Gateway Center Announces End of Year Donation Drive

December 5,2013

It would cost $20 billion over a period of five years to end homelessness in the United States. In that same time period, Americans spend $25 billion on Christmas decorations and flowers.* With all of the hustle and bustle brought on by the holidays, it is hard to remember the needs of others and reflect on the season of giving.

The Gateway Center, a downtown agency that offers assistance to those experiencing homelessness through services and various programs, will be having its annual GIFT Campaign in order to connect the needs of people experiencing homelessness at the Gateway Center with persons in the Atlanta community motivated to create change in tangible ways. The GIFT Campaign – which stands for Getting Involved. Funding Tomorrow – launched on November 1 and runs through New Years’ Day. Gateway needs are for both monetary donations as well as in-kind donations. The biggest needs for in-kind donations are new or gently-used blankets, towels, toiletries, coats, socks, men’s clothing and canned food. Gateway encourages the community members to organize for donations in their neighborhoods, offices, clubs, and faith-groups.

“The GIFT Campaign makes a significant difference in the lives of those served at the Gateway Center,” said Vince Smith, Executive Director of the Gateway Center. “Every day our focus is changing lives ... ending homelessness. My deepest thanks to those that partner with the Gateway Center making a difference in the lives of those so often overlooked.”

Last year over 4,400 individuals stayed at Gateway Center in their journey towards self-sufficiency and out of homelessness. Any gift given to the Gateway Center this holiday season will help the Gateway Center continue to move forward with their work of helping those who are experiencing homelessness. The Gateway Center hopes to raise $40,000 in monetary donations, along with the various in-kind donations.

There are different levels of sponsorships available, with the presenting sponsor contributing $10,000. The Gateway Center is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.

For more information about the Gateway Center, please visit www.gatewayctr.org. For information about the GIFT Campaign and how to give a donation, or become a sponsor, please email Jason Tatum at jtatum@gatewayctr.org.

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