In case you missed it, here's one of our popular Smarty Sunday SHARE posts from March:

• You can only perceive real beauty in a person as they get older. — Anouk Aimee

If you (or your kids) have a special place in your heart for serving senior citizens, you’ll probably want to hear about the programs at Love INC.

Serving Charlotte’s seniors (and others) since 1992, Love INC operates multiple programs that touch over 1,500 people each year. Clients come to them by referral from over 100 social service agencies. Getting all of that good work done means they rely on (are you ready for this?) over 8,000 volunteers each year!

You can get more great info about them on SHARE Charlotte. To get involved right now, check out these opportunities:

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. It's time to think about summer camps, sandals and...school supplies? Definitely. In fact, this is the time when the folks at Classroom Central need supplies most, as supplies run low even though students are still in school and still in need.

Here's the current wish list. If you'd like to help, visit the Classroom Central profile to get connected! 

1. Pencils

2. Filler Paper

3. Glue Sticks

4. Binders (new, less than 2”)

5. Crayons

6. Pens

7. Composition Books

8. Backpacks

9. Markers

10. Rulers

Volunteering doesn’t need to be overwhelming, scary or difficult. You just need to start. Answer these four questions and you'll be ready to go.

1. Who would you like to help?

There are hundreds of nonprofits in Charlotte helping a variety of people and causes. First, decide “who” you'd like to help. You can focus on kids, animals, the environment, seniors, the military, or any group or cause that’s meaningful to you. Pick the “who” first and that will help narrow your search.

2. How much time do you have?

Can you spare an hour a week, or an hour a year? Think about the time commitment you’d like to make, but remember you can start small and grow your commitment from there. 

3. Do you want to volunteer with a friend or on your own?

We had fun with this post about Let Me Run, and it looks like you did too! Here's the Readers' Favorite from February:

“For everyone of us that succeeds, it’s because there’s somebody there to show you the way.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

If you’re the parent of a boy, or there’s a boy in your life you absolutely adore, then Ashley Armistead’s words will ring true. Let Me Run

“How many times have you heard, ‘Boys will be boys,’ or ‘Too much testosterone in the room? I was always shocked by these comments, as I know that my boys far surpass me in their caring actions, integrity, and self-control.” After becoming a mom of two boys, “I became more aware of societal expectations of boys and of men.”