• Throughout the year, the PTA organizes service projects with the goal of giving back to our Morningside Elementary community and our larger Atlanta Public Schools (APS) community. As one of the largest districts in Georgia, our district’s population is diverse and the needs are great. APS serves approximately 52,000 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12, with more than 75% of APS students qualifying for free and reduced-price meals. With a goal of inspiring our students to become thoughtful community members, the MES PTA works to share resources, grow awareness, and highlight opportunities for our school community to give back to those in need. 

    Dolphins Do Good

    MES community service activities are often coordinated through the PTA's dedicated public service committee, Dolphins Do Good. We are always looking for opportunities to build relationships among homeroom classrooms and grade-level groups. If you have an idea for a service project, either within the school or out in the community, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Community Service chair.

    Current Opportunity - Comfort Bags for the Homeless

     

    In January and February, the entire MES community will have the opportunity to take part in a community-wide service project to provide a comfort bag of hygiene items to people experiencing homelessness. This is an expansion of a program that MES has participated in for many years called Homeless at Heart. This year there is a classroom learning component and an opportunity for parents and caregivers to pitch in!

     

    Classroom Activity: On February 7, MES will participate in the Global School Play Day and students will pack comfort bags which will be donated to various organizations that provide resources to people experiencing homelessness in Atlanta.

     

    We need your help!

    Please donate items by helping us fulfill a 'wish' registry found HERE to gather the needed items to create comfort bags for people experiencing homelessness. All items will be shipped directly to the PTA Dolphins Do Good committee.

     

    On February 2, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, families are invited to come to MES to help sort the items to get ready for the in-class service project. This is a GREAT do-it-together, hands-on activity for you and your students. This is a drop-in event and we appreciate any assistance your family is able to provide.

     

    On February 7, from 7:45-9:30 AM, we need floaters and in-class volunteers to help students pack the bags. Parent Volunteer Sign-up HERE

     

    Questions? Email Lorraine Hatch or Ashley Tucker.

     

    Comfort Bags for the Homeless is a joint project for Dolphins Do Good and No Place for Hate

    Ongoing Community Needs

    Intown Cares. The mission of Intown Cares (previously known as Intown Collaborative Ministries) to prevent and reverse homelessness and hunger in Intown Atlanta. The MES PTA has partnered with Intown Cares in past year and continues to encourage our school community to support this local organization doing important work in the City of Atlanta.

    Grady Cares.  Right here in our own Cluster, Midtown (formerly Grady) High School has nearly 1,500 students, among whom a great number transition in and out during the school year, especially those experiencing poverty or homelessness. Grady Cares is an initiative to provide for these families in need. 

    Past Community Service Projects

    Recent MES Community Service Projects have included:

    • Homeless at Heart Valentines boxes and bags
    • Virginia-Highland Church (donated socks, snacks and backpacks for homeless and asylum seekers)
    • New American Pathways (donated and assembled essentials kits for Afghan refugee families new to Atlanta)
    • Children Read
    • Intown Collaborative Ministry Drives (Food, Toiletries and Utensils)
    • Zaban House Sack Lunches
    • Grady Cares Food Donations & Distribution
    • 5th Grade Canned Food Drive for the Atlanta Community Food Bank

    Resources and Information - Food Insecurity

    From the Atlanta Community Food Bank:

    Resources and Information - Housing Insecurity

    From Love Beyond Walls: