It’s the time of year that organizations need volunteers and donations the most, and I’m going to speak for myself here, but it’s also the time that I think about how fortunate I am to have a warm place to stay, food to feed my family, and coats to keep out the chill. Yep, I’m lucky. But, unfortunately, a lot of Charlotte families are not.
Because this column is titled, “It Takes a Village,” I wanted to share some places in our area where you can help our village have a happier holiday season. Feel free to contact me if you have any additional organizations that you’d like to have featured this season.
Get the family out there and volunteer your time and talent.
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte
Opportunities range from having your child participate in a “Kids helping Kids” day, to bringing in a crew to bake cookies or a meal for the residents. The primary goal at the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte is to provide families a safe, comfortable and supportive environment while their children receive medical treatment at nearby medical facilities. More information.
The SandBox
From occasional volunteering to an ongoing commitment, those that volunteer with this organization become quickly involved and passionate for the Sandbox cause. Babysitters, cooks, holiday bag stuffers, and present deliverers are all needed for the upcoming months. The Sandbox locks arms with the community to walk with families whose children have cancer or life-altering illnesses. The goal is to help patients and their families during the most tumultuous times of their lives so they can focus on the most important factors: Believing and Healing. More information.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Anyone over the age of 12 can help the Second Harvest Food Bank sort, pack, and inspect food. Sign up for a two-hour shift and wear close-toed shoes. It’s pretty simple. Alternatively, you could host a food drive! Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM) strives through education, advocacy, and partnerships to eliminate hunger by the solicitation and distribution of food. More information.
A Child’s Place
Make a direct impact in the life of a child by being a Lunch or Breakfast Buddy during a school meal, tutoring, or being a classroom assistant. A Child’s Place (ACP) works to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education. ACP works to remove these barriers for our client children to attain their education and make school the most stable part of their lives. They provide educational and emotional support services as well as medical referrals to keep their client children healthy and in the classroom. More information.
