Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

Grow your heart three sizes this holiday season by giving back and spreading cheer to those who need it most in our community.

 

From fun events hosted by United Way engagement groups to engaging volunteer projects with Hands On Charlotte, we’ve got several opportunities for you to get involved during the season of giving and gratitude.

 

Get Packing for a Purpose

Pack the Purse | Wednesday, November 14

 

United Way’s Pack the Purse event raises awareness and resources for new and expectant mothers in need in our community. Powered by Women United, the event also is a great opportunity to network with other local women working to make a difference.

 

Sign up to join us on November 14 from 4-7 p.m. at Resident Culture Brewing Company to fill the purses with early childhood care items. The packed purses will go to local organizations including Florence Crittenton Services, Renaissance West Community Initiative, Safe Alliance and The Salvation Army Center of Hope.

 

Can’t make the event but want to help? Now through November 13, we’re collecting new and gently used purses for packing. Donate your purses ahead of time at United Way’s office in uptown Charlotte or Resident Culture Brewing Company, or let us help your company or civic group host a purse donation drive.

 

Help Prepare Local Pantries  

Sip and Sort | Thursday, December 6

 

Don your ugly sweater and join other young professionals for United Way’s Sip and Sort, a unique event hosted by Young Leaders and benefitting our neighbors in need.

 

The two-part event on December 6 from 6-9 p.m. begins at Loaves & Fishes, where volunteers will inspect and sort non-perishable food items in the organization’s warehouse. These groceries will feed hungry people in our community through 30 pantries.

 

After the sorting, volunteers will gather at Sugar Creek Brewing Company to sip local brews, mingle with peers and enjoy raffles and giveaways. Register now to join this festive event!

 

Provide Your Time and Skills

Hands On Charlotte | Various Dates

 

There is no better way to create change than to volunteer right where needs are being served daily. United Way’s Hands On Charlotte makes it easy for individuals, families and groups to get involved across our region. Lend your time and skills for ongoing projects this holiday season like:

 

• Clothe Your Neighbor | Age 6+

Inspect clothing and household donations with Crisis Assistance Ministry.

 

• Time with Seniors | Age 12+

Interact and play Bingo with residents at Willow Ridge Assisted Living.

 

• Race Against Hunger | Age 13+

Sort and package food and household items at Second Harvest Food Bank.

 

• Special Rollers | Age 18+

Assist in bowling games with teens and adults in the Special Rollers Bowling League.

 

This holiday season, Hands On Charlotte also is helping recruit volunteers for the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 22. From audience engagement to behind-the-scenes work, it takes 1,000 volunteers to produce the parade.

 

Donate to Support Our Community

 

When you donate to United Way, you are investing in your community. In your town. In your neighborhood. Your gift makes a real difference in the lives of people living right here – during the holidays as well as year-round.

 

Choose what your gift supports – United Way initiatives like United Neighborhoods and Unite Charlotte; projects through Hands On Charlotte; impact grants that support our network of more than 110 partners across our five-county region; or other causes and programs.

 

Your investment helps children succeed in school, adults thrive at work and people of all ages live healthy, happy lives.