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Give back to nonprofits in your neighborhood: Fourth Ward/Lockwood edition

Fourth Ward Park. CharlotteFive archives
Fourth Ward Park. CharlotteFive archives John D. Simmons - jsimmons@charl

I don’t know much about Fourth Ward other than the “secret” gardens (which I have yet to see) but what I do know is Fourth Ward is a place where you can do some good.

If you got time, why don’t you …

Let out your inner science nerd.

Discovery Place is the place to go if you want to entertain kids with interactive exhibits and cool IMAX movies. I know some of us older kids are familiar with their Science on the Rocks event they host every month. If you love science enough to drink dry ice cocktails, then you should also sign-up to volunteer.

You can finally fulfill your childhood dreams of working with collection items, exhibits and more.

Help people find employment.

The. Struggle. Is. Real. We all know how hard it can be to find a job. The folks at Urban League of Central Carolinas help prepare people for the job market.

You’ve already got the skills to write a killer resume, ace an interview and work the right channels to find that great opportunity. Why don’t you pass on that knowledge to someone who could use it? Volunteer to become a program coach or a program interviewer today.

Located nearby in the Lockwood neighborhood you can easily find more nonprofits to work with. So, we continue!

Help people transition out of homelessness.

There are a few agencies in Charlotte that get people off the streets and help them become independent again. Urban Ministry Center and Men’s Shelter of Charlotte both work to provide basic services, shelter and the resources to get men, women and families back into their own homes.

Helping these nonprofits is as simple as sorting mail or working with clients to find housing.

Lend a hand to people who are struggling to get by.

Some families fall on hard financial times. Crisis Assistance Ministry steps in and helps them get back on their feet by offering resources and access to the Free Store.

Right now you can volunteer to help inspect and sort clothes donated to their Free Store or help families move out of the shelter and into their new homes.

Photo: John D. Simmons/Charlotte Observer

This story was originally published December 1, 2015 at 9:00 PM with the headline "Give back to nonprofits in your neighborhood: Fourth Ward/Lockwood edition."

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