#52Tuesdays: The Abandon Project
Did you know that supporting a nonprofit can be as easy as eating at a restaurant?
It’s true! Last November during #GivingTuesdayCLT, The Abandon Project set up several fundraisers throughout Charlotte to raise funds for their year-round, community empowerment vision in the Wallace Woods neighborhood. Chipotle, City BBQ, and even Kendra Scott Jewelry store, all donated portions of their sales to The Abandon Project leading up the eagerly-anticipated #GivingTuesdayCLT celebration. With the funds raised, The Abandon Project was able to continue pouring into the lives of the kids they serve and building relationships with the community.
Every Monday night, The Abandon Project staff host a Neighborhood Initiative in the Wallace Woods apartment complex, located in the East Charlotte community. The Neighborhood Initiative provides the kids with health education, mental support, and spiritual mentoring. In addition to its Neighborhood Initiative, The Abandon Project hosts additional events throughout the week. Programs such as their Wednesday night Health Initiative and basketball outreach allows The Abandon Project further opportunities to focus on health and wellness with the kids and provide a safe place for volunteers and participants to connect for mentoring.
An active participant of both the Monday night Initiative and Wednesday night basketball outreach, Tyshod, a rising senior at East Mecklenburg High School, is a proud testament to what The Abandon Project has been able to accomplish in the East Charlotte area. Since he doesn’t live in the Wallace Woods neighborhood, Tyshod made it a point to walk down every Monday night to be a part of the program. For a while, he was extremely reserved and remained a silent presence at their evening programs. With time and intentionality, The Abandon Project staff witnessed a surprising transformation from wallflower to a natural leader through their weekly activities. Even though the staff never directly asked him, Tyshod stepped up and proved himself to be a respected mentor for the younger attendees. From leading a small group to helping the limited staff keep the kids in line, Tyshod’s actions have not only earned the admiration of the staff but the kids who attend the programs.
Stories like Tyshod are only possible with the generous support of the Charlotte community. Without the people who participated in the #GivingTuesdayCLT fundraisers, The Abandon Project wouldn’t be able to support their weekly programs and build relationships with students like Tyshod.
But, just because #GivingTuesdayCLT is six months away, doesn’t mean the need is gone. Like the hundreds of nonprofits in the Charlotte area, The Abandon Project needs support all year round. In addition to financial support and volunteers, the organization is specifically looking for a van. To make their programs accessible, the Abandon Project provides free transportation. Currently, the team is using their own personal vehicles and a van would be a much-needed addition to the team. If The Abandon Project’s vision to set communities free from cycles, through love, consistency, and oneness resonates with you, reach out. They would love to tell you more about how you can join the family.