In a remarkable show of community spirit, a neighborhood in East Athens has managed to exceed its ambitious goal of collecting food as Thanksgiving draws near. The Waverly Woods community came together to gather over 600 pounds of food, surpassing their target of 500 pounds.
Leara Rhodes, a longtime resident of Athens, initiated the Waverly Woods neighborhood food drive during the pandemic. For its fifth annual event, she set an ambitious target. “I decided we’d have a goal of five hundred pounds!,” Rhodes stated. The neighborhood rallied together, using a Listserv for coordination and delivering donations to Rhodes’ front porch.
The combined efforts resulted in more than just food; the community also raised funds, enabling them to provide an impressive seven thousand meals. Rhodes expressed her hope that this success will motivate other communities to organize similar initiatives. She noted, “There’s a lot of people that would give if neighborhoods made it easier.”
All donations from the Waverly Woods food drive will be directed to the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank, ensuring that the collected resources reach those in need.
