The Max & Mary London People Power Award celebrates hands-on direct service volunteers who have started new initiatives.
Ronald and Samra Robbins, founders of Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta, receive the Max & Mary London People Power Award from Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta President & CEO Eric Robbins. (Photo Credit: Patti with Scensarions)
On Wednesday, May 31st, The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta presented Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta founders Ronald and Samra Robbins with the 2023 Max & Mary London People Power Award. This award honors and acknowledges individual/individuals for hands-on direct service volunteering.
In March 1990, the family of Mary and Max London established the Mary and Max People Power Award. The family watched as their brother Herbert assisted in settling a branch of his own family who had immigrated to the United States from Russia. And through this work he realized many families who had immigrated to Atlanta from Russia also needed assistance. As a result, the family concluded that there are many individuals who, like Herbert, were willing to fulfill a need within our community. This award specifically honors those individuals who make their vision a reality and in the process makes our community and our world a better place.
In creating the Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta umbrella organization, Ronald and Samra brought to life an impactful model that enhances and expands the efforts of so many here in Atlanta who have been working so hard to close the childhood hunger gap. The organization has doubled its service in its first year from feeding 800 children per weekend to 1,600, and is poised for future growth due to its efficient model, wide network of donors and volunteers, and expansion into a larger facility during the Summer of 2023.
As part of the award, Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta receives a $2,500 donation in the Robbins name. Congratulations to Ronald and Samra for this well-deserved honor!