In December, University of Georgia Finance and Administration (F&A) wrapped up its third annual Community Holiday Outreach Initiative. The event raised funds and physical donations for nine families and four seniors in Athens-Clarke County for a total value of $15,085, a 36% increase from the previous year.
The F&A Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Committee hosts the initiative in partnership with the Athens Housing Authority to provide essential items and gifts to Athens residents experiencing financial hardship or other challenges. Each local family or senior is sponsored by a division of F&A throughout the program, which runs from October through December.
Ashley* is a mother to five children between the ages of 3 and 13 and has lived in Athens for seven years. Last fall, she lost her job and was struggling to make ends meet. Despite her efforts to find work and take on part-time opportunities, she faced a difficult financial situation as the holidays approached.
“I wouldn’t have been able to provide gifts for my children,” she said. “That’s hurtful for a child, especially when they don’t understand bills.”
Ashley was nominated through the Athens Housing Authority to participate in the holiday outreach program. The UGA Police Department (UGAPD) sponsored her and her family during the event and provided them with clothing, shoes, bedding, groceries, and other necessities. They also surprised the family with a toy tricycle for Ashley’s youngest daughter.
“It was very magical,” Ashley said. “The food and gift cards helped feed my family during a struggling time, and the hand-picked gifts fit perfectly for every child. Being able to have gifts for each of my children was warming to my heart and theirs.”
Lieutenant Britney Green with the UGAPD helped deliver the gifts to Ashley’s family. Green said she felt a sense of pride and joy when she saw Ashley’s reaction to the gifts.
“I really enjoyed my experience working with the two families the UGAPD sponsored this year,” Green said. “I hope this event continues to help build relationships, especially between law enforcement and the community.”
(L to R) Noah Ray with Jasmine after delivering gifts for her and her children from FMD.
Since its inception, the initiative has raised $33,485 in gifts and donations to support Athens residents. A total of eight seniors and 27 families have participated in the program, including Jasmine* (left) and her three children (ages 8, 9, and 10), who moved to Athens last June.
Jasmine was working full-time while finishing her degree in medical billing and coding when a sudden safety issue forced her to move out of her apartment. As a result, she and her children lost all their possessions, including their clothes, furniture, and other belongings.
Jasmine’s family was one of two sponsored by the Facilities Management Division (FMD) during the holiday outreach event. FMD staff came together to provide her and her children with essential items they needed to replace what was lost, along with a few holiday gifts.
“It was a life-changing moment for me and my family,” Jasmine said. “It just let us know that we are thought of and that there are people out there who care.”
Among the gifts were winter clothes, sports gear for the children, kitchen appliances, silverware, bedding, toiletries, and other household products. When FMD Operations Manager Noah Ray and F&A’s Director of Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Bernard Thomas arrived at Jasmine’s home to deliver the gifts, she said she couldn’t hold back the tears.
“It was a blessing and a great experience we’ll never forget,” she said. “I hope that one day I can return the favor to a family in need.”
F&A representatives met with the program participants over several months to get to know them, understand their circumstances, and determine the best way to help. Through this personalized approach and the generosity of F&A staff, many units exceeded the requests of the families and seniors they sponsored and provided support that would last into 2024. While the program’s primary goal is to provide essential items and gifts to those in need, Thomas says it does much more than that.
“The holiday outreach program gives our staff a way to directly support our neighbors, build meaningful connections, and have a positive impact in the community,” he said. “I’m proud of the committee and all of F&A for their exceptional efforts in this year’s program.”
*Names have been shortened to protect privacy.
