Spread Kindness in Gwinnett
SPREAD KINDNESS IN GWINNETT
Gwinnett County is full of big hearts. Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or simply show up, there are meaningful ways to make a difference right here in our community.
Here are 9 opportunities to get involved.
Volunteer at The Hudgens Center for Art and Learning Duluth
Volunteering at The Hudgens is a hands-on way to keep the arts alive in Gwinnett. No matter your skill set, there is a role for you:
🎨 Paint: Help prep galleries between exhibitions.
🌿 Prune: Care for plants and flowers in the Al Weeks Sculpture Garden.
😊 Greet: Welcome visitors and provide world-class hospitality.
🎉 Events: Help host guests and manage special openings.
Sign up at thehudgens.org/get-involved
Also looking for summer camp volunteers! Volunteers must be at least 15 years old and attend a required training and orientation. Learn more at thehudgens.org .
Tour a Habitat for Humanity Home May 28 to 30 | Lilburn
Curious about what a Habitat for Humanity home looks like up close? Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity is opening its doors for home tours in Lilburn. A great chance to see the mission in action and learn more about how you can get involved.
Show Up for the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary Tuesday, June 2 | 7 p.m.
Start by watching this short video for the full story: facebook.com/reel/798074620006494
The Rezoning Commissioner Meeting is officially scheduled for June 2nd, and THEY need YOU there.
A little history worth knowing:
In 1962, the Yellow River Game Ranch became a first-of-its-kind establishment in Gwinnett County, providing a home for injured and orphaned wildlife and giving hundreds of families a place to connect with nature. For decades it was owned and operated by Col. Art Rilling, becoming one of the most iconic and beloved venues in the area. In December of 2018, the Ranch closed its doors. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources worked to rehome many of the animals, while dedicated volunteers stayed behind to care for the bison, pigs, vultures, turtles, and bears who remained.
Then Jonathan and Katy Ordway stepped in. When they heard the news, they reached out to GDNR and began inquiring about the property and the fate of the animals left there. They purchased the Game Ranch, made major improvements including a two-acre bear enclosure with a pond and waterfall, built relationships with Zoo Atlanta and fellow sanctuaries, and reopened in 2020 as the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary. Today the sanctuary is home to 150 animals including bears, wolves, spider monkeys, river otters, wallabies, and more, and continues to serve fam
Now a developer is seeking to rezone nearly 30 acres directly next door for 280 residential units, putting the sanctuary’s future at stake. The Gwinnett County Planning Commission Meeting is scheduled for June 2 at 7 p.m.
Here is how you can help:
📹 Watch and share the video above to spread the word.
📋 Sign and share the petition at change.org/SaveourSanctuaryYR .
👕 Show up on June 2 and wear red. Grab an official SOS t-shirt in the gift shop for $10 or simply wear red in solidarity.
👨👩👧 Bring the whole family. The more voices in that room, the better.
📞 Contact the commissioners before June 2. Every call and email makes a difference.
These animals cannot speak for themselves, but this community can.
Donate Professional Attire for Youth Career Readiness Now through Thursday, June 18
Help prepare Gwinnett youth for success. Donate professional attire to support a career readiness workshop focused on resume building, interview prep, and professional presentation skills.
Needed items: ties, blazers for teen girls, and new or gently used professional clothing.
Drop off at the Traffic Court and Juvenile Justice Building, 115 Stone Mountain Street, first floor, Probation Department. Ask for Probation Officer Harvey-Lovell or Probation Officer Grant.
Volunteer at Gwinnett Pride 2026: Unapologetically Us Saturday, June 13 | 12 to 6 p.m. | Thrasher Park, Norcross
Help throw the biggest LGBTQIA+ celebration in Gwinnett County! Volunteer shifts are approximately two hours, and you can sign up for multiple shifts. All volunteers attend a brief Zoom orientation and sign a volunteer agreement before their shift.
QPR Suicide Prevention Training Tuesday, July 15 | 1 to 3 p.m. | Virtual | Free
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer, the three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. This free two-hour online training is offered monthly by GUIDE, Inc.
Registration closes July 13 at 11:59 p.m. or when the limit of 50 participants is reached. A minimum of 10 registered participants is required for the event to take place.
Register at guideinc.swoogo.com/2026QPR Questions: training@guideinc.org or 678-377-4131
Helping Paws Youth Program at the Gwinnett Animal Shelter (Ages 5-17)
Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement recently introduced the Helping Paws Youth Program for kids and teens ages 5 to 17. This program offers single-day volunteer sessions for organized groups such as schools, churches, and youth organizations.
Sessions are one to three hours and include hands-on enrichment activities that support the mental and emotional well-being of long-term, senior, and special-needs animals. To reserve a spot for your group, email AWEVolunteers@GwinnettCounty.com.
Become a C.A.K.E. Sponsor with Special Kneads and Treats Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville’s Special Kneads and Treats, Inc. creates employment and dignity for adults with special needs through baking and the culinary arts. Becoming a recurring donor is one of the best ways to support their mission, no matter the amount.
Support Your Local Gwinnett Co-Op
Gwinnett’s six cooperative ministries serve neighbors in need with food, household essentials, and more. ❤️ Consider donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. ❤️
Find your co-op by zip code below.
🔵 Lawrenceville Co-Op | Zip codes 30019, 30043, 30044, 30045, 30046, 30049 52 Gwinnett Drive, Suite C, Lawrenceville | 770-339-7887 | lawrencevilleco-op.org
🔵 Lilburn Co-Op | Zip codes 30047, 30084, 30087 5329 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lilburn | 770-931-8333 | lilburncoop.org
🔵 Duluth Co-Op | Zip codes 30096, 30097 3649 Rogers Bridge Road, Duluth | 770-623-9563 | duluthco-op.org
🔵 North Gwinnett Co-Op | Zip codes 30024, 30518, 30519 4395 Commerce Drive, Buford | 770-271-9793 | northgwinnettcoop.org
🔵 Southeast Gwinnett Co-Op | Zip codes 30017, 30039, 30052, 30078 55 Grayson Industrial Parkway, Grayson | 770-985-5229 | segwinnettcoop.org
🔵 Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries | Zip codes 30071, 30084, 30092, 30093, 30360 500 Pinnacle Court, Suite 510, Norcross | 770-263-0013 | ourncm.org
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