Macon-Bibb is able to thrive because of its cohesive nature. The vibrance of the city comes from the neighborly community, and there are many different ways to get involved. Even the smallest actions make a major impact.
According to World Population Review, Macon has a poverty rate of around 24%, up nearly 4% from two years earlier. With an increase in poverty rates, there is a stronger need for helping hands. Here are 5 ways to contribute to the community.
The Ronald McDonald House
Since it opened in 2002, the Macon Ronald McDonald House has served as “a temporary home-away-from-home” for families who have sick children, according to Ronald McDonald House Charities Central Georgia. It’s a place for families to escape the overwhelming hospital atmosphere. The non-profit is locally owned and welcomes support through donations and volunteers.
The Ronald McDonald House operates 24/7 all year, providing home-cooked meals, laundry facilities, and both indoor and outdoor playrooms for children. “There is a small staff and much of the work is done by dedicated volunteers. Volunteers help with the day-to-day tasks of running the house, help with yard work and cleaning projects, conduct fundraisers and serve on a variety of committees,” according to the website’s “What We Do” page.
With a score of 4.8 stars on Google Reviews, many families and volunteers are moved by the impact the organization makes on the Macon community. “If you’re interested in a local charity to contribute to, please consider the Ronald McDonald House,” said Vickie Mercer in their review. She continued, “The staff there are amazing, and they make sure parents and siblings of children in the hospital have a comfortable place to stay at no charge. All donations are for the families that are away from home for days, weeks, or months to be with their sick child.”
Buck Melton Community Center
The Buck Melton Community Center is a resource hub managed by the Macon Housing Authority, an independent government agency that provides affordable housing in Macon. “MHA’s Buck Melton Community Center is a one-stop resource for families who are working their way toward economic independence,” according to the Buck Melton Community Center page on Macon Housing Authority. The community center gives community organizations and MHA clients “an opportunity to succeed,” as said on the website. Services offered include after-school and summer programs, computer usage, neighborhood outreach, and healthcare.
Volunteers are able to contribute through many organizations that partner with the Macon Housing Authority, like the Boys and Girls Club of Central Georgia, Operation Hope, and Macon-Bibb County Sheriff’s Outreach. They dedicate their time at the community center by distributing food, facilitating community events such as business classes and training, and providing financial advice.
The Buck Melton Community Center has 4.5 stars on Google Reviews. Many people have left positive comments on the services and assistance they’ve received. One reviewer, Monique Andrews Brown, went to visit Operation Hope. “This place was clean, very open, and easy to find. But he was so helpful and understanding,” Brown said in their review. “We received great knowledge about our credit and budgeting. Our credit scores have jumped greatly. And I must say we are very pleased with their services.”
Daybreak Resource Center
Managed by the national homeless service nonprofit, Depaul, Daybreak Resource Center serves to provide refuge and support to those affected by homelessness in Macon. “Every weekday in Macon, an average of 100 homeless men and women visit Depaul USA Daybreak Resource Center to receive services that help them overcome the immediate crisis of homelessness,” according to the Macon location page on Depaul USA.
The organization encourages members of the community to donate or volunteer at their locations in order to eradicate homelessness. Volunteers assist by serving food, cleaning laundry, and organizing special events for the visitors. Depaul USA provides many different services at the Macon location, including laundry facilities, case management, showers, and a free health clinic.
The resource center has 4.5 stars on Google Reviews, and many volunteers and visitors commented on the positive impact. “If you are visited by bad luck, a victim of bad decision making or malicious others, this place has a helping hand for you,” said Bearded Weirdo in their review. “If you have a blessed life, lend a helping hand for them. With all of their services for people in need, there is always a demand for donations and volunteers.”
Middle Georgia Community Food Bank
Middle Georgia Community Food Bank works to end hunger. They have a mission “to help our neighbors thrive by providing equitable access to nutritious food with community partners,” according to Middle Georgia Community Food Bank website.
The organization runs many different programs to ensure food stability to people all around the state, including the Backpack Program for children, Mobile Food Pantry, and SNAP Outreach. They keep track of food insecurity rates and welcome support through donating nonperishable or canned food, donating money, in which one dollar equates to five meals, and donating time with volunteer work by packing and loading food onto trucks.
The Middle Georgia Community Food Bank has a score of 4.7 stars on Google Reviews. “I’ve been purchasing food items from the Food Bank for the past 3 years, and my experience has only gotten better. Never disappointed and always impressed,” Hal Brickle said in their review. “All the employees are professional and courteous. From the receptionist handling paperwork, to the forklift operator who brings out the order, everyone not only makes you feel at home, but makes you want to do more in serving Central Georgia’s hungry and less fortunate.”
Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia Bargain Center
The Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia Bargain Center accepts donations of items such as clothes, furniture, and appliances. “Every time you shop in our stores, you’re making a difference in hurting lives!” according to the Thrift Stores page on Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia. “Whether you’re cleaning out your home or garage, replacing furniture or appliances, or just don’t want your items any longer… we’d love them!”
There are two thrift store locations in Macon. One on Napier Avenue, and one on Zebulon Road. The proceeds from sold items go towards the organization’s various programs for homelessness, addiction recovery, domestic violence protection, and other recovery services.
The Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia Bargain Center on Napier Avenue has 4.3 stars on Google Reviews from visitors and buyers. “Best thrift store in the area. Staff and quality garments are unmatched in quality and price,” said E M in their review. “Not to mention your purchase goes back into the community, it’s a win-win.”
