Giving back

Send news about your upcoming fundraising events to lbailey.charlotteobserver@gmail.com. Please send announcements at least two weeks in advance.

Compiled by Lauren Bailey

CBCC

Puppies for Patients: The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is recruiting blood donors to take part in the eighth annual Puppies for Patients program Nov. 1-Dec. 31. Donors who give blood will be able to sign a tag that will then be attached to a stuffed animal puppy and delivered during the holidays to children in area hospitals and care facilities. CBCC relies on volunteer blood donors to help fulfill the need for blood for local patients. Anyone over 16 and at least 120 pounds is encouraged to donate. If you are interested in hosting a blood drive, call Kim Jones at 704-972-4727. Individuals can donate at a community blood drive or at a CBCC donor center. Sign up at www.ncdonor.com. Details: www.cbcc.us.

Scholarship program: High school and college students have a chance to win a “Holiday Heroes Scholarship” from the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. To qualify, students must choose a blood drive in their community, select a date Dec. 22-Jan. 6, recruit friends, family and neighbors to donate blood, and collect a minimum of 25 units. CBCC will award a $1,000 scholarship to the student who collects the most units. Details: Kim Jones with questions: 704-972-4727 or kljones@cbcc.us.

Bednar Cosmetic Surgery

Toy drive: Bednar Cosmetic Surgery is partnering with the Salvation Army to collect toys for impoverished children to open on Christmas. Through Dec. 16, the company will be a Salvation Army Magical Toy Drive drop-off location for new, unwrapped toys at 439 Wendover Rd. Toy donors also will receive a $25 gift certificate from Bednar Cosmetic Surgery for Botox or Juvederm. Details: www.drbednar.com.

Griffin Brothers

Sandy collections: For the remainder of November, all nine Griffin Brothers Tires, Wheels & Auto Repair locations will collect monetary donations for Hurricane Sandy relief. Griffin Brothers will match every donation (up to $10). At the end of November, all proceeds will be donated directly to the American Red Cross. Visit www.griffinbrothers.com to find a store near you.

Teen Health Connection

Youth scholarship: Teen Health Connection is accepting applications for the 2013 Johnston Ziegler Youth Leadership Scholarship. Deadline to apply is noon Dec. 1. The award is merit-based and recognizes a local teen who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, advocacy or service for adolescents. The selected youth will receive a $1,000 educational scholarship to the college or university of his or her choice. To apply, visit www.teenhealthconnection.org and click on “services” then “programs.”

Total Nutrition Technology

Toys for Tots: Total Nutrition Technology, a company specializing in helping people manage their health, is holding a Toys for Tots drive through Dec. 14 at all five Charlotte-area locations. New and unwrapped toys for children up to age 16 can be dropped off at the stores. To find a location near you, visit www.tntgetfit.com or call 704-549-9550.

Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte

Skype class: The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte is offering a Skype class 9 a.m.-noon Nov. 30 at Southminster Retirement Community, 8919 Park Rd. Cost is $10. Learn to see and talk to your loved ones on the computer. Details: 704-365-1995 or visit www.shepherdscharlotte.org.

Gold’s Gym

Food drive: Gold’s Gym EpiCentre at 210 East Trade St., will collect nonperishable food items through Dec. 15 for the Charlotte Shelter for Battered Women. By donating, you may attend a group fitness class for free. Details: 704-688-9959 or visit United Family Services’ website at www.UnitedFamilyServices.org.

PBWA

Vendors needed: The Professional Business Women’s Association of York County will hold The Candy Cane Market 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 1 at The York Tech Baxter Hood Center. Proceeds from The Candy Cane Market benefit the PBWA Scholarship Fund. Details: www.candycanemarket.com or contact Jane Dear at dear077@aim.com.

24 Hours of Booty

Registration open: Registration for the 12th annual 24 Hours of Booty presented by Levine Cancer Institute will open 10 a.m. Dec. 4. The noncompetitive charity cycling event takes place in Myers Park on July 26. Registration typically fills up in one day. Cost is $65 per rider and a minimum of $400 fundraising goal. Visit www.24hoursofbooty.org to register.

Piper Glen Women’s Club

Luncheon fundraiser: The Piper Glen Women’s Club will hold its annual holiday luncheon at noon Dec. 5 at TPC Piper Glen, 4300 Piper Glen Dr. The lunch will be a tribute to the club’s favorite charity – the United Family Services Battered Women’s Shelter. Please bring a new, unwrapped gift for a woman or child to the luncheon; the gift will be part of the holiday store that allows moms and children to shop for one another. Reserve your luncheon spot by Nov. 30. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Mail your check payable to Piper Glen Women’s Club, to 7117 Seton House Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277. Learn more: www.piperglenwomensclub.com.

The Arc of Union County

Casino night: The Arc of Union County, an advocacy agency that serves individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, is holding its fifth annual Casino Night fundraiser 7-11 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Rolling Hills Country Club, 2722 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at www.thearcofunion.com. The Arc is also seeking corporate sponsors. For more information, call 704-261-1550 ext. 203 or email casinonight@thearcofunion.com.

Carolina Waterfowl Rescue

Help needed: Carolina Waterfowl Rescue will need help every day 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 31-Jan. 10 to build its new barn. Volunteer as much or as little as you can; email the dates you can help to info@cwrescue.org or call 704-668-9486.

Easter Seals UCP

Moonlight and Martinis: Easter Seals UCP will host a new event called Moonlight and Martinis 7-11 p.m. Dec. 13 at CenterStage in NoDa, 2135 N. Davidson Street. Guests can expect a 1960s night club feel with live music along the lines of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. There will be a silent auction, food and taste themed martinis. Tickets are $30 for one, or $50 for two. They can be purchased at http://charlottemartinis.eventbrite.com/. All proceeds benefit Easter Seals UCP’s lifelong programs and services in the Charlotte area.