Giving back

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

Compiled by Lauren Bailey

CBCC

New Years Challenge: The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is recruiting blood donors to take part in the New Years Challenge. Donors are encouraged to give blood two times from Jan. 1-June 30. CBCC relies on volunteer blood donors to help fulfill the need for

blood for local patients. Sign up at www.cbcc.us.giveblood2x. Details: www.cbcc.us.

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

Introduction to Computing: The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte will begin an Introduction to Computers class Jan 8-31, every Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m.-noon, or 1-4 p.m. Cost is $55 ($45 for booster members). In eight classes, beginners will learn to work Microsoft Windows, word processing, spreadsheet, Internet and email. Classes held at Southminster Retirement Community, 8919 Park Road. Register at www.shepherdscharlotte.org or call 704-365-1995.

Adventures in Learning: The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte will begin weekly Adventures in Learning classes Jan. 28 through March 4. Class options include: culinary adventures, bridge, creative writing, violin, acting, natural history, yoga, dancing and poetry. Cost is $40 for all six weeks, or $30 if in the booster club. Details: www.shepherdscharlotte.org, or call 704-365-1995. Registration required.

Relay for Life

Kick-off party: Relay for Life Ballantyne will launch its second annual event at a Kick-Off Party Jan. 17 at Villa Antonio Italian Restaurant, 14825 John J Delaney Drive. The event to raise money and awareness for cancer will take place May 31 at the Morrison Family YMCA. Attend the kick-off party to learn more about Relay for Life and to get involved. RSVP to ballantyne.relay@gmail.com by Jan. 10. Learn more: http://www.relayforlife.org/ballantynenc.

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.

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.

Knights of Columbus

Charlotte Ultra Run: The Knights of Columbus of St. Thomas Aquinas Church will host the annual Charlotte Ultra Run 50K and 10K charity race Feb. 2 beginning at Countryside Montessori School and continuing along the Mallard Creek Greenway. Details: www.charlotteultrarun.org. Registration deadline is Jan. 31.