More worthy local charities, selected by readers (Part 2 of 2)
There are so many local nonprofits making our community better that we had to break the list in two: Here's the second half
Hello again!
This is the second half of our list of charities recommended by Charlotte Ledger members for Giving Tuesday.
➡️ You can view the full list online.
To recap: We asked our community of paying members to write about the local charities they most admire. They sent in information on 64 local organizations doing important work to make our community better.
We share the information below, where you’ll find links to the charity websites and brief descriptions from our members.
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Charity picks: Part 2
“Heart Math Tutoring works to ensure Charlotte-area elementary students develop the strong foundation in math and enthusiasm for academics needed for long-term success, using volunteers as tutors. Volunteers commit for 1 hour/week and are matched with a student for one-on-one tutoring sessions, supported by a curriculum and on-site coordinator.” —Suzanne Hunt
Heart of the Carolinas UU Animal Ministry
“This nonprofit, organized in 2019, frees dogs who are chained or confined in small spaces by building fences equipped with dog houses and sun/rain protection. It costs nothing for owners but is life-changing for their dogs, many of whom have endured extreme hardship.” —Bruce Henderson
“Holy Angels provides the best love and care for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and the medically fragile. This nonprofit has served this population for 67 years and provides the highest quality of life for these remarkable residents.” —Shawn Flynn
“The work Ben Paige is doing in Grier Heights is truly amazing. The kids in that area have been transformed, if they buy in. Staying in school, graduating, playing sports and staying out of trouble. They need this city to rally around them just like Ben and his wife have. There are even more that can be served if we all pitch in.” —Brett Boner
“The Independent Picture House is the new nonprofit arthouse cinema in Charlotte. The 3-screen cinema has a wonderful community feel and a commitment to bringing people together through the shared experience of film. I support this charity because of their mission to educate, enable and engage the community through diverse programming and outreach focused on independent and foreign films and filmmakers.” —Kendra Dodds
“An extraordinary organization that has for 42 years supported persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their own goals for a satisfying, productive life! Serving over 1,000 individuals and their families yearly, InReach engages individuals in community activities, lifelong learning, volunteer and job opportunities and safe and affordable housing.” —Sandy DuPuy
InReach’s Melody Makers singing group and bell ringers perform at the annual Dream Maker luncheon, one of the two big fundraisers InReach hosts each year. (Photo courtesy of InReach)
“A friend of mine started this charity to address the racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. Tomeka Isaac lost her son and almost lost her life a few years ago while pregnant. Unfortunately, pregnancy complications are much greater for black women. The goal of the organization is to help improve maternal/fetal healthcare disparities through education, advocacy and community engagement.” —Chris Corcoran
The Junior League of Charlotte
“The Charlotte Junior League is a great place to learn about our community, to make new friends for life, and to learn the importance of volunteering in our community. Members are 20-100 years old. It began 97 years ago and is going strong today with over 2,000 members. Helped start the Charlotte Nature Museum, Discovery Place, Levine Children’s Hospital Family Resource Center, Charlotte Speech and Hearing, Thompson Child Development Center.” —Lisa Tomlinson
Make-A-Wish of Central and Western NC
“We support Make-A-Wish of Central and Western NC because children who are battling critical illnesses deserve hope and joy, and because wishes support better health outcomes for the kids and critical emotional support for their families. MAWCWNC grants 300+ wishes annually to children who are our neighbors, friends and classmates. When you see the face of a Wish kid, you will understand the impact and know that it was worth the investment.” —Peter and Debra Smul
“This nonprofit medical practice cares for those with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. More than that, the practice cares for caregivers. If you or a loved one has suffered from this affliction or cared for someone who has, you understand the power of combining medicine, compassion and care.” —Ken Garfield
“MiraVia provides love, caring, and support — financial, material and emotional — to young women who become unexpectedly pregnant. They give young mothers the strength and courage to thrive, all free of charge.” —Andrew Dunn
“Mitchell is my late son. Mitchell’s House is a project of Mitchell’s Fund and a safe place offering counseling and play therapy services to children with serious illnesses, their parents and siblings. When a child is diagnosed, it can impact the entire family, who can become anxious, overwhelmed and exhausted. Mitchell’s House offers services regardless of a family’s ability to pay.” —Meg McElwain
“I volunteer my time with Mitchell’s House. The licensed clinicians and play therapists provide services like trauma-informed therapy and coping skills; medical play, art and sand tray therapy; sibling and parent support groups; and procedural preparation and end-of-life therapy.” —Grace Schlernitzauer
N.C. Health News/Charlotte Ledger Health Reporting Partnership
“The nonprofit N.C. Health News and The Charlotte Ledger have teamed up to enhance reporting on health care in Charlotte. This innovative partnership funds the work of a reporter and makes smart and original articles on local health care available to all. Having an independent source of information helps people make better decisions about their lives, gives a voice to patients and holds powerful institutions accountable.” —Tony Mecia
“NCHN focuses on impactful local stories that are overlooked by national media. By zooming in on health care in particular and with an RN as editor in chief and founder, NCHN reporters build expertise to ask real, data-driven questions about what affects local communities.” —Yen Duong
“OurBridge integrates immigrant and refugee kids and parents into the community through after school and summer education and recreation programs. These kids get opportunities to enjoy their culture and other cultures while learning necessary skills.” —Steve Yaffe
Peninsula Community Foundation
“Founded in 2001, the Peninsula Community Foundation (PCF) is an all-volunteer organization that has contributed over $2,000,000 to local charities in the communities of North Mecklenburg County. PCF brings people, capital and ideas together to address the unmet needs of the young, poor, distressed, elderly and handicapped in Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson.” —Scott Keadle
“Per Scholas North Carolina offers free technology training for people under-represented in tech industries. Courses are rigorous, ranging from IT support to cybersecurity to software engineering. Learners also get coaching on interview skills and other professional development topics. Per Scholas boosts economic mobility while adding to our skilled workforce.” —Andrea Cooper
“This campaign raises funds and awareness for breast cancer prevention, treatment and research by selling pink bows to put on mailboxes in October. It started in Ballantyne in 2007 and is now in over 50 neighborhoods around Charlotte. This year, the proceeds are going to GoJenGo, another Charlotte non-profit that provides financial assistance to patients and their families. I have been a neighborhood captain for 5 years and am proud to support others!” —Suzanne Meeker
The Pink Bow Campaign sells pink bows to raise money and awareness for breast cancer prevention, treatment and research. (Photo courtesy of Pink Bow Campaign)
“Presby Psych, a Charlotte nonprofit mental health counseling center, provides free and financially assisted therapy to vital community groups who suffer stress as part of their jobs, including police officers, firefighters, healthcare workers and teachers — 118 of these heroes so far in 2022 alone — a 25% increase over 2021.” —Ken Gepfert
“Project Scientist, founded in Charlotte in 2013, provides after-school and summer STEM programs for girls in multiple cities. The goal: to cultivate their confidence in their abilities in science, technology, engineering and math. Project Scientist served its 20,000th girl this year. It started with six girls in Dilworth!” —Andrea Cooper
“Project2Heal (P2H) helps provide service dogs to veterans in need to combat veteran suicides and help them heal. P2H breeds and nurtures Labrador Retriever puppies and donates them to carefully selected service dog organizations. This reduces the cost and time it takes to place a service dog with a person in need. They do a great job involving the community to help with the puppies, have camps for kids and really make a difference.” —Liz Lewis
“I have personally witnessed the good work the Salvation Army can do. The Salvation Army provides assistance, shelter and work to people whose lives are broken. The Salvation Army is very efficient with the money it raises.” —James Schepp
“SHARE Charlotte makes it so easy for neighbors, nonprofits and businesses to come together through good to support our local community. This year, SHARE Charlotte celebrates its 10th anniversary — that's 10 years of ‘Doing Good’ by connecting volunteers and financial resources to our local nonprofits, providing critical nonprofit training, networking and support to more than 600 Charlotte nonprofits.” —Darlene Heater
SHARE Charlotte provides support to more than 600 local nonprofits. It’s holding a celebration today at Community Matters Cafe in uptown. (Photo courtesy of SHARE Charlotte)
Social Venture Partners Charlotte
“Did you know that some entrepreneurs put their talents to work for social good? My favorite charity, Social Venture Partners Charlotte, is an incredibly unique nonprofit that invests in and strengthens innovative nonprofits who are tackling our community’s greatest challenges by leveraging a network of engaged philanthropists.” —Mark Weber
“SCC staff and volunteers operate year-round to fundraise at Charlotte Motor Speedway and community events to support children in need. Annually, they give back to the Charlotte region by supporting non-profits that directly impact children who need help the most. All funds stay in the greater Charlotte area.” —Scott Cooper
“Stand for Animals is Charlotte’s innovative leader in delivering affordable spay-neuter and veterinary care. This pioneering NPO stands for all pets — and their humans — by making these services accessible to all. Since 2011, SFA has cared for 100,000+ pets, performed 105,000+ surgeries and prevented more than 1 million unwanted/orphaned litters.” —Adam Bernstein
“Sustain Charlotte works to make it easier and safer for everyone to live, work, travel and play in a healthy, equitable, vibrant community that prioritizes more sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, parks, greenways, and trees; less displacement with more diverse neighborhoods; and a fast, reliable public transit network. Sustain Charlotte advocates for transportation and land use options that will make our community welcoming to everybody who lives here now and in the future.” —Lauren Sawyers
“SAA-Charlotte was created in 2017 and has granted more than $700,000 to fund cancer research at Levine Children’s & LCI. All donations to SAA-Charlotte stay in our community. Swim Across America has 25 charity swims across the US that have raised $100M (since 1987) and helped lead to new treatments such as Keytruda, Opdivo, and Yervoy, giving hope to families fighting cancer.” —Rob Butcher
“The Teaching Fellows Institute invests in outstanding Mecklenburg County teachers to promote teacher retention and student success. A TFI fellow said, “TFI has been the biggest way I stay up to date on educational practices and thought. I feel encouraged and inspired as I sit with other educators from Charlotte to exchange ideas, learn from the best and share in our common passion of serving today’s kids.’” —Barbara Caldwell
“For 30 years, THC has provided physical and mental health care from medical professionals specifically trained in the unique needs of teens and their families and has seen the need for mental health services double in the last 2 years. THC also provides parent education, teen leadership development and research.” —Sandy DuPuy
“No greater mission than this: ‘We empower children & families to achieve their goals through trauma-informed mental health, family stability and early childhood services.’ I have volunteered for this organization for many years — and its history of good works in Charlotte is legendary. This organization is lead by extremely talented individuals; not only the best in their fields, but careful stewards of every dollar that they receive.” —Cantey Brown
“Vision to Learn, started in 2018 by Renee & Hugh McColl, provides free eye exams & eyeglasses to children in underserved communities. We bring two mobile eye clinics to CMS schools to provide services. VTL has provided over 15,000 eye exams and over 13,000 eyeglasses in Charlotte. Help us help Charlotte children succeed in school and life.” —Hugh McColl III
“WSCLT develops affordable housing options focused on areas at high risk of displacement. Its governance and membership are majority community led. It was originated by residents, for residents. I’m able to support with time and money knowing that it is supporting the real needs of the community.” —Stephen Valder
“News with no name-calling and general avoidance of inflammatory language. Lots of local focus, shout out to Ann Doss Helms for her CMS reporting, and for dedicated climate reporting by David Boraks.” —Angelia Natili
“ZABS Place mission is to help young adults with special needs harness their own special talents and prepare them to transition to rewarding careers and realize their dreams of leading meaningful lives.” —Michael J. Solender
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Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Contributing editor: Tim Whitmire, CXN Advisory; Contributing photographer/videographer: Kevin Young, The 5 and 2 Project