The Circle for Children charity to mark 100th anniversary

August 27, 2026August 27, 2026 by Wendy Parker

The Circle for Children charity to mark 100th anniversary

We received the information below and photos from East Cobb resident Elaine LaMontagne, a former president of The Circle for Children, an Atlanta-based charity that is marking its 100th anniversary.

She says that “the majority of the members are East Cobb residents,” which has been the case for a number of years, and that the centennial celebration will continue through May 2027, including a gala in February:

The Circle for Children (The Circle) proudly announces its Centennial Celebration year, marking 100 years of service to Georgia’s most vulnerable children. Since its founding in 1927, The Circle—one of Georgia’s oldest charitable women’s organizations—has remained steadfast in its mission to improve the lives of at-risk children through philanthropy, volunteerism, and advocacy.

A milestone reached by only a small percentage of nonprofit organizations, a 100th anniversary represents far more than longevity. It reflects a century of community, trust, visionary leadership, dedicated volunteers, generous supporters, and an unwavering commitment to helping generations of children build brighter futures.

As a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) organization, The Circle has raised millions of dollars and contributed countless volunteer hours to benefit children who have experienced abuse, neglect, poverty, and other significant hardships throughout Georgia.

“Celebrating 100 years is both a tremendous honor and a reminder of the responsibility we have to continue serving Georgia’s children,” said Patricia Iaffaldano, President of The Circle for Children. “We proudly honor the generations of women whose compassion, leadership, and dedication built this remarkable organization.

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to ensuring that our second century is just as impactful as our first.”

A YEAR OF CELEBRATION AND SERVICE

The Centennial Year will feature a variety of volunteer projects, benefiting the organization’s current charitable partner, City of Refuge, along with member gatherings, sponsor events, and commemorative activities across Atlanta.

The celebration will culminate with a spectacular black-tie Centennial Gala on Saturday, February 27, 2027, at Cherokee Town and Country Club. The evening will include live and silent auctions, entertainment by Platinum Band, reflections on The Circle’s remarkable history, and exciting announcements about its future impact.

President Patricia Iaffaldano and her leadership team selected the Centennial theme, “Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future,” to recognize the organization’s rich legacy while reaffirming its commitment to serving Georgia’s children for generations to come. The gala is chaired by Betts Fisher and Cindy Samples.

Click the middle button below to view more photos:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your organization, or about any recognitions, to share with the community. We love to get photos and stories about what’s happening, as well as calendar event listings and more.

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Sign Up for Partyline!

The easiest and quickest way is to use our direct reader submission service, Partyline. Take a photo or a few and send us some text straight to our content system. We’ll edit it and publish in a snap! It’s free to sign up!

The Old-Fashioned Way

If you prefer to e-mail us, pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: [email protected], and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

It might take us a bit longer to publish your news than it would if you send it via Partyline, so we suggest that option if it’s really timely!

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

LiveSafe Resources event benefits domestic violence survivors

August 17, 2026August 17, 2026 by Wendy Parker

LiveSafe Resources event benefits domestic violence survivors

Submitted information and photos:

LiveSafe Resources hosted one of Atlanta’s premier fashion events, A Fashion Affair, on Tuesday evening at The Foxglove in Marietta. Cobb County Solicitor General Makia Metzger, a dedicated advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, chaired this signature fundraiser supporting “Good Looks for a Good Cause.”

The night featured a captivating runway fashion show curated and styled by Shaye Strager of Strager Style and A Stylist’s Closet. Guests enjoyed a fun-filled evening with elegant hors d’oeuvres, drinks, exciting raffle prizes, and a variety of pop-up boutiques for an unforgettable night of fashion, fun, and philanthropy.

Event sponsors include:

Couture Sponsor: S.A. White Oil Company, Inc.

Trendsetter Sponsors: Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd and Cobb County Solicitor General Makia Metzger

Runway Sponsors: Cobb EMC, Johnson & Alday, LLC, and Proda Technology

Style Sponsors: A 2^nd Chance Bail Bonds, CROFT & Associates, Inc., Cumberland Diamond Exchange, GGG Partners, LLC, Nora and Richard Guadet, The Pauley Family, Kaiser Permanente, and SouthState Bank

Runway Retail Sponsor: A Stylist’s Closet

Catering Sponsor: Carriage House Catering

Audio Visual Sponsor: AERO Productions

Supporting Sponsor: The Foxglove

Featured Boutiques: A Bag Concept, Expressive Fire Arts Coalition, Fused Forever Permanent Jewelry, Kendra Scott, Park Lane Jewelry, The Wig Dr. (Marietta), and Hide and Go Seek Jewelry

This annual fundraiser benefits LiveSafe Resources, a nonprofit that works every day to mitigate the devastating impact of domestic violence and sexual assault on victims and their families. The organization provides safety, dignity, and respect as clients heal, rebuild their lives, and create safer futures for themselves and their children. With 1 in 4 women and 1 in 5 men experiencing abuse or assault during their lifetime, LiveSafe Resources supports all victims, including men, children, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled persons, and survivors from all backgrounds and socio-economic statuses.

“Fashion Affair reminds us that when a community comes together, we can make a difference,” said Lisa Mello, CEO of LiveSafe Resources. “We are deeply grateful to every sponsor, designer, attendee, and supporter who helped make this event possible. Your generosity and commitment help create a path toward safety, healing, and hope for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and strengthen our ability to serve our community throughout the year.”

About LiveSafe Resources

LiveSafe Resources is dedicated to building a community free from domestic violence and sexual assault where we all live safely. For details on LiveSafe Resources’ programs and services for victims, or how to be part of the solution, visit www.livesaferesources.org. For the 24-hour crisis line, call 770-427-3390.

Click the middle button below to see more photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Send Us Your News!

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Sign Up for Partyline!

The Old-Fashioned Way

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

It might take us a bit longer to publish your news than it would if you send it via Partyline, so we suggest that option if it’s really timely!

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

East Cobb Rotary’s Dog Days run raises $77K for charities

August 15, 2026August 15, 2026 by Wendy Parker

East Cobb Rotary's Dog Days run raises $77K for charities

Submitted information:

The Rotary Club of East Cobb celebrated another successful Dog Days Run, bringing together hundreds of runners, community members, volunteers and local businesses to raise funds for organizations serving Cobb County and the surrounding community.

The 21st Annual Dog Days Run, held Saturday, August 8, welcomed approximately 608 runners and generated $77,550 in sponsorship contributions.

2026 Results

Sponsor Giving: $77,550

Registered Runners: 608

For more than two decades, the Dog Days Run has been one of the Rotary Club of East Cobb’s signature fundraising events. Since its early years, the race has grown significantly. In 2006, the event welcomed 202 runners and generated $13,100 in sponsorships. Twenty years later, the continued support of local businesses, runners and volunteers has helped make the race an enduring East Cobb tradition.

“The success of Dog Days is truly a community effort,” said Lori Anne Roberson, Rotary Club of East Cobb. “We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, runners, volunteers and fellow Rotarians who continue to support this event. Every sponsorship and registration helps us give back to organizations doing important work right here in our community.”

Proceeds from the Dog Days Run support the Rotary Club of East Cobb’s charitable efforts and nonprofit organizations serving Cobb County and surrounding areas.

The Rotary Club extends its appreciation to the businesses and organizations that sponsored the 2026 race, as well as the runners, volunteers and community members who helped make this year’s event possible.

About the Rotary Club of East Cobb
The Rotary Club of East Cobb brings together local business and community leaders committed to service and creating a positive impact locally and beyond. Through fundraising, volunteerism and community partnerships, club members support a variety of charitable organizations and initiatives.

Click the middle button below to see more photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your organization, or about any recognitions, to share with the community. We love to get photos and stories like the above, as well as calendar event listings and more.

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: [email protected], and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Garrison Mill ES student delivers snacks to Fire Station 15

August 3, 2026August 3, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and photo:

Henry Zimmerman, age 10 and a proud 5th grader at Garrison Mill Elementary School, joined East Cobb Civic Association, Inc. (ECCA) representatives to make a delivery of healthy snacks and water to the Firehouse #15 team.

Located on Oak Lane located on the corner of Oak Lane and Johnson Ferry Road, Firehouse #15 is one of Cobb County’s smaller, but exceptionally busy fire stations, serving a wide stretch of East Cobb. With only nine firefighters covering three rotating shifts, the team manages a remarkable number of calls each day.

ECCA commends the responsibility, dedication, and professionalism demonstrated by firefighters and police officers to protect and care for all of us.

Thank you for your service.

Send Us Your News!

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: [email protected], and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Mobile food pantry at Brumby ES kicks off new school year

July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and photos:

As Georgia families prepare for the start of a new school year, Whataburger is partnering with local organizations across Cobb County to help address two of the biggest back-to-school challenges: access to nutritious food and essential school supplies.

Helping Families Access Fresh Food

On July 21, Whataburger partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to host a Mobile Food Pantry at Bumbry Elementary School in Marietta. Approximately 300–350 families received fresh groceries, school supplies, clear backpacks and other essentials, while the Whataburger Food Truck served hot meals to attendees. Whataburger Family Members also volunteered alongside Atlanta Community Food Bank staff and community partners to distribute resources ahead of the new school year.

Together, these partnerships reflect Whataburger’s ongoing commitment to supporting the communities it serves – helping meet immediate needs while giving students and families the resources to begin the school year on a strong footing.

These local efforts are part of Whataburger’s broader Feeding Student Success initiative, reflecting the brand’s commitment to helping students and families access the food and resources they need to start the school year strong.

Send Us Your News!

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: [email protected], and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

300+ Cobb students get glasses in ‘Vision to Learn’ program

July 27, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

Hundreds of Cobb County students are heading into the new school year with clearer vision thanks to a highly successful Summer Break 2026 partnership between the nonprofit Vision To Learn (VTL) and the Cobb County Public Library (CCPL).

During the summer mobile clinic campaign, which runs from late May through July 31, VTL’s eye care professionals administered, so far, free eye exams to 306 students, ages 5 through 18. A significant 80 percent of those students were prescribed new glasses, which are provided entirely free of charge, with students selecting their own frames.

“Our work is far from finished as there are still thousands of students in our community struggling without the essential vision care they need,” said Tom Brooks, CCPL communications specialist and an organizer of the library VTL clinics. “Cobb County’s ‘glasses gap’ is a major, expensive barrier which impacts education, economic and workforce development, and overall community well-being.”

Uncorrected vision is a significant hurdle for millions of children across the United States. According to health reports, about 25 percent of school-age children need glasses to fully engage and succeed in the classroom.

The summer clinic results are just the latest milestone in an ongoing effort to close the vision care gap in Cobb County and the broader metro Atlanta area. Since launching in 2018, the CCPL and Vision To Learn partnership has conducted more than 3,700 exams and provided 2,575 pairs of glasses to students, including 244 this Summer Break.

These efforts are closely tied to a long-standing collaboration with Learn4Life, the Metro Atlanta Regional Education Partnership. Learn4Life spearheads the Atlanta Vision Project, an ambitious initiative with the goal that all elementary school students in need in metro Atlanta will receive a free pair of glasses by 2028. Vision To Learn is joined in this coalition by Prevent Blindness Georgia and the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation.

Locally, the push to get students the eyewear they need extends to the classroom. Marietta City Schools has partnered with Vision To Learn since the 2021-2022 school year, conducting more than 3,000 exams and delivering 2,593 pairs of glasses to Marietta students.

For more information on the regional student vision initiative, visit the Atlanta Vision Project page at L4Lmetroatlanta.org/the-atlanta-vision-project.

For information on CCPL programs and resources, visit cobbcounty.gov/library.

Related:

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Rotary Club of East Cobb to hold 21st Dog Days Run on Aug. 8

July 20, 2026July 18, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

The Rotary Club of East Cobb invites the community to participate in the 21st Annual Dog Days 5K, taking place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, beginning at 7:00 a.m.

A beloved East Cobb tradition, the Dog Days 5K brings together runners, walkers, families, businesses, and community supporters for a morning of fun while raising funds for local nonprofit organizations.

Since its inception, the Dog Days 5K has:

Raised more than $1.3 million for local charities

Welcomed more than 10,000 participants

Supported dozens of nonprofit organizations serving East Cobb and the surrounding communities

Last year’s event attracted more than 700 runners and raised over $84,000, with proceeds benefiting more than 30 local nonprofit organizations that provide critical services to children, families, seniors, veterans, and individuals in need.

The Rotary Club of East Cobb is also seeking sponsors for the 2026 event. Sponsorship offers businesses an opportunity to increase community visibility while directly supporting local charities. Sponsorship benefits include recognition on the event website, race-day signage, social media, promotional materials, the official race T-shirt, and recognition at the annual Dog Days Giveback Ceremony.

Whether you’re a runner, walker, volunteer, or business looking to make a difference, there are many ways to get involved.

To register, become a sponsor, volunteer, or learn more about the event, visit www.dogdaysrun.com.

Event Details

Event: 21st Annual Dog Days 5K
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 7:00 a.m.
Hosted By: Rotary Club of East Cobb
Website: www.dogdaysrun.com

Join us as we celebrate 21 years of running for a purpose and supporting the nonprofits that strengthen our community. Every step, every sponsor, and every participant helps make a lasting impact.

Send Us Your News!

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: [email protected], and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Cobb-based Habitat awarded $235K for veterans’ repairs

July 11, 2026July 11, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta is pleased to announce The Home Depot Foundation has awarded the affiliate a $235,000 grant to provide no-cost critical home repairs for veterans in Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding counties.

“It is an incredible honor to have The Home Depot Foundation dedicated to our home repair program. The opportunity to partner in serving veterans to repair their homes brings an incredible sense of purpose. Preserving their home as a safe, secure environment brings stability to these families who are experiencing difficult life transitions,” said Kyle Huhtanen, CEO of Habitat NWMA.

Thanks to a generous grant from The Home Depot Foundation in 2025, Habitat NWMA completed critical home repairs for 13 veteran households, improving living conditions for 26 individuals. These projects addressed essential exterior and interior needs, including roof, porch, window, deck, and driveway repairs; insulation and weatherization improvements; and safety and accessibility modifications such as wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, and accessible bathroom renovations for disabled veterans.

One family impacted by these repairs is Luther and Angela Washington, a married couple of 35 years who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Luther, a former U.S. Army Sergeant and combat engineer, served for 14 years and completed multiple tours of duty. Today, he lives with a 70 percent service-connected disability. In 2006, the couple founded the Family Life Restoration Center in Mableton, a nonprofit organization that supports families in need throughout the community. Over time, however, they found themselves in need of a supportive hand as their own home fell into severe disrepair, creating safety and accessibility challenges. Through Habitat’s Veteran Repair Program and support from The Home Depot Foundation, critical repairs were completed, restoring their home and improving their overall quality of life.

By addressing unsafe living conditions, these repairs help reduce injuries and emergency calls related to falls and other home hazards. They also improve health by reducing exposure to conditions that can lead to negative health outcomes, such as wood rot, mold, and weather damage, while enhancing neighborhood appearance. Most importantly, they create safer homes that support veterans’ independence, stability, and overall quality of life.

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Military family food drive set for Powers Ferry Road Kroger

July 8, 2026July 8, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

Kroger’s Atlanta Division and the USO are teaming up for the “Kick Hunger to the Sidelines | Stuff the Truck” Food Drive, inviting customers to donate items that will support military service members and their families.

The food drive will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at the Powers Ferry Kroger, 1310 Powers Ferry Road SE in Marietta. The USO | Kroger Mobile Food Truck will be on-site during the event.

A suggested list of items especially needed by military service members is below and will also be available onsite. Customers may use the list as a guide; additional helpful donations also are welcome.

SUGGESTED DONATION ITEMS:

Food and Beverages:

Kroger Protein & Fiber Bar

Simple Truth applesauce pouches

Kroger individual trail mix

Kroger fruit snacks

CLIF Builders Protein Bars

KIND granola bars

Kroger snack meat sticks

Small packages of beef jerky

StarKist tuna packets

Lunch-to-go kits

Jif To Go peanut butter

Kroger flavored drink packets

Nutella & Go! snack packs

Kroger cheese dip sticks

Kroger tuna packets

Liquid I.V. hydration packets

Folgers coffee-to-go packets

Personal-care items:

Gold Bond foot powder

Kroger razors, three- or four-packs

Small containers of Vaseline petroleum jelly

Kroger tampons and pads

Kroger sunscreen

OFF! insect repellent

Items for children and families:

Kroger apple juice
Boxed candy, such as Sour Patch Kids
Crayons and coloring books
Pop-its
Play-Doh
Bubbles

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Rotary Club of East Cobb installs new leaders for 2026-27

June 29, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and photo:

The Rotary Club of East Cobb is proud to announce the formal installation of its new Board of Directors, marking the beginning of a dynamic new chapter of service and community impact.

In a traditional passing-of-the-torch ceremony, outgoing President Liz Myers officially concluded her successful term, handing over the leadership gavel to incoming President Ben Alper. Alper, a well-known local attorney who has lived and practiced in the East Cobb area for years, expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to guide the club forward.

“Liz Myers has provided outstanding leadership over the past year, steering our club through impactful community initiatives,” said Alper during his acceptance remarks. “As we look ahead, I am honored to lead this incredible group of professionals. Our focus will remain steadfast on deepening our commitment to local service, supporting our youth, and fostering meaningful connections that make East Cobb a thriving place for everyone.”

The Rotary Club of East Cobb is part of Rotary International, a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers. The mission of Rotary is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. Through local scholarships, hands-on charity work, and international initiatives, the East Cobb club continuously strives to embody the core Rotary motto: “Service Above Self.”

Community members, local business owners, and professionals interested in making a difference are warmly invited to learn more about the club’s initiatives. The Rotary Club of East Cobb meets every Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m. at the Indian Hills Country Club, located at 4001 Clubland Dr, Marietta, GA 30068.

For more information about upcoming meetings, guest speakers, or how to become a member, please visit www.eastcobbrotary.com.

Send Us Your News!

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: [email protected], and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Cobb Chamber accepting nominations for Citizens of the Year

June 27, 2026June 27, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Butch Carter named 2024 East Cobb Citizen of the Year — *Butch Carter, owner of the Honest-1 Auto Care Center, was the 2025 East Cobb Citizen of the Year.*

Submitted information:

The Cobb Chamber is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards. The Cobb Chamber, in partnership with cities, business associations and various civic partners throughout the community, come together each year to select and recognize outstanding, service-minded individuals across Cobb County. These citizens are chosen for their definable, exceptional deeds, with which he or she has made their community a better place to live.

These awards are presented as a part of the Cobb Chamber’s Area Council programs, and will be presented to individuals in Acworth, Austell, Cumberland, East Cobb, Kennesaw, Mableton, Marietta, Powder Springs, Smyrna, Town Center and West Cobb.

Nominations are now open through Friday, August 28 at https://tinyurl.com/mtexbjfj. Thank you Presenting Sponsor, Capital City Bank. For more information on the Citizen of the Year Awards, contact Katie Guice at 770-859-2334 or [email protected].

About the Cobb Chamber

At the Cobb Chamber, we believe in the power of ambition. Through our wealth of programming and partnerships, we unite the region’s most innovative, informed, and determined people so that they can achieve more. And through our advocacy and initiatives, we ensure that our county is a healthy place to do business. While our members span industry, background, and experience, we share a common desire: to see Cobb County flourish. For more information, visit www.cobbchamber.org.

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

New East Cobb t-shirt store fundraising for homeless students

June 22, 2026 by Wendy Parker

A new Big Frog custom t-shirt store opened recently in East Cobb at the Pavilions at East Lake Shopping Center (2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2186).

In lieu of a traditional ribbon-cutting, owners Ben and Lydia Olu-Harding launched a fundraising campaign to assist homeless students in the area.

The “Room for Everyone” campaign thus far has raised more than $2,000 out of a targeted goal of $10,000, through sales of t-shirts at the store.

Several hundred local students are homeless, according to the campaign, which will designate portions of shirt sales as proceeds for those students in the Wheeler High School community.

The Olu-Hardings are partnering with Grace Church Marietta and four local ministries—Family Promise, Simple Needs, The Table on Delk, and Garments of Grace.

Last weekend, they activated the campaign, and the shirt sale proceeds will continue through the end of June.

You can go by the store or purchase shirts online to benefit the campaign.

On their Facebook page, Lydia Olu-Harding said “this is why we chose Big Frog as our leap into small business ownership . . . Immediate community impact driven by our business. Proud and honored to join forces with Grace Marietta to make a difference right in our backyard.”

She also said that “if you are thinking you don’t really need another t-shirt but you want to support our cause, your shirt can be donated to Garments of Grace to help the same community that needs an extra hand.”

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

East Cobb Civic Association visits Cobb Fire Station 20

June 23, 2026June 22, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and photo:

The East Cobb Civic Association, Inc. (ECCA) visited with Firehouse #20 located on the corner of Sewell Mill Road and Hilton Drive. Smaller and older than many stations, the facility responds to a wide and busy area of East Cobb. With only 12 firefighters divided into 3 shifts, it is remarkable how much small teams handle each day.

ECCA commends the responsibility, dedication, and professionalism demonstrated by firefighters and police officers to protect and take care of all of us.

Thank you for your service.

Send Us Your News!

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: [email protected], and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Kettle Krush 5K at Mt. Bethel raises $180K for Salvation Army

May 23, 2026May 23, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Kettle Krush 5K at Mt. Bethel raises $1M for Salvation Army

Submitted information and photo:

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary has exceeded the $1 million milestone for dollars raised in its annual Kettle Krush 5K that it has coordinated for the last nine years.

This milestone was achieved following the completion of SAWA’s 12th annual event – that helps The Salvation Army “krush” poverty, homelessness, and human trafficking while supporting youth enrichment and veterans – on May 16 on the campus of Mt. Bethel Church in Marietta.

“We’re so appreciative of all the support we’ve received for this event throughout the years, especially this year,” said Cheryl King, SAWA’s co-fundraising chair. “This year Mt. Bethel Church was not only the title sponsor for the seventh year but hosted our event on its campus. In addition, the Home Depot Foundation and Bay Point were two major external sponsors.”

This year’s event also had a record number of participants (880) and dollars raised ($180,000). Participants also donated food items to the Marietta Corps’ food pantry to help increase its summer food supply.

“Thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers and participants for making this year’s event so successful,” said Mary Jacobs, SAWA’s co-fundraising chair. “We couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help.”

SAWA is a Christian-centered, women’s organization that supports The Salvation Army with the Kettle Krush and other volunteer projects and programs throughout the year. For more information about membership, contact https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/metro-atlanta/womens-auxiliary or [email protected].

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

KinRise youth leadership program has East Cobb opening

May 16, 2026May 16, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information: KinRise youth leadership program has East Cobb opening

Together with Families officially launched KinRise on Thursday with a ribbon cutting celebration at its community Hub in Cobb County (2790 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 101).

At the ribbon cutting, the teens who helped design KinRise cut the ribbon themselves, reinforcing one of the program’s core beliefs: young people should not just be invited into programs, they should help shape and lead them.

KinRise is a new youth leadership and wellness program for high school students across Cobb County living with grandparents, relatives, siblings, and family friends — many of whom are quietly carrying grief, instability, poverty, stress, caregiving responsibilities, and overwhelming pressure while trying to navigate adolescence.

KinRise is built around a simple belief: no teen should navigate life alone. The program helps teens belong, grow, lead, and rise through consistent relationships, wellness support, academic help, leadership opportunities, and trusted mentors who show up consistently.

The launch comes during Mental Health Awareness Month amid growing concern about youth isolation, anxiety, depression, and disconnection across Georgia and the nation.

Georgia has thousands of young people living in kinship and relative care. Many of these young people are being raised outside the formal foster care system and receive little formal support despite experiencing many of the same challenges as youth involved in foster care.

“No teen should have to navigate life alone,” said Sarah Winograd, founder and executive director of Together with Families. “Many of these teens are carrying grief, instability, poverty, stress, and adult-sized responsibilities while still trying to be kids. KinRise exists so they do not have to carry it alone.”

KinRise was seeded by the Jesse Parker Williams Foundation and Bonnie Stewart Hardage as an investment in young people who are too often overlooked and disconnected from support.

“The Jesse Parker Williams Foundation is proud to support KinRise, a program of Together with Families, because it centers the voices, lived experiences, and wisdom of young people in both program design and delivery,” said Bonnie Stewart Hardage, executive director of the Jesse Parker Williams Foundation. “By empowering youth to help shape the support they receive, KinRise creates meaningful pathways for healing, resilience, and connection while helping young people strengthen their well-being, navigate difficult circumstances, and support their peers, families, and communities.”

KinRise was co-designed with teens living in relative and kinship care and will continue to be shaped by youth voice, family feedback, and the KinRise Advisory Council.

The program will be led by Ashley Saunders, a leader who was previously supported by Together with Families and was raised in both foster care and kinship care. Saunders brings lived experience, trust with teens, and a deep understanding of what it means for a young person to need stability, belonging, and adults who do not give up.

“Young people need people who see them, believe in them, and help them realize they are more than what happened to them,” Saunders said.

Every Tuesday night, teens will gather for dinner, leadership development, tutoring, mentorship, and honest conversations about life, stress, relationships, and their future. Dinner is provided weekly.

The program also includes access to a licensed counselor, outings, trusted adult mentors, academic help, and up to $500 in flexible assistance per youth to help remove barriers related to transportation, school needs, wellness, opportunities, and stability.

The program is designed to create not only support, but also joy, friendship, confidence, and hope for the future.

Angela Watson, who is raising her three granddaughters in kinship care, said one of the most meaningful parts of watching her granddaughters help develop the program last summer was seeing them begin to view themselves as leaders.

“They were able to interact with other kids going through the same thing,” Watson said. “Seeing their confidence come back was big.”

Together with Families believes communities must build more relationship-centered spaces for teens living in kinship and relative care before crises escalate into school disengagement, homelessness, system involvement, or deeper mental health struggles.

The organization hopes KinRise can become a model for how communities across Georgia support youth before they fall through the cracks.

Community leaders, schools, churches, businesses, volunteers, and local organizations attended Thursday’s ribbon cutting to celebrate the launch and explore ways to support the program.

The organization is currently seeking volunteers, mentors, tutors, meal sponsors, business partners, and community members who want to invest in teens across Cobb County.

“Too many teens are trying to survive without consistent support or connection,” Watson said. “KinRise reminds young people they matter, they belong, and they are not alone.”

About Together with Families

Together with Families is a Georgia-based nonprofit working to prevent foster care caused by poverty by supporting families through community-based, relationship-centered support.

For more information about KinRise or to get involved, visit:
https://www.together-families.org/kinrise

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Cobb high school Habitat coalition kicks off 2026 season

May 5, 2026May 5, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and photos:

Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta (Habitat NWMA) kicked off its 2026 build season in partnership with the Cobb County High School Coalition.

On April 25, the Cobb County High School Coalition joined Habitat NWMA for the first build day of the season in Douglasville.

Five Cobb high schools are participating in this year’s coalition: Campbell, Harrison, Hillgrove, Pope, and Walton High School Habitat for Humanity student chapters. This effort marks the 29th Habitat home built in collaboration with Habitat clubs from Cobb County high schools.

“The Cobb High School Coalition brings energy and passion every year as they join Habitat’s mission. Their flexibility to support both our Curb Appeal Program, serving homeowners in Smyrna, along with building a new house in Douglas County, strengthens our entire community,” said Kyle Huhtanen, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta.

Luis and Marisol, originally from New Jersey, now live in Douglasville, Georgia, where they are raising their three sons: Luis is a U.S. Army veteran who volunteers as a youth sports coach. Marisol is a full-time caregiver who was inspired by her mother’s health challenges to support her family full-time.

The family’s current housing presents several challenges, including water-damaged ceilings, creaky floors, rising rent, and limited space. Unsafe streets also prevent theirchildren from playing outside. Luis and Marisol are working with Habitat NWMA to build a safe, stable home for their family and look forward to paying forward the support they have received.

Cobb high school Habitat coalition kicks off 2026 season

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Cobb Family Promise gets $20K grant from homebuilder

April 27, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

Family Promise of Cobb County recently received a $20,000 grant from Clayton, ensuring that families in Cobb County receive the support they need to stay safely housed.

The grant is a portion of the $2 million dollars Clayton is donating to the Family Promise national network. The funds are a result of the recently announced partnership extension between Family Promise and Clayton. A Future Begins at Home, the initiative created through this collaboration is focused on supporting families experiencing homelessness by helping them remain in their homes and quickly regain stability. Since its inception in 2019, A Future Begins at Home has helped catalyze over $14 million in additional funding, resulting in more than 43,000 families served.

“This grant allows families with children to remain in their home and avoid the trauma that homelessness causes. We are thankful for the donation and that Clayton understands the importance of stability,” said Autumn Sines, Executive Director of Family Promise of Cobb County.

In addition to Clayton’s generous financial support, they have donated 20 homes to the Family Promise national network since 2019. These homes are used primarily as transitional housing, allowing families to stay together while receiving case management and support services as they work toward permanent housing.

Send Us Your News!

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: [email protected], and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Smalls Sliders teams with PORCH Marietta for hunger relief

April 27, 2026April 23, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Small Sliders teams with PORCH Marietta for hunger relief

Submitted information and photo:

PORCH Marietta was recently named “Smalls Town Hero” by new Marietta restaurant, Smalls Sliders. The fast-growing slider brand opened its 50th location at 2355 Windy Hill Road on April 14. At the ribbon cutting, the owners showed their community spirit by presenting a check for $1000 to grassroots nonprofit PORCH Marietta. PORCH runs monthly food drives in 50+ neighborhoods across Marietta and purchases additional groceries like milk and eggs with financial donations. They deliver the food to 15 Marietta food pantries, schools, and organizations, helping them serve families needing assistance.

At the end of the school year, many families will have already spent their tax refunds and will be looking for extra help to compensate for the lack of school breakfast and lunch over the summer. Using Smalls Sliders’ funding, PORCH Marietta will purchase extra groceries for local pantries to ensure families have enough to feed their children until school starts again.

According to Smalls Sliders owner Rocky Moore, partnering with PORCH Marietta “makes all the sense in the world because it’s a grassroots group that feeds the local community. We’re a restaurant. We serve food. This is a group that we can partner with long term. Not only give a check, but stay in contact with and, frankly, grow with. A lot of businesses can give a check to charities, but we want to help in a number of different ways.”

PORCH Communities was started in 2010 in Chapel Hill, and there are now 75 chapters in 15 states. serving their local communities. PORCH chapters have gathered and distributed more than $17 million worth of food to neighbors in need. The PORCH Marietta chapter was founded in February 2022.

Contributing non-perishable food to local food pantries on a monthly basis is the flagship program of PORCH Marietta. To date, PORCH Marietta has donated over 185,000 pounds of food to these pantries. They collect food via monthly neighborhood food drives, based on customized wish lists from the pantries. Neighbors put the requested groceries out on their porch and volunteers pick up and deliver it to the pantries. To add your neighborhood to the team, contact [email protected].

Send Us Your News!

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: [email protected], and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Atlanta Falcons star visits East Cobb YMCA spring break kids

April 11, 2026April 11, 2026 by Wendy Parker

Kyle Pitts, starting tight end of the Atlanta Falcons, was the surprise guest at the spring break camp of the McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA this week.

He stopped by on Wednesday not only to visit with 60 Atlanta-area kids in attendance, but also to present a a $21,500 check to cover the full cost of the camp for those families, courtesy of Whataburger.

The event included a Whataburger food truck and activities, among them a visit from Freddie the Falcon, Pitts running races with kids and signing capes and mini footballs.

Click the middle button below to view more photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Send Us Your News!

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: [email protected], and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

1970s TV stars to appear at East Cobb Kroger product launch

April 10, 2026 by Wendy Parker

1970s TV stars to appear at East Cobb Kroger product launch

On Tuesday a Kroger store in East Cobb will be the venue for the launch of a celebrity food product, and with two of the leading TV stars of the 1970s on hand.

Patrick Duffy and Linda Purl will appear at the Kroger at MarketPlace Terrell Mill (1310 Powers Ferry Road) on Tuesday for a meet-and-greet with customers as Duffy’s Dough, an exclusive line of bake-at-home artisan breads, is launched.

The event is from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, with 100 percent of profits from sales of Duffy’s Dough that day supporting hunger relief. Kroger also will make a donation to Meals on Wheels Atlanta.

Duffy and Purl, who are now in their 70s, have been a couple since 2020. He was famous for his role in “Dallas,” and she was a regular on “Happy Days” and “Matlock.”

The Duffy’s Dough recipe comes from a neighbor of Duffy’s mother, who devised an “unadulterated sourdough starter passed down by the original Alaska Gold Rush miners,” according to a release from Kroger.

“The variety of breads made from that starter has graced Duffy tables ever since, bringing the family together through the simple, shared joy of baking.”

Those varieties include Sourdough Loaf, Multigrain Sourdough Loaf, Artisan Sandwich Roll, French Dinner Roll, and Sourdough Demi Baguette.

“Duffy’s Dough is a family legacy that lives on in every recipe for customers to enjoy at the dinner table,” Duffy and Purl said in a joint statement. “This collaboration with Kroger on our shared mission will give a window of hope to nourish families across the country as we work to end hunger.”

Among the organizations working with Duffy’s Dough include No Kid Hungry and Meals on Wheels America

The first 100 customers on Tuesday will receive a Duffy’s Dough product and a $25 gift card.

Duffy’s Dough products are on sale at Kroger stores in Georgia, East Alabama, and South Carolina.

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go

Send Us Your News!

Sign Up for Partyline!

The Old-Fashioned Way

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Share this post:

Like this:

Send Us Your News!

Sign Up for Partyline!

The Old-Fashioned Way

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Share this post:

Like this:

Send Us Your News!

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Share this post:

Like this:

Send Us Your News!

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Share this post:

Like this:

Send Us Your News!

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Share this post:

Like this:

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Share this post:

Like this:

Send Us Your News!

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Share this post:

Like this:

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Share this post:

Like this:

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Share this post:

Like this:

Send Us Your News!

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Share this post:

Like this:

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Share this post:

Like this:

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Share this post:

Like this:

Send Us Your News!

Related:

Share this post:

Like this:

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Share this post:

Like this:

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Share this post:

Like this:

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Share this post:

Like this:

Send Us Your News!

Related:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

Share this post:

Like this: