impacted by foster care. They offer a range of programs including:

  • Foster care services
  • The Bloom Closet (a cost-free clothing boutique for foster children)
  • Bloom Beyond (support for youth aging out of foster care)
  • Bloom University (educational resources for foster families).

How to Get Involved:

  • Sorting and Processing Donations
    • Assist in organizing and preparing donations for distribution
  • Clerical Support
    • Help with administrative tasks to ensure smooth operations
  • Special Events
    • Support during events like Frocks & Rocks, an annual fashion show benefiting The Bloom Closet
  • Organizing Drives
    • Coordinate and participate in donation drives to collect essential items
  • Transporting Items
    • Help in moving donations to various locations as needed
  • Off-site Projects
    • Engage in community outreach and support activities outside the main facility

All volunteers must be at least 10 years old with a guardian, or 14 and older without a guardian. Prior to volunteering, individuals must complete an online application and attend a 45-minute orientation.

Donations They Accept:

  • Clothing and School Supplies
    • Items for The Bloom Closet, which provides foster children with essential clothing and supplies
  • Monetary Contributions
    • Financial donations to fund various programs and initiatives
  • Event Sponsorships
    • Support for events like Frocks & Rocks, which raises funds for The Bloom Closet

For specific donation guidelines and to schedule a donation, please contact Bloom directly.

Visit Bloom | (770) 502-5512


Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV) – Atlanta

Who They Are:

The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV) is a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1988, GCADV serves as the leading voice to end domestic violence in the state. They represent over 50 domestic violence organizations and programs across Georgia. GCADV empowers survivors, educates the public, and advocates for responsive public policy. Their strength lies in collaboration throughout Georgia to stop domestic violence.

How to Get Involved:

  • Volunteer
    • While GCADV itself may not have direct volunteer opportunities listed, they encourage individuals to reach out to member programs across Georgia. These programs often have volunteer needs ranging from crisis line support to administrative assistance. You can explore opportunities and learn more on their Get Involved page.
  • Stand with Survivors Day
    • GCADV organizes events like Stand with Survivors Day, where advocates, survivors, legislators, and community members gather to support legislative initiatives benefiting and protecting survivors.Engaging in such events is a meaningful way to contribute to the cause.

 Donations They Accept:

  • Monetary Donations
    • Financial contributions help fund programs and services for victims and survivors. You can donate online through their Donate page.
  • Checks or Money Orders
    • If you prefer to mail a donation, make checks or money orders payable to Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence and send them to:

Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence
2295 Parklake Drive, Suite 130
Atlanta, GA 30345

  • Community Health Charities
    • GCADV participates in workplace giving through Community Health Charities. Employees at participating organizations can direct their donations to GCADV. GCADV’s Combined Federal Campaign code is 45871.
  • iGive
    • By shopping through iGive, a portion of your online purchases can be donated to GCADV. Visit their Donate page for more information.

Visit GCADV | (404) 209-0280


Food Assistance & Basic Needs

Bridging the Gap – Newnan

Who They Are:

Bridging the Gap (BTG) Community Outreach, Inc. is a nonprofit in Coweta County dedicated to helping individuals and families facing hunger, homelessness, and hardship. Their mission centers on a compassionate three-step approach: FeedServe, and Restore, offering food distribution, case management, hygiene services, household goods, and more.

How to Get Involved:

Volunteers are welcome to assist across multiple areas: helping with weekly food distributions (serving 500–750 families weekly), supporting the summer lunch program for children, aiding in the Christmas in Coweta holiday initiative, contributing to home deliveries of food and essentials, and supporting BTG’s shower/laundry facilities and referral services. Volunteers with a wide range of skills are encouraged to join.

Donations They Accept:

  • Food
  • Household goods
  • Hygiene items
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Diapers (for infants & adults)
  • Durable medical equipment
  • Pet food
  • Financial donations also support their programming, especially seasonal efforts like Christmas in Coweta and summer feeding initiatives.

Visit Bridging The Gap | (770) 683‑9110


Midwest Food Bank – Peachtree City

Who They Are:

Midwest Food Bank is a faith-based, non‑denominational 501(c)(3) nonprofit that sources food donations (often surplus or approaching sell-by dates) from large food companies, and redistributes them through over 2,000 partner agencies across several states including Georgia. The Georgia division, headquartered in Peachtree City, supports dozens of agencies in Coweta and Fayette counties, including agencies serving Newnan residents. The organization distributes millions of dollars in food value each month, nearly $32–34 million USD worth of aid.

How to Get Involved:

Volunteers play a central role in the Georgia division’s operation by helping sort, pack, and prepare food for distribution at the Peachtree City warehouse. For example, volunteers (including local groups like Rotary or employees from Yamaha’s Newnan plant) assist in loading and repacking incoming donations to help efficiency and outreach. Even committing just a few hours monthly can make a big impact, as the food bank heavily relies on volunteer labor in lieu of paid staff.

Donations They Accept:

While individual drop-offs often funnel through partnering agencies, the food bank accepts large-scale food donations (staples, canned goods, bottled drinks, etc.), hygiene and household items, and corporate-scale contributions. Donations from companies like Yamaha help fill pallets of bottled and canned goods, which are then processed by volunteers for onward distribution. Monetary donations support purchasing additional food supplies and covering operational needs like fuel for reliable transport.

Visit Midwest Food Bank | (770) 486‑1103


Backpack Buddies of Georgia – Newnan

Who They Are:

Backpack Buddies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Coweta County focused on ending weekend hunger for economically disadvantaged children. Working with school counselors, they identify students relying on free/reduced school meals and provide nutritionally balanced weekend meals. Currently, they serve over 1,200 children across 33 schools in the county and aim to continue expanding, especially into summer months when school meals aren’t available.

How to Get Involved:

  • Thursday Morning Packing Crew (school year)
    • Unload, sort, and reload food bins (~9:30am – 11am) as a recurring or group opportunity
  • Summer Packing Days
    • Group-based packing sessions (sign-up required)
  • Delivery Drivers
    • Adults (19+) needed to deliver weekend backpacks to schools or pick-up/drop-off during summer; children can accompany adults but not sign up themselves
  • Sub Drivers
    • Fill in when regular drivers are out

Donations They Accept:

  • Food Items
    • Always in need of specific items for weekend bags such as oatmeal packets, individual fruit cups, mac‑n‑cheese, chicken noodle soup (10.75 oz cans), granola bars, cereal, and snacks. You can see the full list here.
      • They discourage sending fragile Little Debbie-style snacks as they often get crushed
  • Monetary Donations
    • ~$5 feeds one child for a weekend
    • $25/month or $300 for one child across the school year
    • $20 per child per “Break Bag” during school holidays, or $80 to support four break bags per child annually
    • Sponsorship opportunities for individuals or schools available via coordination with staff

Visit Backpack Buddies | (678) 770‑8618


Fayette Samaritans – Fayetteville

Who They Are:

Fayette Samaritans is a Christian, volunteer-run 501(c)(3) ministry founded in 1991 by 11 local churches to centralize assistance for county residents facing hardship. Now supported by nearly 40 churches and civic partners, they help families in crisis through food, clothing, and emergency financial aid. In 2024, they supported over 2,000 families—delivering groceries to 1,445 households and providing utility or eviction prevention assistance to 628 families—all while maintaining administrative costs under 5% thanks to volunteer efforts.

How to Get Involved:

Volunteers commit as little as 4 hours per week, Monday–Friday during business hours (9 AM–12 PM). Volunteers serve in multiple capacities, including:

  • Reception & intake
    • Greeting clients, interviewing, and record-keeping
  • Food pantry
    • Receiving, sorting, shelving, and preparing grocery orders
  • Clothes closet
    • Organizing, shelving, and helping clients select clothing

Donations They Accept:

  • Non‑perishable food items
    • Fundraising needs vary monthly, but recent needs included canned chicken, vegetables, broth, boxed mashed potatoes, pasta (excluding spaghetti), pancake syrup, Jiffy cornbread mix, tea bags, coffee, and feminine products.
  • Clothing donations
    • New underwear and socks for men, women, and children; gently used school/work clothes, pajamas, towels, or sheets for their clothes closet.
  • Financial gifts
    • Tax-deductible donations accepted via check (mail to P.O. Box 1071, Fayetteville, GA 30214) or credit card/online donations; funds help fill pantry gaps and cover emergency aid costs (no cash accepted) Non-perishable food, toiletries, clothing, household items, and monetary gifts.

Visit Fayette Samaritans | (770) 461-7191


I-58 Mission – Senoia

Who They Are:

The I-58 Mission is a 501(c)(3) Christian service agency based in Senoia, dedicated to meeting the physical needs of individuals and families in crisis. Inspired by Isaiah 58:6–12, the mission provides food, clothing, household goods, and spiritual support to those in need, aiming to exalt Christ and share His love through action. 

How to Get Involved:

  • Clothes Closet
    • Sort and organize clothing donations; assist clients in selecting clothing.
  • Household Goods
    • Pick up items from donors; deliver items and minister to those being served; clean or repair donations.
  • Food Pantry
    • Assist with pantry operations and distribution.
  • Baby Room
    • Support the baby room by organizing and distributing baby items.
  • Events
    • Help coordinate and support special events and community outreach programs.

Volunteers are encouraged to visit the mission’s website to sign up and learn more about current needs and opportunities.

Donations They Accept:

  • Clothing
    • Gently used or new clothing for all ages
  • Household Goods
    • Small appliances, kitchenware, and home essentials
  • Food
    • Non-perishable food items
  • Baby Items
    • Diapers, wipes, and other baby essentials
  • Monetary Donations
    • Financial contributions to support operational costs and program funding

Beside to check the website for their list of current needs. Donations can be dropped off at their location, 2450 Highway 85, Senoia, GA 30276, Monday through Wednesday from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. For canned goods, donations can be made Thursday through Saturday at the Senoia Welcome Center. Please note that the Senoia Welcome Center only accepts canned goods, not clothes or household items.

Visit I-58 Mission | (678) 400-8503


Real Life Center – Tyrone

Who They Are:

The Real Life Center is a nonprofit organization located in Tyrone, Georgia, committed to walking alongside individuals and families facing life’s challenges. They offer a range of services designed to provide immediate relief and promote long-term change, including food assistance, financial counseling, educational classes, and emotional support.

How to Get Involved:

  • Food Pantry Assistance
    • Help clients shop for food and clothing, sort donations, stock shelves, and assist with special projects
  • Orchard/Garden Support
    • Participate in harvesting fresh produce and preparing the soil for planting
  • Mobile Food Pantry
    • Package and distribute food to families at off-campus distribution sites
  • Administrative Support
    • Assist with data entry and other office tasks

Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and accompanied by an adult if under 16. To get started, contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Matt Lowe, at (770) 631-9334, ext. 205, or via email at mlowe@reallifecenter.org.

Donations Accepted:

  • Orchard Support
    • Contribute to the operation of their 3-acre farm/orchard that provides fresh produce to families
  • Financial Contributions
    • Support their programs and services
  • Food Pantry Items
    • Donate non-perishable food items to assist families in need

Visit Real Life Center | (770) 631-9334


Housing & Shelter Support

Newnan-Coweta Habitat for Humanity – Newnan

Who They Are:

Newnan‑Coweta Habitat for Humanity (NCHFH) is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Based in Newnan, GA, they build and repair affordable homes for working families in Fayette and Coweta counties. They operate a local ReStore, selling donated building materials, furniture, and appliances, with all proceeds directly supporting their housing projects.

How to Get Involved:

  • Home construction and repair
    • Volunteers help build new homes or assist in critical home repairs alongside future homeowners, who also contribute sweat equity
  • ReStore support
    • Help staff the ReStore in Newnan (sorting donations, managing sales, general operations) to support local housing efforts
  • Event volunteering
    • Assist with fundraisers like the annual Tin Cup Golf Tournament and other affiliate community events

Donations They Accept:

  • Material donations
    • Accepts furniture, appliances, building materials, and décor items—best delivered to the ReStore location, where they’re sold to fund home construction projects
  • Vehicle donations
    • Cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, boats, whether running or not. Towing is provided at no cost, and donations may be tax‑deductible
  • Monetary gifts
    • Financial donations support builds, utility assistance, home repairs, and program operations. You can donate via their website or during affiliate events

Visit Newnan-Coweta Habitat for Humanity | (770) 251-0787


Angel’s House – Newnan

Who They Are:

Angel’s House is a nonprofit group foster home in Newnan, Georgia, providing a safe, loving, and structured environment for teen girls who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or other difficult circumstances. Their mission is to offer stability, support, and hope during a critical time in each girl’s life.

How to Get Involved:

Volunteers can support Angel’s House through special event help, organizing donation drives, offering professional services, or serving on committees and the Board. Local groups, schools, and businesses also assist through fundraising and awareness efforts.

Donations Accepted:

Angel’s House accepts financial donations, gift cards, household supplies, personal care items, and gently used clothing for teen girls. Wish lists are often shared for specific needs, and ongoing community support helps keep the home running smoothly.


Visit Angel’s House | (770) 683-3396


Community Action For Improvement – Carrollton, Newnan, Franklin, LaGrange

Who They Are:

Community Action For Improvement, Inc. (CAFI) is a nonprofit Community Action Agency founded in 1966, serving residents in Coweta, Fayette, Carroll, Heard, Meriwether, and Troup counties in Georgia. Its mission is to help low-income individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency through a comprehensive, “whole-family” approach. CAFI supports clients with employment readiness, early childhood education (Head Start/Early Head Start), energy assistance, weatherization, housing stability services, nutritional aid, veteran services, digital literacy, and more.

How to Get Involved:

CAFI offers a range of volunteer opportunities across Fayette and Coweta counties, including:

  • Food bank and home-delivered meals programs
  • Administrative support (office assistance, outreach coordination, events)
  • Event volunteering at agency fundraisers and community events
  • Volunteers support programs like the food bank, Family Empowerment initiatives, and training institutes

Donations They Accept:

  • Monetary donations
    • Funds emergency assistance, education programs, housing initiatives, and more
  • In-kind donations
    • Such as food for the food bank and supplies for client support programs

Funds and donated items help sustain programs like LIHEAP, job training, nutrition services, and housing support for low-income households

Visit Community Action For Improvement | (770) 502-0222


Seniors

Meals on Wheels – Newnan

Who They Are:

Meals On Wheels of Coweta is a nonprofit, affiliate of both the Meals On Wheels Association of America and the Georgia chapter, dedicated to serving homebound older adults in Coweta County. They deliver delicious, nutritionally balanced meals at no cost to seniors 65+, those with disabilities or chronic illness, and others unable to prepare meals themselves. Their mission centers on improving quality of life and helping seniors age safely in their own homes

How to Get Involved:

Community volunteers play a vital role by delivering meals on daily or weekly routes, typically between 10:30 am and early afternoon. Contributions also include helping with meal assembly, packing, fundraising, or community outreach

Donations Accepted:

  • Monetary donations
    • Helps with fuel, food cost, program support
  • In-kind contributions
    • Such as non-perishable food items, packaging supplies
  • Fundraising participation, such as annual events like “Coins for Cupcakes” or their golf tournament
    • These donations help them sustain a growing number of delivered meals: 52,823 in 2022, 62,350 in 2023, and nearly 65,000 in 2024!

Visit Meals on Wheels Coweta | (678) 423-1700


Animal Welfare

Fayette Humane Society – Peachtree City & Fayetteville

Who They Are:

Fayette Humane Society is a volunteer-only, nonprofit animal rescue organization serving Fayette County. They focus on rescuing homeless cats and dogs, placing them in foster homes, and promoting responsible pet ownership through education, spay/neuter programs, and community outreach.

How to Get Involved:

Volunteers are the heart of FHS. You can help by fostering pets, assisting with adoption events, transporting animals, fundraising, or spreading awareness. Whether you have a few hours a week or just want to help occasionally, there’s a role for you.

Donations Accepted:

  • Pet food
  • Supplies such as litter, toys, crates
  • Gift cards
  • Monetary donations
    • Financial gifts help cover medical care, spay/neuter surgeries, and daily needs for foster pets

Visit Fayette Humane Society (770) 487-1073


Newnan-Coweta Humane Society – Newnan

Who They Are:

The Newnan‑Coweta Humane Society (est. 1975) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit striving to reduce euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals in Coweta County. They operate rescue programs, foster care, adoption clinics, spay/neuter outreach, a pet food pantry, and educational community initiatives like school pet clubs and senior companion visits.

How to Get Involved:

  • Foster pets
    • Temporary homes for cats and dogs. NCHS covers all veterinary care, food, meds, and supplies.
  • Support at adoption events
    • Assist weekly clinics at PetSmart in the Newnan Pavilion Shopping Centre and other outreach events.
  • Help at the Pet Pantry
    • Distribute pet food, litter, and supplies during monthly pantry distributions (first Saturday of the month).
  • General volunteering
    • Assist with animal socialization, kennel care, transport, administrative tasks, and community engagement. Court-ordered community service (for misdemeanors only) may be accepted under specific conditions.

Donations They Accept:

  • Pet food & supplies
    • Dry or canned dog, cat, and puppy/kitten food, kitty litter, stainless steel bowls (no plastic/ceramic), collars/leashes, pet meds, towels, blankets
  • Monetary donations
    • Financial gifts help fund medical care, spay/neuter efforts, rescue operations, and upkeep of Pokey’s Place facility. Wishlist links available online for direct supply donations.

Visit Newnan-Coweta Humane Society | (770) 254-9641


Why We Love Them

Each of these organizations embodies the spirit of compassion, service, and community resilience that makes our area so special. They fill essential gaps in care and support for people, pets, and families alike, all while welcoming volunteers and donors with open arms.

We admire their dedication, transparency, and the meaningful ways they transform lives every single day.

Get Involved

Whether you have a few hours, skills to share, or resources to give, there are plenty of ways to support these amazing charities, such as:

Volunteer

Many opportunities exist for hands-on help—from packing food and sorting donations to administrative support and event assistance. Visit each organization’s website or call to find out how you can get started.

Donate

Most accept monetary gifts, which go a long way, as well as specific items listed above. It’s best to check their current needs before dropping off goods.

Attend Events

Charity fundraisers, food drives, and awareness campaigns are great ways to connect and contribute.

Spread the Word

Share their missions and needs on social media or with your network to help them reach more people.

Community is built one small act of kindness at a time. Supporting local charities, small nonprofits, food pantries, and domestic violence support organizations is a powerful way to make your mark, whether by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.

Together, we can lift up those who need it most and build a stronger, more compassionate community for all of us.

Happy giving back,

The Gals at Good to Be Home 🐝