Tracy Dansby is a 2023 Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellow and Georgia Peach who loves serving the community both locally and globally. She is impactful and passionate towards all things for the "Beloved Community" and volunteerism. Tracy regularly serves with Hands On Atlanta, Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Reflections of Trinity and in her Grove Park community. Last year, Tracy served over 200 hours and is on track to surpass that mark this year!
In this spotlight, Tracy discusses the pressing needs facing Atlanta, why she volunteers with the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, and how volunteering has impacted her life.
Tracy is particularly passionate about Atlanta's youth and the urgent need to support them. She says, "We are ‘losing our youth,' figuratively and literally." Tracy highlights the fact that many children in Atlanta don't have access to basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, and water. "We have children in the ATL waking up every day, rushing to schools for food because the last meal eaten was at school," she explains. Tracy is deeply committed to addressing this issue by volunteering and donating to organizations that combat food insecurity.
Tracy is also a passionate advocate for the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia (SCFG), where she volunteers regularly. Her oldest daughter was born with sickle cell trait, and Tracy says that the foundation played an essential role in calming her fears and providing classes and resources that helped her family on their journey. She praises the foundation for advocating, investing, and fighting to help individuals living with sickle cell disease live as normal a life as possible. Tracy says, "I will continually volunteer with SCFG because of their love for kids dealing with this health crisis and the community."
“To a person in need, there is nothing greater than the power of LOVE.””
Volunteering has had a significant impact on Tracy's life. She describes it as her "best side hustle, the gift that keeps on giving." Tracy says that volunteering keeps her humble, creative, eager, energetic, grounded, and rooted. She says it challenges her, holds her accountable, and makes her happy.
When asked about advice for anyone interested in getting started in service, Tracy shared her guiding principles derived from Dr. King, who said, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve… and if I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or song, if I can show somebody, he’s living wrong, then my living will not be in vain.”
Through her experience as a volunteer, Tracy agrees with Mother Teresa, "..for the smile is the beginning of love." Tracy says, "To a person in need, there is nothing greater than the power of love." Tracy has honed her skills in empathy, compassion, and understanding. She has also learned how to work collaboratively with others to achieve common goals.
“Atlanta, the city where we swag different and brag different. That’s my city!””
On Atlanta, well, she says, “I love this city because we are the most influential city in the United States, and we embrace and LOVE everybody. Adding, “Atlanta, the city where we swag different and brag different. That’s my city!”
You can harness your own power of love and join Tracy on April 22nd for a fun project at Reflections of Trinity called, Smiles on Jelly Bean Day!
Feeling inspired by Tracy'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.
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