Volunteering makes the world go round. It just does. By definition to volunteer is to freely offer to do something. That's it. Holding a door open for someone, helping a neighbor with a project, taking a meal to a family with a new baby all fit the bill and are all efforts greatly appreciated. But there are those who work -- for free -- right here in Charlotte to make our city better for those around them. These are our SHAREheroes and we'd like you to meet them.
Follow us on Instagram as we unveil new SHAREheroes throughout the month.
*Photo provided by Shepherd's Center of Charlotte
As 40-somethings in the midst of our own parenting journeys, my husband and I are taking on a growing responsibility in caring for our own parents. My parents relocated to Charlotte several years ago and are thankfully healthy and active. My mother-in-law who requires extra care will also be moving to Charlotte this summer.
*Photo provided by Hope Haven.
In my 14 years of parenting, one aspect I have yet to master is the dreaded birthday party. There’s the cleaning — if you’re hosting. The entertainment — and subsequent cost. The food. And please, let’s not forget the treat bags. Kids who attend your party will have fun. With any luck, your child will remember the party and then you’ll spend the next 364 days trying to one-up yourself.
We all know the adage about leading horses to water. But Charlotte-area resident and longtime equine enthusiast Harry Swimmer had a different idea about horses and perhaps its the horses who lead us where we need to be.
*Photo provided by Loaves & Fishes
“I don’t know if you have ever experienced this, but no food, especially for your kids, that is the scariest. I can’t describe the insecurity of it. No lights? Use candles. No heat? Put on extra socks and a sweater. No food? That’s another story.” - Leonisa Adams, Loaves & Fishes pantry volunteer and former client
Feeding families can be expensive and the thought of children being hungry is truly terrifying.
It’s no secret that teenagers make mistakes. They forget to turn in homework assignments, stay out past curfew and sometimes they’ll get a free pass to detention.
In some cases, there are teens who find themselves in grown-up situations. For teenage girls, it can mean becoming a mom before getting their high school diploma. Whatever the cause of their situation, at the end of the day they’re still kids and we should treat them with love and compassion.
* Photo provided by Sustain Charlotte
As the days become warmer and longer, people are spending more time outside. With all the extra sunshine and pollen, it comes as no surprise that tomorrow is Earth Day, a day we celebrate Mother Nature and wear tie-dye t-shirts.
When we think of Earth Day we think of trees, animals and picnics at the park. Instead of finding ways to celebrate the Earth, why don’t we find ways to make our (human) impact more positive?
The walls of the Hands on Charlotte offices are filled with handprints of many of the volunteers that the organization has placed on different projects around Charlotte. For 25 years Hands on Charlotte, part of the international Hands On network, has worked to provide nearly 100,000 volunteers a way to assist the community in which they live.
This Saturday, April 16 is this year’s Hands on Charlotte Day, a daylong fundraising and service event held as part of National Volunteer Week which has recognized our country’s volunteers since 1974.
Photo provided by Carolina Thread Trail
Spring and (for some) Spring Break has officially begun. Thanks to Queen Charlotte the Groundhog it has been wonderfully warm for quite some time making this week the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy all this season has to offer. While you’re at it, consider showing some love to these nonprofits who work to preserve our natural surroundings for everyone (human and wildlife alike) to enjoy.