SHARE Charlotte offers the opportunity to be kind — right when we need it most
Saturday morning I got a message from my friend, WCNC-TV reporter Michelle Boudin: “Starting a kindness movement … you in?”
The night before I’d stayed up late watching horrific videos of the latest news on the Dallas shootings. I’d read an article about Philando Castile and his work with children that had made me cry. And I’d scrolled through Facebook where angry people were arguing about guns and racism and which lives matter.
I imagine I wasn’t the only one who woke up last weekend feeling discouraged and helpless. And so when I saw Michelle’s question, my answer was an easy “Yes.” Her idea? A challenge for everyone to perform random acts of kindness this Saturday (July 16) and then tag them as #KINDNESSMatters.
This, of course, doesn’t solve the overwhelming problems facing our nation, but joining together to help those in need seems like a great place to start.
This is where this week’s podcast guests come in. SHARE Charlotte’s 11-day campaign, Summer SHARE, is happening right now and it may be the easiest way possible to perform a random act of kindness in Charlotte this week.
Our guests, SHARE Charlotte founder Kelly Brooks and campaign manager Amy Jacobs, explained how those who want to help can go to their site and buy the exact things 77 local nonprofits need. The items are then shipped directly to them. This includes items like blankets for Charlotte Family Housing, dog beds for the Humane Society, children’s books for Augustine Literacy Project, and oatmeal for the Hospitality House.
#summershareCLT kicks off TODAY until July 22. #Charlotte, let's #giveneedavacay: https://t.co/bBQFcTcp2L pic.twitter.com/meilCFAFnB
— SHARE Charlotte (@shareclt) July 11, 2016
Inspired by last week’s podcast with Chef Ron from Community Culinary School of Charlotte? It needs chef pants, and you can help.
This is only a few quick clicks with your Amazon account — but you can know you’re making a difference in Charlotte. From laundry detergent for Ronald McDonald House to plastic spoons and forks for Second Harvest Food Bank, you know exactly how you’ve helped in a very real way.
Consider it your random act of kindness and tag it as #KindnessMatters. Or just consider it your opportunity to do something good in a world that doesn’t feel so great right now. Regardless, this is a much-needed chance for all of us to help our fellow citizens. So … you in?
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Photo: Richard Brooke
This story was originally published July 12, 2016 at 11:11 PM with the headline "SHARE Charlotte offers the opportunity to be kind — right when we need it most."