Transforming Lives with Compassion and Action to End Homelessness & Poverty
ESSIE EDITION
the Semi-Annual AZLR CARES Newsletter
October 2024 - March 2025
Celebrating 5 Years of Impact!
On October 7, 2024, AZLR Sorority, Inc. proudly celebrated five years of existence! Over the past half-decade, we have touched over 1,000 lives through our commitment to providing essentials while nurturing our community. Our programs have continuously uplifted those in need:
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Family Day Walkathons have raised close to $20,000 in the last three years, celebrating and supporting hundreds of scholars in our community.
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Annual Celebrate the Harvest Dinners (formerly Warming Up Atlanta) have fed hundreds of low-income and unhoused neighbors every year.
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Adopt a Classroom—In July 2024, three classrooms received educational materials. Since 2009, hundreds of scholars have benefited from school supplies and summer essentials donated through AZLR CARES, Inc.
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STEM Kits at Family Day – May 2024 gave children hands-on learning experiences, fostering curiosity and innovation.
Celebrate the Harvest
October 2024
In October, we hosted our Celebrate the Harvest event at Coan Park Community Center, serving 25 families with the generous sponsorship of Coca-Cola. The event featured three vendors and brought holiday joy to the community by providing Christmas toys, family photo opportunities, and an opportunity for families to share three things they were grateful for. We also distributed hundreds of pantry staples and Coca-Cola-sponsored drinks. Over 60 attendees enjoyed a hot meal provided by AZLR CARES, and extra meals were packed and distributed to unhoused individuals in Metro Atlanta. Additionally, we donated socks, sweaters, gloves, and other clothing items, thanks to our gracious donors.
While our annual fundraiser, BINGO for a Cause, originally scheduled for January 2025, has been postponed until further notice, we remain dedicated to finding new ways to fundraise and expand our mission.
Love Thy Neighbor
February 2025
Despite the rain, nothing could dampen the love we shared at our Love Thy Neighbor event! In partnership with Clean Wave Atlanta Laundromat—our dedicated ally in community care—we provided laundry services to 28 families, ensuring they had clean clothes and linens. We also served a hearty breakfast to over 60 individuals, thanks to generous donations from Trader Joe’s, Tito’s Vodka, and Port Royal Scott Lodge #591.
The Lodge went above and beyond by not only supporting us financially but also volunteering on-site with many helping hands and even bringing a DJ to keep the energy high! We also raised $225 through our raffle basket, furthering our mission to support those in need.
We are deeply grateful for the returning partnership with Clean Wave Atlanta and the ongoing support from our sponsors. Together, we continue to bring dignity, care, and hope to our community.
As we carried the spirit of compassion and service into the next month, we focused on celebrating and empowering women in our community.
Women’s History Month Celebration
March 2025
In honor of Women’s History Month, we gathered at Red’s Beer Garden to celebrate and support a local, woman-owned business, highlighting the importance of championing female entrepreneurs. Despite the forecasted inclement weather, which kept the crowd small, the evening was filled with laughter, connection, and purpose.
Guests enjoyed a delicious spread featuring Irish Egg Rolls, Chicken Tenders, Nachos, and a variety of craft beers, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere. The attendees fully embraced the theme, showing off their creative takes on green attire with hints of purple, symbolizing both growth and empowerment.
Though intimate, the event was a resounding success, raising $654 in support of the local business. It was a powerful reminder that even small gatherings can have a big impact when fueled by community spirit and a shared commitment to uplifting women.
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Upcoming Event: Dinner on the Farm – Cinco de Mayo Celebration 🌮
We are thrilled to announce our next event: Dinner on the Farm at Unearthing Farms in Atlanta, featuring a Cinco de Mayo-themed celebration! 🎉🌮 Guests will enjoy festive Mexican-inspired cuisine, refreshing beverages, and lively entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting. This event is the perfect way to kick off the warmer season with great food, community spirit, and fun. Stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Stay Connected and Get Involved!
Your continued support fuels our mission and allows us to expand our reach. Stay informed about our upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and community initiatives by subscribing to our website:
You can also support AZLR CARES by:
🔹 Donating – Every contribution makes a difference.
🔹 Volunteering – Join us at our future events and make an impact.
🔹 Spreading the Word – Share our mission with your network!
Thank you for being part of the AZLR CARES family. Together, we continue to uplift, empower, and transform lives—one act of kindness at a time. 💙
With gratitude,
Danette Shockley