ADID & Partners Launch The GIFT Project

November 12,2010

On November 12, The Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID), a partner organization of Central Atlanta Progress (CAP), presented a $32,000 donation to the Gateway Center, Downtown Atlanta’s most recognized transitional facility. This donation launches the center’s holiday drive, titled The Gateway GIFT (Generating Involvement in Fundamental Transition) Project. The 32-day campaign is geared to encourage corporations, organizations and community members to support the center by volunteering time, donating products or making financial contributions.

“Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District have been strong community partners of the Gateway Center since 2005,” said Gateway Center Executive Director Vince Smith. “This contribution makes organizations like ours possible – and we are thrilled to be sharing the GIFT Project kick-off with them.”

The Gateway Center, a partner of the United Way Commission on Homelessness, operates with the philosophy of eliminating chronic homelessness by helping affected individuals go from street to home and regain self-sufficiency. In addition to offering basic food, shelter and health and hygiene services, the center provides programs and resources to meet the individual needs of each resident.

With women and children being the fastest growing subset of homeless individuals, this particular donation will be distributed to help fund the staff, resources and other operational costs of the Emergency Women & Children’s Overflow Program. This facility houses over 150 women and children each night in the Gateway Center’s Client Engagement Center.

“We are proud of the meaningful contributions the Gateway Center makes to our community everyday,” said ADID Chairman Craig Jones. “The Atlanta Downtown Improvement District hopes that this donation will not only benefit the center’s programs, but also encourage other members of our community to support the Gateway Center in meaningful ways.”

If your company or organization would like to help support the Gateway G.I.F.T. Project, please contact Brandi Rae Hicks at 404-215-6681 to own a day in this campaign. www.gatewayctr.org
 

Immediate Needs List

• Winter clothing (i.e. Jackets, Hats, Gloves, Sweaters and Scarves)
• Soap
• Hygiene supplies (shampoo, lotion, disposable razors, deodorant, etc.) (Hotel size is fine)
• Cotton Underwear
• Paper Products (including diapers and feminine)
• Towels
• Washcloths
• Sheets (flat, twin are optimal)
• Individually Wrapped Food Items (i.e. Granola Bars, Crackers, etc.)
• Plastic Eating Utensils (Forks, Knives and Spoons)
• General office supplies
• Books (for both adults and children)
• School supplies for children
• Crayons and activity books for children
• Office furniture (file cabinets, tables, chairs; used furniture is fine)
• Computers; monitors; keyboards (where persons/companies have upgraded)
• Vacuum cleaners
• Ironing boards
• Holiday decorations
• Magazines (old are fine; please remove address label)
• Children’s Toys
• Board games

Highlighted Programs
1) Women and Children’s Center + Women and Children’s Overflow Program
2) Employment Program
3) Recuperative Care