Mary Catherine Pelham is a force of good in Atlanta, spreading joy and making a difference through her volunteer work with various nonprofits. She is a 2023 Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellow, serving with HOPE Atlanta. In this Volunteer Spotlight, Mary Catherine shares her passion for volunteering, the impact it has had on her personal and professional life, and why Atlanta holds a special place in her heart.

When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Mary Catherine exclaims, "I love seeing the direct impact on an individual or family." She volunteers with organizations such as Paws Between Homes, where she helps reunite pets with their owners after they have secured better housing, and Meals on Wheels, where she brings a friendly face to seniors who may not have anyone else checking in on them. For Mary Catherine, volunteering is a way to take care of each other as a community, a responsibility she takes to heart.

Volunteering has always been a significant part of Mary Catherine's life, even from childhood. She describes how it has given her perspective, joy, and a sense of purpose. Through volunteering, she has connected with people outside of her regular social circle and gained empathy and compassion towards those facing challenges that she may not experience herself. Mary Catherine is also passionate about inspiring others to volunteer and find their own passion in giving back to the community.

Mary Catherine believes that volunteering should be fun and impactful for everyone involved. She recalls receiving follow-up texts and emails from volunteers thanking her for hosting events and expressing their interest in getting more involved. This motivates her to continue sharing the amazing opportunities that Atlanta has to offer and inspiring others to join the cause. Mary Catherine believes that the more people who are inspired to volunteer and make a difference, the better the city of Atlanta will be as a whole.

Mary Catherine's love for Atlanta is evident as she gushes about the city's culture, arts, food, diversity, sports, and nature. She chose Atlanta to be her home because of the abundance of things to see and do, and she is committed to contributing to keeping it a great city in every way possible. From visiting new exhibits at the High Museum to trying out new restaurants, Mary Catherine enjoys the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere of Atlanta.

When asked for advice to those interested in getting involved in volunteering, Mary Catherine shares her excitement about the diverse range of service opportunities in Atlanta. She recommends starting with Hands On Atlanta. From direct service to behind-the-scenes work, and from group activities to individual efforts, there is something for everyone in Atlanta's volunteering scene.

Mary Catherine's upcoming volunteer events include HOPE Atlanta's food packing program and delivering Meals on Wheels on a Saturday mornings.

Feeling inspired by Mary Catherine’s s amazing volunteer work?

You can help others like her continue to make a positive impact in our community by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta, where every $1 donated turns into $6 of economic impact. Click here to donate now.