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November 2026

Greetings!


Welcome to Volunteer Gwinnett News, a monthly newsletter dedicated to highlighting the impactful work volunteers are doing in our community and informing you of upcoming volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are an essential part of Gwinnett County. Their selfless contributions ensure important projects get done, improve the community’s quality of life, build partnerships, save tax dollars, and keep us all vibrantly connected.

AROUND THE COMMUNITY

Community spirit shines during Great Days of Service!

Thanks to the hard work of 573 dedicated volunteers, this year’s Gwinnett Great Days of Service made a tremendous impact with 67 service projects across the county.


From restoring community gardens and cleaning up local waterways to improving accessibility at a therapeutic horseback riding center, supporting local schools, and preparing food and essential supplies for families in need, volunteers gave their time to make a difference in the communities they call home. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year's volunteer weekend possible!

 

Mark your calendars for the 2027 Gwinnett Great Days of Service taking place Friday, October 15 to Sunday, October 17! Visit GwinnettCounty.com/GreatDays to learn more.

Honoring Jimmy Carter’s legacy through service

On October 2, we collaborated with Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity for a special build in honor of Gwinnett’s Jimmy Carter Day. Volunteers contributed more than 300 service hours toward constructing safe, stable housing for local families.


This countywide celebration, led by Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson, brought together community partners, Gwinnett County Public School students, and residents to honor President Carter’s legacy. 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Serve a veteran

Help honor veterans at a special Veterans Brunch on Wednesday, November 4 from 9:30am to 2:30pm at Bethesda Park Senior Center in Lawrenceville.


Volunteers are needed to assist with setup, food prep, decorating, serving guests, refilling drinks, clearing tables, washing dishes, and general cleanup at this meaningful event for active adults ages 50 and older. Register today at VolunteerGwinnett.net.

Mobile Food Distribution volunteers sorting food at Shorty Howell Park.

Distribute food for Thanksgiving

Help feed thousands of families this holiday season, and join us at the Sheriff’s sixth annual Thanksgiving Food Giveaway at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville. Volunteers are needed on Wednesday, November 4 and Thursday, November 5 to prepare food boxes and on Friday, November 6 to distribute them to families in need. This outdoor opportunity involves standing and lifting, so gloves, closed-toe shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Volunteer groups of all sizes are welcome to register at VolunteerGwinnett.net.

Lend a hand for America Recycles Day

Join us on Saturday, November 7 for the County’s annual America Recycles Day event from 7:30am to 1:00pm at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville. Volunteers are needed to direct traffic, unload vehicles, break down cardboard, and more as residents drive through to drop off hard-to-recycle items, such as electronics, clothing and sneakers, latex and oil-based paints, and tires.


This opportunity for ages 14 and older is perfect for families and volunteer groups of up to 20. Sign up at VolunteerGwinnett.net.

Decorate the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse

Do the holidays make you feel like a jolly elf inside? The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse needs volunteers from November 4 through November 24 to help deck the halls for Gwinnett’s annual Lighting of the Tree!


This Thanksgiving night tradition transforms the building and grounds into a winter wonderland. Volunteer shifts vary; groups are welcome to attend. Sign up at VolunteerGwinnett.net.

A gray cat playing with a stuffed mouse.

Clean up Gwinnett parks and roadsides

Grab your gloves and get ready to make a difference at the 11th Annual Yellow River Trash Bash on Saturday, November 14. This community cleanup kicks off at Yellow River Park in Stone Mountain, with volunteers heading out to multiple parks and roadside sites.


Tools, gear, and lunch are provided; just bring your energy, a water bottle, and wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little muddy. Register at VolunteerGwinnett.net to make a splash for a cleaner watershed.

Volunteer to support survivors

Kick off the holiday season with purpose and joy by volunteering at the Georgia Festival of Trees at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth. This annual event is more than a celebration of twinkling lights and Christmastime delights; all proceeds support nonprofits that empower survivors of abuse and work to end human trafficking.


Volunteers are needed November 22 through December 1. Wear your holiday colors and make the season a little brighter. Visit VolunteerGwinnett.net to learn how to register.

Assist at a Warming Station

When forecast temperatures reach 35 degrees or below, the County’s five warming stations open from 6:00pm to 7:00am to offer temporary overnight relief from long-term exposure.


On-call volunteers are needed from 5:30pm to 7:00am to help staff organize check-in materials, greet participants, monitor program areas, assist with set-up/break down, and other related station tasks. To volunteer, visit GwinnettCounty.com/WarmingStations.

Foster a pet, save a life

With the holidays approaching, the Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center is especially in need of foster volunteers to provide temporary homes for shelter pets.


Whether it’s caring for puppies and kittens, helping with socialization, or providing a temporary home for a pet with medical needs, you can select the types of animals and situations that fit your household and comfort level when applying to foster. All veterinary care is covered.


To learn more or get started, visit GwinnettCounty.com/FosterAPet or email AnimalFoster@GwinnettCounty.com. Can’t foster? Volunteer onsite at the Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center. Sign up at VolunteerGwinnett.net or email AWEVolunteers@GwinnettCounty.com.

COURT-ORDERED COMMUNITY SERVICE

Gwinnett Community Services offer opportunities for individuals 16 and older who must complete court-ordered community service hours. A parent or legal guardian must be present to sign a liability waiver for anyone under the age of 18. For details on accepted charges, required documents, and how to set up your appointment, email CourtOrderedCommunityService@GwinnettCounty.com or call 678.277.0904.

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