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 Year’s Challenge: The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is recruiting blood donors to take part in the New Year’s Challenge. Donors are encouraged to give blood two times between now and 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.

York County Library

Book sale: York County libraries are holding a Friends of the York County Library book sale Thursday through Saturday at the Old Town Market Hall, 121 Caldwell St., Rock Hill. Thousands of books for all ages will be sold at $2 per inch measuring the height of the stack. Videos, DVDs and audio books also will be on sale. Opening night for Friends members is 5-8 p.m. Thursday, and memberships are available at the door, $10 for individuals, and $25 for families. The sale is open to the public 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-3 pm. Saturday. All books are half-price on Saturday. Visit www.yclibrary.org for details.

Camp Bow Wow

Service dog fundraiser: Camp Bow Wow Charlotte Metro is collecting donations through the end of January to help train specialty service dogs to provide therapy to children affected by the Newtown, Conn., shooting. The donations will go to the “Scout’s Angel’s” project and can be made at www.bowwowbuddies.com or at any of the Camp Bow Wow locations. The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation also will match funds dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000.

Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte

EBay Class: The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte will offer a class teaching seniors how to buy and sell on eBay Jan. 28, 30 and Feb. 1. The class will run 9 a.m.-noon each day at Southminster Retirement Community, 8919 Park Road. Cost is $20 for booster club members, and $30 for others. Call 704-365-1995 for reservations.

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 you’re in the booster club. Details: www.shepherdscharlotte.org, or call 704-365-1995. Registration required.

Autism Society

Autism conference: The Autism Society of North Carolina’s annual conference, “Autism Grows Up,” will take place Feb. 8-9 at the Hilton University Place in Charlotte. The conference will address the challenges and transitions for children with autism into adulthood. It is an opportunity for families affected to learn and share with one another. Details: www.autismsociety-nc.org or 800-442-2762.

Shepherd’s Center SouthEast

Valentine Tea: Shepherd’s Center SouthEast Charlotte will host its annual authentic English Tea at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at St. Stephen United Methodist Church, 6800 Sardis Road.

The cost is $25 with limited reservations. Call 704-321-0325 to reserve your spot by Feb. 1. Proceeds will benefit the medical transportation program and services that the center provides for Charlotte seniors.

Adventures in Learning: Shepherd’s Center SouthEast Charlotte will hold six “Adventures in Learning” classes 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. For details, contact SCSE at 704-321-0325 or www.sceast.org.

Teen Health Connection

Stand Up and Get Down: Teen Health Connection invites the public to Stand Up and Get Down for Teens 6:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at The Fillmore, 1000 N.C. Music Factory Blvd.

The event admission will include dinner, beverages and entertainment by comedian Shaun Jones. Single tickets are $100, with other packages available for larger groups. Proceeds to benefit Teen Health Connection. Purchase tickets at http://teenhealthconnection.eventbrite.com.

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 information.

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.