Take the TIME to join the hundreds of volunteer shoppers that assist our families of need in their Christmas shopping experience. You will teach the children to first shop for their parents or guardian; then their brothers and sisters and then they get a little something for themselves. They are learning the true meaning of Christmas. It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Maybe you have a TALENT that would bring JOY to the life of a child on a day they will never forget. Get involved and make a difference. Are you a "hugger"? We need plenty of hugs for the kids. Can you sing or play an instrument? We need you.
Harmonica Henry at 95 Years Young
Our Children are the true Treasures, but without the giving spirit of our community, we would not be able to accomplish our mission. We are expecting to reach 1000 children and we need your Treasure.
You can send your tax deductable donation to:
The JOY Foundation PO Box 171
Acworth, GA. 30101
Or you can donate online.
One of the most important things you can give is your Touch. Your gentle loving, caring touch is, without a doubt, one of the most important ingredients in our recipe for success.
It All Started When……..
In 1998, JOY Foundation Co-Founders Lori & Bob Weatherford and Angela & Ron Papaleoni went Christmas shopping for about 28 kids from a low income housing area.
The following year 1999, Bob Weatherford
(who was a reserve police officer) suggested that we team up with the
Acworth Police Department and invite children of need to “Shop With A
Cop”. Volunteers from the community raised money and took 72 (expected
48) children shopping at K-Mart.
Kids getting ready to Shop with a Cop
Kids checking out
Officer Bob and Friend
In 2000, we continued to grow and that year “Shop With A Cop”
provided Christmas for 128 children. This was the year that we
realized that children of need were beginning to outnumber police
officers and volunteers.
Acworth JOY was formed
in 2001 in order to provide organizational support and logistics to the
programs, which also include “Tackle Hunger”. Additionally, a new
partnership was developed with Kohl’s Department Store in Acworth. We
had “Christmas in July” and invited other police departments to join
us. After the attack on September 11, 2001, the program was renamed“Shop With A Hero” to honor all heroes of our nation and our community. Over 220 children shopped for Christmas for their families.
Santa bringing Christmas in July
Kids checking out with their treasures.
In 2002, the JOY Foundation of Georgia was "officially" chartered and
through our many business partnerships, churches, private donations and
corporate gifts, “Shop With A Hero” broke
all records this year. With the assistance of 80 Heroes and 130
volunteers we able to provided for 368 children and their families with
the true spirit of Christmas
In 2003, the JOY Foundation of Georgia hosted the 5th annual“Shop with a Hero”. 450
children were expected and 673 showed up. We had over 400 volunteer
shoppers and over 250 Heroes from agencies from all over Cobb County
participated including the Acworth Police Department; Cobb County
Police, Fire and Sheriff’s Departments and members of our Armed Forces.
Other supporters of the program, NorthStar Church, Acworth Business
Association, Acworth Parks and Recreation, Lake Pointe Church, Acworth
First Methodist Church, Redemption Baptist, Summit Baptist, Kohl’s, and
Park Bridge Apartments, who taken an active role in making this program
a success.
Volunteers gather to serve
Santa says hello to our rockers
Heroes come in all makes and models.
Strolling minstrals Eric & Grady add a festive touch
n 2004, the Joy Foundation of Georgia hosted the 6th annual "Shop With A Hero"
on December 11th at Kohl's in Acworth. With the able assistance
provided by the Georgia State Self Defence Force, we accommodate over
1100 children on that day with another almost 500 before Christmas Day
2005. The volunteers and heroes brought smiles and tears to everyone
that was touched.
The 7th Annual "Shop With A Hero"
was held on December 10, 2005. The arrival of Santa on the back of a
vintage firetruck with over 30 Public Safety vehicles leading him in,
was a sight to behold. Again this year over 1500 children received
blessings from the 800 volunteers that made the event a huge success.
Move than ever, the support of the community, heroes and volunteer
families has changed lives one child at a time.
Santa arrives in style
Time to checkout
The 8th Annual "Shop with a Hero" kept the
tradition of cold weather and warm hearts. Our volunteers where
amazing and we were about to show God's love to approximately 1200
children. The JOY Foundation also provided Christmas cheer to
Advocates for Bartow Children and the Clark-Downing Center in
Adairsville. Thank you for all your support.
Our 9th Annual "Shop with a Hero" turned out to be a little different from all our past events. We normally tell everyone that "Shop with a Hero"
is held on the second Saturday in December OR the coldest day of the
year. However, the good Lord blessed us with an incredibly warm, sunny
and exciting day. Families began to arrive early in order to see Santa
come in on the firetruck. Volunteers from North Cobb Christian School
provided BBQ and over 1000 children and their families had a great time.
Senator Johnny Isakson & Co-Founder Bob Weatherford
