Georgia's Friends of Refugees

The Perennial Plate Episode 90: Refugee Garden from Daniel Klein on Vimeo.

Friends of Refugees nurtures the Atlanta Metro area's refugees through relationships and opportunities that "provide for their well-being, education and employment as they become contributing members of society."

Thousands of refugees come to the U.S. each year seeking a better life. In the community of Clarkston, GA, near Atlanta, approximately 60,000 refugees have settled since the 1990s.  More 150 different ethnic groups are represented and Clarkston has been named “the most diverse square mile in America” by the New York Times.

Community Gardens are one way Georgia's newest residents can develop friendships while providing fresh, wholesome food for their families. Iraqis, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Burmese and others make the opportunity to raise produce.  Friends of Refugees also offers employment help, English classes, and after-school tutoring.  Literacy classes and summer camps are also provided by this 501 (c)(3) nonprofit.

Share Our Strength

Twenty percent of American children don't have enough to eat. Their hunger and food insecurity doesn't manifest as rail thin limbs and bloated tummies like their counterparts in other countries, but hungry American kids face the same risk lacking the energy to learn, grow and thrive physically and intellectually.

The nonprofit, Share our Strength aims to end child hunger in America by 2015.  Here's a look at what the organization is trying to tackle:

• More than 16 million children in America are at risk of hunger.
• 15.7 million children in America live in poverty. 
• 18.6 million children are SNAP/food stamps recipients.
• Over 20 million children get a free or reduced-price school lunch.
• 10.5 million children get a free or reduced-price school breakfast.
• 6 out of 7 children do not get the free summer meals they are eligible for.

Share Our Strength partners with major corporations and donors mobilizing to create community wealth and  promote lasting change.

Helping Alabama and the Southeast Recover

The Southeast remains in rescue and recovery mode following one of the worst tornado disasters in U.S. history.  Officials documented 170 twisters in six states and 310 people are reported dead so far as crews continue to sift through the wreckage.  Alabama is being called the epicenter of the deadly storm with more than 200 reported dead and millions in property damage.

Anyone who wants to help victims in Alabama has these options:

• Salvation Army, 1601 Huntsville Road, Florence, drop-off location for water, non-perishable foods, monetary donations, baby supplies, including diapers, wipes, baby food, blankets, hand sanitizer.

• Salvation Army thrift stores are collecting clothing. Donors should designate items for storm victims.

• Franklin Pharmacy, 361 Mustang Drive, Russellville. People are asked to bring whatever they can but immediate needs are bottled water, canned food, sunscreen, basic toiletries, baby supplies.

• Monetary donations may be mailed to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 728, Florence, AL 35630.

• Shoals Outdoor Sports, 1605 U.S. 72, Tuscumbia. Everything including diapers and toiletries, power tools such as chain saws and other emergency-related equipment.

• Fleet Force, Russellville, accepting non-perishable food items and water.

• Tharptown Dixie Youth League, collecting money, clothing, non-perishable foods. Donations will be taken at the Tharptown High School ball fields during baseball games Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. Collection boxes will be on site.

Additional sites for donations, food and water include:

• Highland Park Church of Christ Woodward Avenue in Muscle Shoals

• BestWay Rent To Own 2204 Woodward Avenue in Muscle Shoals or 384 Cox Creek Shopping Center in Florence

• McDaniel Window & Door 300 E. Tennessee St. in Florence

• Free Will Baptist Church 1303 Alabama 24 E in Red Bay

• TVA Credit Union 303 E Dr. Hicks in Florence, 406 N Mall Ct. in Florence, 425 Cox Blvd. in Sheffield

• All Regions bank locations

• First Baptist Church in Russellville

You can visit The Red Cross online to support survivors throughout the Southeast.