How a pandemic gave Christy a chance to keep going

We recently caught up with Christy Schofield, Business Development at Mohawk Industries to learn more about her efforts to fight food insecurity across metro Atlanta. Get to know her and find out when and where you can volunteer with Christy next!

Share a little bit about the impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta you care about most.

I care deeply about food insecurity and basic needs of people. No person should go without in this country, in this city. There are too many of us that can give our time and resources to take care of those in need.

Tell us about the organization you volunteer with.

I like the freedom to volunteer around my schedule and volunteering with Hands On Atlanta and the American Red Cross let me give back when I’m available. Between work and travel, there are always events that I can participate in. I also like the people I volunteer with! I enjoy seeing the the regulars that volunteer often and the new people I meet at each event.

The commitment comes natural. This work feeds my soul, and has changed my plan for life ahead. I was all for ambition and climbing as high as I can in my profession. I still feel that way, however now the goal is to get to a place when I can have more time to organize and lead in the Atlanta Community. I want to sit on a board and contribute and be a light for the rest of my years.

“Covid created my volunteering efforts. I found myself out of a job in July 2020, and I immediately signed up for a food distribution event with Hands On Atlanta. I would keep volunteering after I returned to work because it feeds the community, and it also feeds me. I feel like part of the solution every time I volunteer.”

Has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your volunteering efforts?

Covid created my volunteering efforts. I found myself out of a job in July 2020, and I immediately signed up for a food distribution event with Hands On Atlanta. My company would bring me back a short time after, but I will forever be grateful for the opportunity volunteering gave me to "keep going". Little did I know I would keep volunteering after I returned to work because it feeds the community, and it also feeds me. I feel like part of the solution every time I volunteer.

Is there a memorable moment or highlighted event that sticks out to through your volunteering experience?

We were at Ebeneazer Church for the MLK Day Food Distribution. It was cold, so cold I couldn't feel my fingers. The cold didn’t stop anything, as everyone around me continued to work - the energy was contagious. Even though the skies were sunny, it began to snow. Snow in Atlanta! It wasn't in the forecast, but a gift of happiness, even if only for a moment. It reminds me of the happiness we are to the people we serve, if only for a moment.

Where will you be volunteering next?

I will be at Food to Families on April, 3 from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM. There are still a few spots available and more every Saturday on the Hands On Atlanta website - come work with me!

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Inspired by Christy’s story?

Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like Christy’s, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.