Act Together Ministries, a nonprofit based in Alpharetta, has created a program specifically to serve children with special needs in honor of Jonathan Philip “JP” Mendelovitz, a child born with a genetic condition called Ataxia telangestia.

In third grade, the condition forced JP to use a walker. By the time he was in fifth grade, he was bound to a wheelchair, lost his ability to write and was starting to lose ability to talk.

With his immune system severely compromised, he was ultimately diagnosed with lymphoma and spent six months at Scottish Rite Hospital. Shortly before Christmas of 2011, JP lost his battle with cancer.

The nonprofit was privileged to serve JP and his family.

In JP’s honor, each month a team of volunteers called “Friends of JP” visits local therapy offices to hand out toys and share about the nonprofit’s programs to special needs families who may also face financial hardship, due to high medical bills or loss of income, to care for a special needs child.

The nonprofit is currently partnered with Wiles Therapy Center in Cumming and Kidz Therapy Networks in Johns Creek. Interested children’s therapy centers can contact Act Together, as well.

To learn how to organize a toy drive, volunteer to hand out toys, or donate, please visit Act Together’s website at www.actogetherministries.org