Our readers' picks: favorite local charities
Have a glance at nearly 50 Charlotte-area charities Ledger readers support — from the arts to the outdoors, helping the hungry and abused, assisting children and the elderly
Charlotte is brimming with charities doing incredible things to make our region a better place, and often those good works happen quietly.
So to honor the season of giving and to mark Giving Tuesday, The Charlotte Ledger is publishing our second annual Charity Shout-Out today.
Earlier this month, we invited our community of paying members to write about the charities they most admire, with the idea being this: Some 1/3 of all charitable giving happens in December, so why not spread the word about worthy causes that might benefit from some holiday donations?
Readers wrote in about nearly 50 charities. If you need to find this list in the future, it will be available on our website. You can also find last year’s list here.
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Below, you’ll find links to the charity websites and brief descriptions from our members. Of course, it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re comfortable with how charities use your donations by looking them up on websites like GuideStar, ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer or Charity Navigator. You might also consider consulting local resources such as The Society Guide, which evaluates Charlotte-area nonprofits on their effectiveness and organization.
And feel free to share this post with friends who may be on the hunt for a charity to help this holiday season — or to let your favorite charity know that it’s on the list.
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“24 Foundation has been a huge part of my life since 2007. In addition to working at its signature fundraiser — 24 Hours of Booty — my daughters and I raise money and ride in this event. We are deeply committed to helping change the course of cancer and to being part of the amazing 24 Foundation community, which is like family. It’s so rewarding being part of an organization that is so dedicated to supporting incredible cancer beneficiaries and supportive oncology programs.” — Jenni Walker
“In times like no other, live theater has the ability to lift us, make us think and engage us. I volunteer for ATC, a non-profit theater, as it is our only local professional theater producing contemporary works. They need support after a ‘dark’ theater since February of 2020. The play may be JUST the thing for us now.” — Shannon Reichley
“I’m incredibly honored to chair the American Lung Association NC’s Charlotte Leadership Board this year. We raise funds and awareness to fight lung cancer, to champion clean air and to end COVID-19 and other lung diseases. Because when you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.” — Jessica Graham
“The Anne Springs Close Greenway enhances the quality of life of those living here, serving as a buffer to future development, and providing a 2,100-acre nature preserve and premier outdoor recreation and education destination. A top priority of the Greenway is to make its memberships and programs, including summer camps and after-school programs, available to any child or family regardless of financial status.” — Darrell Williams
“I love Baby Bundles because it is the only charity I know of that gives to 18 other charities in the city. Baby Bundles gives ‘a baby shower in a bag’ (each bundle valued at $305) to 18 nonprofits to give to the expectant mothers they serve.” — Paula Foust
“Baby Bundles is such an amazing organization that gifts baby showers in a bag to fragile families in the community. Their bundles will clothe a child for the first year of their life and include developmental toys and books. This organization is a positive start to so many families who desperately need hope when bringing a new baby home. Baby Bundles will give 1,650 bundles out this year! That is a lot of baby showers!” — Emily Harry
“Baby Bundles’ founders took the pain of perhaps the most difficult loss imaginable, that of a child, and used it as a driving force to build an organization that continues to grow and touch more families and newborns in need each year, truly a shining star in the non-profit arena.” — Chip Jetton
“Baby Bundles distributes 40 baby items to expectant and new mothers in Mecklenburg County who live at or below the poverty line. This organization partners with 16 other non-profits to distribute these clothes, blankets, cognitive toys and first books to thousands of new mothers each year.” — St. John’s Baptist Church
“Baby Bundles is an incredible organization that works to provide mothers who recently gave birth the necessary items that are needed to care for a newborn baby. The cost that it takes to ensure you have all the necessary supplies is unavoidable, and they work to provide these items to mothers in need. The relief the individuals they are helping feel is such a joy and so rewarding!” — Felicia Ray
Ballantyne Families Helping Neighbors
“This charity was started and is managed by one woman, Heather McAfee. She now has a group of adult delivery people, high school and elementary school children helping fill the grocery bags. Those in need are identified by school counselors. It was started by one woman, but now involves many people, all helping neighbors. I love the community aspect of the whole endeavor.” — Donna Wilcox
At the start of the pandemic, Ballantyne Families Helping Neighbors in Need organized a food drive that resulted in 350 bags of groceries for families in poverty. (Ledger file photo)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas
“In Charlotte, there are a lot of kids in situations where they need a mentor. Big Brothers Big Sisters does a great job of connecting people together to help foster these relationships. A ‘Big’ acts as a role model, a person to talk to, and someone to offer another perspective. My ‘little’ is now bigger than me and in college, and I'm lucky to have had the chance to get to know him and see him mature from a great kid to a great young man.” — Chris Corcoran
“Brave Step’s mission is to empower individuals who have been impacted by sexual abuse. The organization inspires and empowers adults to take action within their lives and to shape a strong, supportive community for current and future generations. Brave Step offers personalized programming and support in a compassionate and caring way that makes a real difference in the lives of those they touch.” — Michael J. Solender
“During the course of my 37-year career fighting for sexual violence survivors I learned of the difficulty that survivors had in getting the help that they needed. Brave Step, provides holistic support and trauma-focused care for survivors and loved ones. It’s truly unique in its people-first approach.” — Seth Langson
“Camp Blue Skies provides traditional overnight camp experiences for adults with developmental disabilities. Our programs focus on physical, mental, and emotional well-being through a healthy lifestyle and positive social skills. Parents and caregivers receive well-deserved respite while our volunteers enjoy camp almost as much as the campers.” — Crystal Dempsey
“Without charging, CRM gets life-changing results for addicts that are often forgotten about in a city filled with normal people living normal lives. CRM gets these results for folks that often are on their third or fourth try at recovery. And yet, without guilt or shame, they remove the stigma of addiction and give their residents the chance to live a new life.” — Brian Hadley
“I have too many charities that I want to support, so I support one that supports them all. The ToolBank serves community-based organizations by providing tools and equipment to empower their most ambitious goals.” — Sara Downing
“Looking for a return on your investment? Check out the Charlotte ToolBank! As a nonprofit who serves other nonprofits with tools and special event items, we provide the items needed to make our community stronger. Tools to build a playground or tables for a fundraiser … can all come from the ToolBank!” — Maureen Krueger
“Classroom Central is a perfect way to teach my young kids about charity and help out kids their age in the community. Even my 4-year-old loves putting together Classroom Kits for other kids, when she can’t really volunteer elsewhere. It directly helps kids in the community.” — Yen Duong
“We support CORE Wrestling with both our money and time because we impact the lives of both at risk and privileged youth athletes by teaching them our CORE Values (Respect, Commitment, Education and Service) and CORE Skills (Mental, Physical & Technical).” — Lee McNeer
“Davidson Housing Coalition provides affordable rentals through more than 60 units and this year signed contracts to increase its housing stock by 10%. None of Charlotte’s other five satellite towns have non-profits like this to ensure diversity in the community and power a skilled, stable and dedicated workforce — like hospitality workers, teachers, retired military veterans and caregivers.” — Mark Washburn
“With a budget of zero dollars, it provides nourishment with dignity to anyone in need of a meal. The man who started it used to say, ‘All are welcome.’ It is a reminder that we all sit at the table of life, some days we serve, some days we are served, but our job on this earth is to care for each other.” — Missy Owen
“From its inception in 2008, the Dilworth Soup Kitchen’s goal has been to provide free, nutritious and delicious meals to anyone — with no requirements or questions asked. During this pandemic, we transitioned to takeout service, doubling the number of days and meals we serve. The Dilworth Soup Kitchen is just as much about fellowship, service to others and love 💕 as it is about the food!” — Anna Gildea
“I'm very proud to serve as vice chair of Dress for Success Charlotte this year. They empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.” — Jessica Graham
Dress for Success Charlotte helps women with support, attire and development tools. (Photo courtesy of Dress for Success)
“Fashion & Compassion serves the most vulnerable women in our city, as well as in Africa and South/Central America. We bridge the gap from pain to purpose through impactful connections, inspired creations and economic confidence. I love the empowerment model and the way women emerge confident, courageous and brave, ready for whatever life may throw their way!” — Beth Bell
“Foster Village Charlotte supports foster parents and children, providing food and clothing that enable minutes-notice acceptance of children and psychological and moral support to navigate the complexities of supporting children in a liminal time. Better foster care helps not only the children, it is pinpointed leverage in work of a sustainable and healthy community.” — Elizabeth A. Hardin
“FSP provides low-income and at-risk kids literacy skills and active reading during the summer, so they don’t suffer from summer reading loss. This summer, it served 882 students, in the middle of a pandemic, just as it served hundreds of students last summer. Education is the key, and FSP is unlocking the door for these students!” — Brian Bernhardt
“Lower-income children can lose two to three months of reading comprehension each summer, so Freedom School Partners (a Children’s Defense Fund affiliate) runs a summer literacy program for elementary students. Providence Day School hosts a site and coordinates a school supply drive for all 11 locations.” — Leigh Dyer
Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte
“Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte manages and supports a meeting place for refugees, immigrants and neighbors. GMEC hosts a variety of non-profits who provide vital services, including English classes, citizenship classes, life skills classes, after-school programs, a food pantry, cross-cultural counseling services, gleaned fresh vegetables, a community garden and mentoring new food-based businesses.” — Katie Kirby
“The GoodFellows supports the working poor to manage financial crises (such as a car breakdown, an HVAC that goes bad, temporary furlough, etc.) so that they can keep their family in a home and make it through a tough period of time. Nearly 100% of donations go to the beneficiaries (and very little to overhead). Also, GoodFellows beneficiaries are screened and referred by other agencies in the region, ensuring there is real need.” — Don Millen
The Harvest Center of Charlotte (THCC)
“THCC is transforming lives — breaking the cycle of situational homelessness. Here, individuals and families change their lives, leaving THCC with a renewed spirit, a healthy attitude, savings in the bank and a plan for independent living. When they leave THCC, they understand accountability and that they are worthy of God’s love.” — Karl Doerre
“While many think homelessness is just a big-city problem, there is a problem in Concord, too. This Christian motorcycle group feeds and supports the homeless in downtown Concord. They provide two weekly hot meals despite recently losing their lease on a small space. They are currently doing a black crew sock drive for gifts this Christmas. These bikers have hearts as big as their V twin engines on their Harleys.” — Kevin Andrew Johnson
“Holy Angels is a place of loving, living and learning for the differently able. You will not find an organization that is more dedicated to serving the needs of children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and the medically fragile. There is so much joy and happiness at Holy Angels.” — Shawn Flynn
“This charity has raised substantial funds from real estate closings to support non-profits in Charlotte who are moving the needle on addressing homelessness in our community.” — Catharine Pappas
“This charity is a place for anyone buying, selling or living in a warm home to give a little so we have lots of money to donate to charities to support the homeless in our community. The idea is if everyone that is involved in the real estate transaction will give at least $10 per closing, then every year there is a large collection of money to donate back to our less fortunate neighbors. We hope to get 500 patrons to commit to be partners as the foundation for the upcoming years. Please check it out!” — Vicky Mitchener
“Every day, you experience the joy of a place to call home. Every day, more than 3,500 people in the Charlotte area experience homelessness.” — Sarah Szczodrowski
“The Humane Society of Charlotte is one of my favorite charities because it saves the lives of animals who need our help and improves our community by ensuring the safety and well-being of both two-legged and four-legged Charlotteans.” — Philip Tate
“They do a great job helping dogs and cats find their forever homes.” — Chris Corcoran
La Escuelita Bilingual Preschool
“I donate to La Escuelita Bilingual Preschool. It prepares Spanish- and English-speaking preschool children for success in kindergarten and beyond. Many Spanish-speaking preschoolers face language and cultural challenges as they enter traditional public schools. LEBP’s mission is to place all children on a level playing field when entering school.” — James Wyatt
“I support Madelyn's Fund with my time and money because their mission is to support Charlotte-area NICU patients, and their families, including those who experience the trauma of infant loss.” — JD Thacker
McClintock Partners in Education (McPie)
“McPie supports the McClintock Middle School community through a best-in-class public-private partnership with CMS. Providing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math clubs for students; adult education for parents; and teacher/classroom support for the school. The organization enriches the entirety of the McClintock community to provide brighter futures for these deserving students.” — Lawrence Cruciana
“This nonprofit medical practice cares for patients dealing with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. More than that, it provides support and counsel to caregivers who must meet the challenge of caring for loved ones 24/7. Memory & Movement Charlotte helps make the journey less painful.” — Ken Garfield
Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center
“Pat’s Place coordinates the investigation, treatment and prosecution of the most serious cases of child abuse in Mecklenburg County. It also works to break the cycle of abuse through training, education and community outreach. It’s an absolutely necessary organization that deserves more recognition.” — Leigh Dyer
“As a historical research and preservation consultant, protecting Charlotte's historic built environment is at the top of my list of professional and personal interests. Preserve Mecklenburg is getting it done! Two great success stories are the McNinch House and Knowlton-Shaw House, both saved through sensitive infill development around these houses.” — Susan V. Mayer
“Started at Davidson College in the 1990s, Project Life Movement is saving lives by matching blood cancer patients with bone marrow/stem cell donors. PLM signs college students onto the national registry. I signed up at Davidson and donated in 1992 to a 6-month-old baby in need. In 2019, I was in his wedding!” — Steve Ball
“Student academic success is tied to the ability to read proficiently by the 3rd grade. Promising Pages, a non-profit located in Charlotte’s South End, is working hard to collect and redistribute new and gently-used children’s books. Helping Charlotte students develop a deep love of reading, to ensure their future success, is the goal of Promising Pages.” — Carrie Wielechowski
“Psychology for All provides scholarships to individuals in the Charlotte community to receive psychotherapy. Mental health resources have become increasingly stratified based on financial resources, and the people who need them the most often miss out. In addition to scholarships, PFA works to engage the community in mental health education and partnerships.” — Kristin Daley
“QC Family Tree has been doing equity work in Charlotte for 16 years. Helms and Greg Jarrell planted themselves, their family and their work in the Enderly Park neighborhood, then among the least affluent in Charlotte. They have grown a near-generation of youth. Perhaps more important, they have expanded the understanding of hundreds of the material and spiritual poverty of our community — and challenged us to change that.” — Elizabeth Hardin
“Right Moves for Youth (RMFY) is a school-based, youth development and student support program focused on helping teens develop the skills to succeed in school and life. Using a group counseling model, RMFY helps students come to school, do the right things, strengthen social skills and get ready for college and the workforce. In our program, students grow together and build positive relationships to excel academically, socially and emotionally!” — St. John’s Baptist Church
“They work so hard to end homelessness. Enough said!” — Peggy Peterson
“Housing for the homeless, toys for kids and a long standing place in the nonprofit community, SA is having to have its second year without the red kettles. Their outreach and commitment are unparalleled, and they deserve all the support we give them!” — Carla DuPuy
“Share Charlotte, now entering its 10th year, makes it easy to do good in the Queen City by offering simple ways for neighbors, nonprofits and businesses to come together to support our local community. Why support just one nonprofit when you can donate to an organization that empowers 500+ charitable organizations in the Charlotte area?” — Colleen Brannan
“Stand For Animals pioneered high-volume, low-cost spay-neuter to confront high euthanasia rates in local shelters. A decade later, the practice provides quality, affordable veterinary care to many who otherwise could not afford it. Their credo: Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy that a pet brings to life.” — Adam Bernstein
“They advocate tirelessly for sustainable transportation alternatives and are working to transform Charlotte into a city with safe pedestrian and biking moving-about-town options. They have made great strides but need so much more support. They are amazing.” — Liz Lewis
“Provides invaluable support to teachers. Particularly important to have this resource now as teachers are under so much pressure.” — Hilary Larsen
“Through Charlotte’s many stages of its economy over the last several decades, our canopy is what is remembered about the city. TreesCharlotte is helping maintain and regrow our canopy, long under assault from development. Urban forests don’t arrive on their own. They’re planted.” — Patrick George
“Trees Charlotte advocates for our local environment through the planting of TREES. I am a tree master with them and volunteer to help as TreesCharlotte gives away trees and has people from all walks of life donate their time to help plant those same trees. We need more solid, effective environmental organizations.” — Liz Lewis
“Sadly, thousands of Charlotte kids go to school without the glasses needed to read or see the board, particularly in low-income communities. This is a huge barrier to learning. Vision to Learn helps kids to thrive by giving them the glasses and eye exams needed to succeed.” — Brenda Rios
“We were looking to get involved with children and education and started Vision To Learn Charlotte. After launching in CMS in the 2018-19 school year, Vision To Learn Charlotte has provided 11,542 eye exams and provided 10,089 free eyeglasses to students to help them succeed in school and in life.” — Hugh McColl
“Wing Haven is a greenspace garden gem. Located off Little Sugar Creek Greenway, Wing Haven is open for visits, tours, education and more. Our three public gardens include a bird sanctuary, a student learning and children's garden, and the garden of Elizabeth Lawrence. Gifts support garden operations and education outreach.” — Susan Evans
YMCA of Greater Charlotte (YOGC)
“Directly and through community partnerships — in spite of severe Covid revenue impacts — YOGC increased service to thousands of youth and families through camps, literacy programs, swimming lessons, healthy food aid and childcare. More than a gym, YOGC continues to support the entire Charlotte community through core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, faith.” — Carrie Nelson
“ZABS’ 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. ZABS operates a thrift boutique in Matthews that provides jobs, meaning and purpose for many young adults in our community.” —Michael J. Solender
—Compiled by Brie Chrisman
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