By Melanie Kagan

As we are often reminded during the Thanksgiving season of the power of community and the importance of grace and generosity, I have been once again humbled by the incredible impact of neighbors coming together to care for one another.

This year marks the 39th anniversary of our Thanks for Giving program. This effort is rooted in compassion and powered by thousands of Cobb County residents who believe no child or family in our community should go hungry, during the holidays.

What inspires us most each year is not just the number of boxes filled, but the people behind them—people like the volunteer who told us he got involved because he wanted to make a direct impact “right here at home.” 

Our community is strongest when we lift one another up. This sentiment, shared by so many volunteers, combined with the mighty efforts of 39 local schools, dozens of local businesses, HOAs, church groups, individuals, and sponsors, including our presenting sponsor Lockheed Martin, helped us feed 1,100 children and families across the county. We exceeded our goal by 100 boxes, thanks to a remarkable outpouring of community support.

This generosity came at a crucial moment. A disruption in SNAP benefits left many families uncertain about how they would feed their children. In response, Cobb County showed up. Our food drive saw one of its strongest years ever, illustrating what we know to be true: when hardship strikes, our community responds with heart.

Beyond federal changes and holidays, families in our county face challenges every single day, challenges that can shift the trajectory of a household with just one unexpected event.

Amber G., a mother of four boys, visits our choice food pantry weekly. The groceries she receives allow her to keep her family fed while also managing essential but costly needs like replacing worn-out tires on her car. Another mother in our program shared that this year she “won’t have to be sad,” relieved of the stress of figuring out how to create a Thanksgiving meal for her family.

These stories are not isolated. They reflect the reality for many of our neighbors who find themselves facing food insecurity or the threat of homelessness because of job loss, rent increases, health scares, or a combination of factors. For more than six decades, our Cobb County-based agency has stood beside these families, offering wrap-around support that sets up a foundation of stability. But we cannot do this work alone.

This year, hundreds of our neighbors and friends once again proved why Cobb County has won recognition for its generosity. That generosity means that thousands of children and families will experience a brighter, more hopeful holiday season. We are truly grateful for the support of this community. As we look to 2026 and the ways that our agency will continue to serve, we take great comfort in knowing that we won’t be doing it alone. Thank you to everyone who has shown up for us this year – we will always show up for you.

Melanie Kagan

CEO

The Center for Family Resources