The Return

By: Tommy Rivers

Downtown Atlanta. September, 2021. Soon, grass and weeds will creep along abandoned sidewalks. A kind of grime or dust has settled on sills, streets and awnings – litter all about — neglect.  Traffic lights blink and occasionally you might see a moving car; however, the place looks like a post-apocalyptic nightmare.  

With this backdrop we are easing back into our previously evacuated office space at Midtown Assistance Center (MAC). We have begun doing in-person food assistance appointments, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This is a sort of practice run since it’s been 19 COVID Lockdown months since we last saw a client, and it is rewarding now to see people mask to mask, at least. For all those many months we worked solely remote. 

Presently, we disseminate Food Lists for our clients to fill out and submit electronically. Volunteers pre-pack orders for easy pick-up. We carefully spread out the appointments so as not to have more than one or two clients in the building at a time. 

The process has rolled out smoothly. Despite all their COVID hardships, clients are cheerful and grateful to be back at MAC. All of us working are enjoying our little chats, catching up with clients and each other — glad to be here once again. 

Our return to the office does come with increased costs ranging from utilities to investment in technology to food purchases to office cleaning and COVID-19 safety protocols. Your donation not only puts food in hungry bellies and keeps people housed, you will ensure it is done safely. Click the Donate Now button on the top of this page. You can also mail a check to: 30 Porter Place NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.

If you prefer buying physical items, we have updated our Amazon Wish List. High need items include reusable grocery bags, detergent, and hygiene items. Please select “Wish List Gift Registry Address” when choosing the shipping option.