They say charity begins at home, and when your “home” is Atlanta you have a slew of organizations to help.
As the season of giving begins, we asked AJC readers which Atlanta-area charity is their favorite. All of the choices are deserving of donations, but there is a clear favorite among our voters.
» Celebrate holiday by helping others in need
The No. 3 vote-getter is celebrating 40 years of helping families with sick or injured children. The first Atlanta Ronald McDonald House opened in 1979 on Houston Mill Road as the fourth RMH in the world. It had eight bedrooms and served 352 families a year. Since then, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities have helped "more than 48,000 families with ill and injured children receiving medical care nearby."
Our No. 2 charity gets a lot of publicity, thanks to its presidential benefactor. Atlanta Habitat for Humanity partners with individuals and companies to build affordable housing and help deserving residents become successful homeowners. It's a favorite charity of former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, and the two can found at build sites here and throughout the country.
But who takes the trophy this year?
United Way of Greater Atlanta is the overwhelming choice for 2019, receiving more than half of all votes.
United Way’s focus is on creating a community where “all the children are well,” its website states. United Way combines the efforts of people and groups from 13 counties in the greater Atlanta area to work on issues “most strongly affecting child, family and community well-being.” The organization's volunteers provide services from tutoring to financial education and job training.
» What United Way is doing to improve children's well-being
All local charities need extra assistance right now, so please consider helping them out during the holiday and all year long.
And if you’re still deciding what to give family and friends as gifts this year, consider a membership or gift card from one of our Best of Atlanta winners.
» Best family attraction in metro Atlanta
» Best movie theater in Atlanta
» Best bowling venue in Atlanta
Check out all the Best of Atlanta winners so far at ajc.com.
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