Check Out Chardina Choate’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chardina Choate.

Chardina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m the President of Twelve Days of Christmas, Inc. – Atlanta Chapter. Twelve Days of Christmas, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit celebrating more than 25 years as a volunteer-led organization dedicated to uplifting families in need during the holiday season and beyond.

The organization began with a simple reflection by founder Gayla Gardner and her daughter, Donya, on the true essence of the holidays. Inspired to give back, they gathered twelve friends to host themed “Parties With a Purpose,” where guests brought donations—from toys to toiletries—to be shared with families in their community.

What started as one family’s gesture of generosity has since grown into a national movement. Today, Twelve Days of Christmas includes nine chapters across the country—in Houston, New York City, Washington D.C., Oakland, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, Loudoun County (VA), and Philadelphia—each committed to spreading joy and support where it’s needed most.

The Atlanta Chapter began in late 2014 with just four compassionate women inspired to share their blessings during the holiday season. With encouragement and guidance from the New York Chapter, they laid the foundation for what would become a vibrant and growing community of generosity. That first year, even with limited time and resources, the founding members used their dues to provide gifts for two families—11 children in total. They hand-selected warm clothing, toys for each child, and thoughtful tokens for the parents. The joy and fulfillment they felt from that first effort inspired them to return the following year with even more women ready to serve.

Today, the Atlanta Chapter has grown to more than 20 dedicated members and hostesses—women united by a shared commitment to uplifting families in need. Each year, we host our signature Party With A Purpose holiday fundraiser, bringing together supporters to celebrate the season through giving. Beyond the holidays, we proudly sponsor back-to-school initiatives and provide meaningful support to hundreds of children and families across the metro area.

It’s an honor to lead such a dedicated group of women who serve with heart and purpose. Together, we continue to show that collective compassion can truly transform communities.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any volunteer-led organization, our journey hasn’t always been smooth—but every challenge has been an opportunity to grow. One of the biggest hurdles has been coordinating a team of incredibly busy women while ensuring we stay focused on our mission. Balancing day-to-day responsibilities, planning large-scale events, and maintaining consistent year-round impact takes intentional communication, trust, and a lot of flexibility.

Another challenge has been finding ways to scale our impact while staying true to our values. We want to serve as many families as possible, but it’s important that each initiative remains thoughtful and personal.

Through it all, what has made the difference is collaboration. By leaning on one another, celebrating each member’s strengths, and keeping our shared vision front and center, we’ve been able to turn challenges into growth, and obstacles into opportunities to make an even bigger difference in the community.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
For the past 12 years, the Atlanta Chapter of Twelve Days of Christmas, Inc. has been turning holiday spirit into meaningful action. What started as a small group of service-minded women of color has grown into a powerful, all-volunteer effort that supports families across Atlanta through the joy of giving.

Our signature fundraiser on Friday, December 12th, Party With a Purpose—now in its 11th year—is more than just a celebration. It’s truly a catalyst for change. With the help of generous donors and sponsors, that event allows us to bring joy, dignity, and opportunity to children and families across the metro area.

In 2024, for example, our giveback to the East Atlanta Kids Club included 42 pairs of sneakers, 100 books, $5,000 worth of summer snacks, and support for 700 families during Christmas. Altogether, our impact that year reached over $32,000 in aid to the Atlanta community.

We’ve also expanded our outreach beyond the holidays through our Christmas in July initiative, which helps students and families during the back-to-school season. This year, we partnered with the Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy to provide a $5,000 donation and hygiene kits—helping students start their school year with confidence and care.

What really sets us apart is the heart behind our work. Every member of our chapter is a volunteer—busy women, mothers, professionals—who make time to serve because we believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Our chapter is built on sisterhood, purpose, and a deep commitment to community.

I’m most proud of how we’ve created something that blends philanthropy with fellowship. We don’t just raise funds; we build relationships and create moments of joy. We show up for families in a way that reminds them they’re not forgotten.

What makes Twelve Days of Christmas, Inc, Atlanta Chapter unique is our ability to bring elegance and impact together. Whether it’s through our signature event or our hands-on work with families, we strive to deliver excellence with empathy every single time. And honestly, seeing the smiles on children’s faces—reminds us why we do what we do. It’s not just about giving gifts; it’s about giving hope and love when families need it most.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
For me, the most important quality has been the ability to bring people together around a shared vision. Our chapter is made up of incredible women with busy lives, and it takes intentional communication, trust, and inspiration to keep everyone connected and motivated. Over the years, I’ve learned that success in service work isn’t about doing it all yourself—it’s about creating space for others to lead, contribute, and shine. When everyone feels valued and seen, that’s when the magic really happens.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.twelvedaysofchristmas.org/atlanta
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/12daysatl?igsh=dTlhYTBvbTQ1ZzZv
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/12DaysATL/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/12daysatl/
• Other: https://givebutter.com/12DaysATL25

Image Credits
Phil Jackson/Shootworks www.shootworks.com