It's probably no surprise that the most popular post from November's Smarty SHARE blog was about holiday giving. The time for some of these ideas has passed, but there's still good info here for the last minute shopper (and don't forget that giving can happen at any time of the year)!
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Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store. – Dr. Seuss
Looking for a way to give back as a family this holiday season? Many families get involved through their local church or community center, but if you’re looking for something new or a little different, we’ve got some suggestions for you!
Volunteering can work even when you’re crazy busy! Check out this quick opportunity to do good:
Project Scientist
December 15, 2014 from 2-4pm
Where: Packard Place
Who: Individuals (age 15 and up)
Why: Project Scientist educates, coaches and advocates for girls who have a passion, aptitude and talent for STEM. The packages you'll help put together provide more STEM opportunities for past students.
What you’ll do:
Package materials for experiment to be mailed to Project Scientist alumni.
Print address labels for packages.
Bring packages to post office with Project Scientist staff
It's time to revisit reader favorites from October! Last month the post loved the most was about...the Greater Western Carolinas Chapter of JDRF. Check it out - we hope you find an exciting way to get involved!
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“Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.” – Martin Luther
I have a friend who rocks. She is a busy on-the-go mom with two kids in multiple sports. She volunteers at her children’s school, runs her own business and is incredibly involved in leadership positions in local nonprofit organizations. And oh, by the way, she has Type 1 diabetes. SHARE Diabete
I actually didn’t know this for a long time. I just knew her as a warm, open friend with a ready smile.
Today’s post comes from Annabelle Suddreth. Annabelle is just like many of us. She's a neighbor, a parent, a friend and a caring member of our community. But she also brings a unique perspective to the #GivingTuesdayCLT conversation as the former executive director of A Child’s Place. We’re grateful for her thoughts on the magic that giving can bring - to everyone.
One of the perks - and privileges - of working at SHARE Charlotte is the opportunity to meet with local organizations who are truly making a difference in our community. Last week, Brigitte and I visited Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center.
This is a safe place where children who are suspected victims of sexual abuse get the support and treatment they need. Standing in the lobby, you are surrounded by colorful furniture filling several waiting areas where children and their families can comfortably spend the several hours it often takes for a child to go through the necessary interview, medical evaluation, etc.This bright space is cheerful and comforting - an important atmosphere for confused and hurting kids and families.
Looking for a fun way to think about Giving Tuesday? Check out the Hands N Feet Foundation! For every assist the Hornets make through December 2, Hands N Feet Foundation will donate a pair of socks to Crisis Assistance Ministry. So if you’re a Hornets fan (and who isn’t, really?) tune in on Twitter and keep track!
To learn more about Hands N Feet and the work they do, visit their SHARE profile. To find out more about Giving Tuesday CLT, the local movement that’s all about giving back, check out GivingTuesdayCLT.org.
We're seeing some fun ways that local nonprofits are using the purple Gifting Boxes that have popped up all over town in celebration of #GivingTuesdayCLT.
Here's one example from InnerVision. Since they don't have an active presence on social media, they're using the box in the lobby of their organization as a source of hope and inspiration. Anyone who wants to leave a note of encouragement can grab a blank notecard, jot it down and leave it in the box. If a visitor needs a "hope note" - they simply reach in and take one.
We LOVE this creative, inspiring approach to #GivingTuesdayCLT! The day is about lifting up and encouraging our nonprofit community and, in the end, each other. Thanks InnerVision for making our day!
We have so many new Neighbors and friends (thank you!) that we decided to share this post from July 2013. It's still so very true!
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When I was a kid we moved from one side of town to another. Not a long distance, but close enough to a city bus stop so that my mom's commute to work would be much easier. Still, it seemed like a major move to a 7 year old. To help us get used to the idea, every time our travels took us past our soon-to-be new neighborhood, Mom would say "See? If we lived there we would already be home."
The same thing applies to joining us at SHARE Charlotte. If the words "join" or "sign up" sound like a process or a chore...trust me, it's not. The distance between you and full access to SHARE's growing Collection of Good is literally a few keystrokes.
It's time to revisit reader favorites from September! Last month was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which became our focus in the Charlotte Smarty Pants post below. Check it out - we hope you find an exciting way to get involved!
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“The soul is healed by being with children.” – English Proverb
Cancer and kids: it’s hard to read those two words in the same sentence.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, although for many parents and kids no specially designated month is necessary—they deal with this terrible disease every day. In fact, cancer is the number one cause of death by disease among children in the U.S.
This frightening statistic is why there are organizations working hard to eradicate cancer from kids’ lives. Here in Charlotte, a lot of good work is being done to help families, fund research and raise awareness. Here are a few. We hope you’ll take a minute to check them out and get involved.
We have so much great news to share from our nonprofit partners about their amazing work. But, we'd love to hear from you. Let us know if you have stories you'd like to tell and we'll make you a guest blogger!!
