Giving back

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

Compiled by Lauren Bailey

Drive successes: Ballantyne Corporate Park collected over 1,000 ‘tween gifts for Toys for Tots from Dec. 10-14.

They received support from the greater Charlotte community, as well as a donation from Sam’s Club of Pineville for $1,000. The Corporate Park focused on shopping for kids ages 10-14. South Piedmont Community College also collected six large boxes for Toys for Tots this holiday season.

Assistance League of Charlotte

Donations needed: The Assistance League of Charlotte’s Thrift Shop, 3600 South Tryon, will gladly accept year-end donations Dec. 27, 28, 29 and 31 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Profits from the Thrift Shop are used to clothe, feed, mentor and educate at-risk children in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. Details: 704-525-5000, email alcharlottethriftshop@gmail.com, or visit www.charlotte.assistanceleague.org.

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 through Dec. 31. Donors who give blood during this time can sign a tag that will then be attached to a stuffed animal puppy and delivered to children in area hospitals and care facilities during the holidays. CBCC relies on volunteer blood donors to help fulfill the need for blood for local patients. Sign up at www.carolinadonor.com. Details: www.cbcc.us.

Scholarship program: High school and college students who are home for the holidays can earn a “Holiday Heroes Scholarship” from the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. Students must choose a blood drive location 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. Call or email Kim Jones, 704-972-4727 or kljones@cbcc.us.

Beds for Kids

Annual donation: Beds for Kids is asking the community to help support Beds for Kids in a year-end donation. Beds for Kids provides bedding and furniture for children and their families throughout the Charlotte area. A donation of $400 fully furnishes an entire house. Details: 980-422-1192 or visit www.bedsforkids.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Gingerbread fundraiser: Great Wolf Lodge is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte by offering special dining experiences at their resort, 10175 Weddington Road, Concord. For $20 you can reserve a dining experience in a life-sized gingerbread house for breakfast, lunch or dinner with proceeds benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters. To make your reservation, call 704-549-8206 ext. 4917.

Teen Health Connection

Love and Logic classes: Teen Health Connection is offering Love and Logic classes Jan. 8-29 each Tuesday at Community House Middle School. The class will give parents practical skills that can be used immediately with adolescents ages 11-18. The classes are free and each family will receive a copy of the book “Parenting teens with Love and Logic.” To register, visit www.teenhealthconnection.org and click on “Love and Logic Parenting Class” under the “Services” tab.

Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte

Booster club: The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte will introduce a Savvy Seniors Booster Club in Jan. 2013. A donation of $25 or more places you in the Booster Club and entitles members to discounts on all programs and a quarterly prize drawing.Details: 704-365-1995 or visit www.shepherdscharlotte.org.

Volunteers needed: Volunteers are currently needed to work with the seniors at Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte. Areas in need include drivers to take seniors to medical appointments, handymen, instructors for Adventures in Learning Programs, computer class instructors and committee volunteers. Details: 704-365-1995 or visit www.shepherdscharlotte.org.

Shepherd’s Center SouthEast

Adventures in Learning: Shepherd’s Center SouthEast Charlotte will hold six Adventures in Learning classes at St. Stephen United Methodist Church beginning Jan. 16, and six at Central United Methodist Church beginning Feb. 7. Cost for all six weeks is $25. Proceeds will benefit the programs and services of Shepherd’s Center SouthEast. Class topics include Bible study, travel, art, health, history and authors. Details, 704-321-0325 or www.sceast.org.

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 their new barn. Volunteer as much or as little as you can. Please email the dates you can help to info@cwrescue.org or call 704-668-9486. Details: help@duckrescue.org or call 704-668-9486.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Bowl for Kids: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte is recruiting teams for its annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake on Feb. 23 at 10 Park Lanes. Each team of five bowlers is asked to raise $625 to support the agency. Contributions help to match at-risk youth with caring adult mentors. Contact Joseph Butler at joseph.butler@bbsclt.org or 704-910-1301 ext. 1017 for more information.