City of Lavonia Launches “Kindness Initiative” in 2024

Lavonia Mayor Courtney Umbehant is asking citizens to practice kindness in 2024.

At their meeting earlier this month, Umbehant said people in general have allowed the issues and problems in our country and world to affect their behavior.

“We have allowed the stresses of all of the things going on in the outside world to creep their way in locally. And if we’re going to be the examples that we’re supposed to be in the heart of the Bible Belt, then we should extend more kindness and grace than we have,” he said.

Umbehant said no one is perfect and we need to remember that everyone has problems and issues they’re facing.

As part of spreading kindness, each month the City of Lavonia is focusing on areas where people can help others in some way.

“It is a City initiative and we have different events that will take place each month that will focus on making a positive impact on our community and showing kindness,” the Mayor said Monday.

This month, he said they’re asking people to help keep the food pantry in front of the Police station stocked for those in need.

“What we’re asking people to do right now is to make donations of canned goods to the food pantry at the Lavonia Police Department or to their local food bank. If they choose to do that, that’s something we certainly encourage as well,” he explained.

Items that can be donated include easy or ready-to-eat, or heat-and-serve meals (not frozen), such as soups, canned meat or tuna, fruit cups, and canned veggies.

Also, dry goods such as rice, noodles, and cereal as well as personal hygiene products like toothpaste, shampoo, etc. can be donated as well.

The food pantry cabinet is located in front of the Lavonia Police Department 851 Grogran St. Lavonia, GA 30553.