SouthEast LINK volunteers clean up Atlanta Day Shelter

September 1, 2008 – More than two dozen volunteers from Atlanta janitorial products supplier SouthEast LINK, Inc. gathered on Saturday, Aug. 23 for some heavy-duty cleaning at the Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children.  Employees of SouthEast LINK brought along family members and even some vendor representatives to help prepare the building for an Aug. 26 dedication ceremony that named the facility in honor of Ruth Schnatmeier for her years of service to the shelter.

Armed with cleaning products and industrial equipment supplied by SouthEast LINK, volunteers of all ages sanitized the shelter’s kitchen, bathrooms and floors. “From children wiping walls with sponges to adults operating floor scrubbers, this enthusiastic group had our facility shining by the afternoon,” said Nancy Yarnell, the shelter’s executive director.

“Everyone came ready to work,” said SouthEast LINK President Phillip Consolino. “It was hard to tell the difference between the cleaning pros and the amateurs.”

The Atlanta Day Shelter provides a safe daytime haven for homeless women and their children in addition to meals, clothing, bath and laundry facilities, job counseling, computer training, and numerous social services.

“By empowering women with self-confidence, job skills and some of life’s necessities, we enable them to secure jobs and eventually become independent,” Yarnell said.

The nonprofit organization, which serves approximately 240 homeless individuals each day, exists solely through contributions from corporate, individual and foundations, so donations are always appreciated. In addition to financial gifts, the shelter has an ongoing need for Marta tokens, personal care products, household items, and clothing for women, teens and children.

“People often ask what they can give,” Yarnell said. “We are in tremendous need of volunteers to perform all sorts of jobs here at the shelter. It doesn’t take much to make a meaningful difference. ”

The Atlanta Day Shelter is located at 655 Ethel Street Northwest in Atlanta. For more information, contact Nancy Yarnell at nyarnell@atlantadayshelter.org.