People are “extraordinarily grateful” for volunteer help
In Gilmer County, people in need can be found in surprising places.
One woman receiving food assistance from the Gilmer Community Food Pantry (GCFP) lives in a shed within sight of an immense mansion. Others live in homes without refrigerators. One homeless man lives in a tent in the woods, Adopt-a-Family Coordinator Jessica Partin said.
“It’s a whole lot worse than people realize,” she said.
None of these people own transportation which can take them to the food bank.
To help people like these, Partin runs the GCFP’s Adopt-a-Family program. This program connects volunteers with those who can’t visit the food bank to pick up food for themselves.
“We average 10 to 15 deliveries a month,” Partin said.
For people without transportation or community to take them food, this program can be a lifeline.
“People are super grateful,” she said. “It’s a terrible situation when somebody can’t get to food.”
As a child, Partin was impoverished too. Participating the Adopt-a-Family program is her way to give back to her community.
“A lot of the places I go out to are exactly how I was raised,” she said. “It’s such a blessing.”
Right now, the Adopt-a-Family program needs more volunteers.
Taking part in the Adopt-a-Family program is a long-term commitment on both sides. GCFP tries to keep volunteers and applicants matched permanently.
“They’ll be giving food to that family every month till one of the two of them dies,” Director Allen Triebel said.
To register for receiving food, an applicant must first visit the GCFP and register with a driver’s license. Those who don’t have their own transportation should get a ride from a friend.
GCFP is located at 5273 Hwy. 52 East in Ellijay.
If they can’t make it to GCFP on Wednesdays, Triebel is willing to meet them on Mondays or at their local church or coffee shop. Signing up takes less than 10 minutes.
Applicants must be Gilmer County residents.
If someone’s relatives or church can deliver food, they should use that option instead of entering the Adopt-a-Family program.
“I don’t have many volunteers,” Triebel said.
If someone doesn’t fit these categories, they can’t be part of the Adopt-a-Family program.
Volunteers must own a car that can travel on difficult roads and have a valid driver’s license.
“Some of the driveways we have to go down are pretty rough,” Partin said.
Those interested in volunteering for the program or participating in it can call 706-273-3663.
Often, delivering food to others turns into friendship, Triebel said. Some volunteers and applicants spend hours talking together.
“It’s not a 10-minute delivery,” he said.