Citizen of the Week: Marisa Leon

Congratulations to Citizen of the Week: Marisa Leon!

At a time of year when loneliness and hardship can feel most profound, Marisa Leon is making sure no senior is forgotten. As the volunteer director of the Silver Bells program through RiverLife, Leon coordinates hundreds of deliveries to Coweta County seniors who might otherwise go without during the holidays.

“We serve seniors who typically wouldn’t get anything for the holidays,” Leon said. “They don’t have any family, they’re on a very limited income… they have people who are bringing them food or helping them in their homes. And so we try to bring them Christmas.”

Leon has been involved with Silver Bells for six years and has led it for the last three. This year, the program will serve at least 225 seniors—up from around 50 in 2019. She organizes every part of the effort: collecting wish lists, securing sponsors, wrapping gifts, and coordinating deliveries.

The program focuses on practical needs—items that often fall through the cracks. “We’ve had requests for a space heater. We’ve had requests for warm socks or slippers. We’ve had requests for toilet paper,” she said. “Toiletries, like shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, body wash—stuff you can’t buy with food stamps.”

Many recipients are referred through nonprofits like Bridging the Gap and the Salvation Army. Others are RiverLife clients—people who have received ramps, yard cleanups, or other support in the past.

Leon recalled how moving the deliveries can be. “We’ve had grown men cry and say no one’s ever done anything like this for them.”

Silver Bells is one piece of RiverLife’s year-round commitment to serving economically disadvantaged people with dignity and compassion. “We don’t just build a ramp or help you with something one time,” she said. “We send birthday cards. If your spouse dies, we send you flowers. If you need someone to talk to, we call. If we see that your yard is growing up again, we check on you.”

A Newnan resident for nearly 11 years, Leon moved to Georgia in 1997 and spent years in restaurant ownership, event planning, and sales. When her husband’s job with Delta gave her more flexibility, she devoted herself to volunteering and serving on the board of RiverLife.

“I never had time to volunteer before. I always worked,” she said. “Now I do—and it’s one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done.”

Silver Bells also brings families together in giving. Leon encourages delivery volunteers to take only a few gifts at a time so they can spend a few minutes with each senior. “Sometimes that’s the only human interaction they get for the week,” she said. “We get kids involved in wrapping and delivering, and they’re seeing firsthand what giving looks like.”

To support the program, visit www.livetheriverlife.com and note “Silver Bells” on your donation. Volunteers and sponsors can also reach out directly at 770-284-0854 or email [email protected].

Do you know a Citizen like Marisa? We’d love for you to nominate them for a future Citizen of the Week.

Anyone in Fayette or Coweta County can nominate a local resident to be featured. Submissions must include between 100 and 500 words explaining why your nominee deserves the spotlight and a photo of them. (Submissions without a photo cannot be accepted.) Fill out the nomination form here:
👉 https://thecitizen.com/nominate-a-citizen-of-the-week/

Each week, one honoree is celebrated in The Citizen, giving us all a chance to recognize the people who enrich our community with their character and care.

The Citizen of the Week is proudly sponsored by City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta, a national leader in cancer research and treatment. With expertise across all cancer types and a commitment to whole-person care, City of Hope honors those who strengthen our communities through service, compassion, and resilience.
Learn more at cityofhope.org/atlanta.