The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
City and celebrity chef Hamlin partner to serve meals to families
Smyrna also accepting donations to be used for grocery store gift cards.
Smyrna is asking its residents to help their neighbors who have had their lives turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent shelter-in-place recommendations.
The city has teamed up with Atkins Park Restaurant partner and executive chef Rusty Hamlin and Smyrna United Methodist Church’s Tillman House to serve meals to less-fortunate families. Starting Friday, 100 meals will be delivered each day at least through April, Mayor Derek Norton said. At least $5,000 has been raised for the meal delivery, the mayor added.
Another project, Support Smyrna, allows residents to donate money to help people in need. Money contributed to the fund will be used to buy grocery store gift cards for families who need help.
As of Tuesday morning, more than $10,000 in individual donations and $1,500 in business contributions have been made, Norton said. You can visit the city’s website at smyrnaga.gov for details on how to donate.
The city has also suspended disconnections for water service and waived late fees for unpaid customers for 60 days. You can also volunteer to pay the utility bill of a customer by emailing loneal@smyrnaga.gov.
“Your city of Smyrna government has heard from you and understands the difficulties that many citizens, families and businesses are facing during this health crisis,and we stand ready to help,” Norton said. “Your city and this community are strong, and we will all get through this together.”