A group of IRC community members doing a line dance
Thank you for making #RefugeesWelcome.
Photo: IRC Atlanta

This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for communities making #RefugeesWelcome. 

On Saturday, November 11, IRC in Atlanta staff, clients and volunteers gathered at Memorial Drive Ministries for our 19th annual Thanksgiving Feast—our first since 2019! For many of our newly-arrived refugee families this was their first experience of an American Thanksgiving and we were so happy to usher in the holiday season with our welcoming community once again. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the donors, volunteers and partners who made this event possible! 

A line of IRC Atlanta staff, volunteers and clients filling their paper plates with food from Mediterranean Bakery.
More than 70 IRC clients joined us for our Thanksgiving Feast.
Photo: IRC Atlanta

More than 70 IRC clients participated in the event. Attendees enjoyed food from Mediterranean Bakery as well as dishes prepared and provided by staff and volunteers. With transportation provided by the IRC’s Logistics program, clients were able to join us from various neighborhoods across the Clarkston and Stone Mountain areas.  

A family of IRC clients, one mother and her three elementary school-aged children, working on arts and crafts and showing off their Henna tattoos
Henna designs, courtesy of Elegant Mehndi.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Fiza, owner of Elegant Mehndi, and a child showing off his new henna tattoo
Elegant Mehndi provided henna tattoos to children and families at the feast.
Photo: IRC Atlanta

Besides eating, the kids in attendance especially enjoyed having henna designs done, courtesy of IRC Microenterprise Development client Elegant Mehndi, and also relaxed spending time at the arts and crafts table where they made their own elegant creations. Families also took the time to write down what they were thankful for and spread the message of gratitude around the room. 

A collection of note cards where Feast attendees wrote what they were thankful for. The note cards are decorated with one large leaf shape outline on each of them.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
Two children sitting and looking at a phone.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
A young girl and boy collecting food from the feast table.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
A table of IRC Atlanta staff and some of their children.
Photo: IRC Atlanta

 

A young woman smiling and holding a drink.
Photo: IRC Atlanta
A group of feast attendees dancing
Photo: IRC Atlanta

From our IRC family to yours, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season. 

To learn more about the work of the IRC in Atlanta and for information on how you can get involved with the IRC as a donor or volunteer, please contact Development Director, Heloise Ahoure, at [email protected] or 678-636-8941.  

Stay connected to the IRC in Atlanta! Sign up for our monthly newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for announcements and upcoming events!