I love working to help make my community stronger. Volunteering my time allows me to give back and help those who need the support a dedicated team of volunteers can provide. I see how engaged volunteers enact change in my work life, as well as create a strong circuit of advocates for a topic they’re passionate about which inspires me to do more outside of the office. SHARE Charlotte and Hands On Charlotte have joined forces on a new community campaign called DO GOOD Week, powered by Duke Energy, which celebrates National Volunteer Week from April 23-29. Throughout the week, our community will be inspired to participate in current and future volunteer opportunities offered by local nonprofits.
DO GOOD Week
According to Independent Sector, one hour of volunteer time in North Carolina is equivalent to $21.88? While it might not seem like a lot of money is small increments, it is a huge value to organizations who rely on volunteers. Fiscal resources can be used for to supply more services by the non-profit as they’re able to operate with fewer employees.
“Volunteering is a critical need for nonprofits and there are so many different ways to give your time,” says Kelly Brooks, Executive Director of SHARE Charlotte. “We want everyone to think about their unique skills and interests and then share them, whether it’s for an hour or an entire project.”
What can volunteering do for my community?
Time is valuable and volunteering offers a great opportunity to make a significant impact in your community. Volunteering can mean many things including traditional hands-on tasks as well skill-based work, interning, serving on a nonprofit board and/or an ad-hoc committee. This campaign will inspire Charlotte neighbors to commit to volunteering even an hour of their time.
“It is possible to build a stronger community where everyone has more opportunity to succeed — when we work together,” said Sean Garrett, Executive Director of United Way of Central Carolinas. “Now more than ever, volunteers can contribute their personal passions, best ideas and unique strengths to create change.”
How Can I Get Involved?
That’s easy! Visit SHARE Charlotte and check out their volunteer opportunities: https://sharecharlotte.org/search/nonprofits. On the left hand side of the screen there are filters which will help narrow your search to fields you have experience in, or would like to get involved in and learn more about.
What are some of the projects volunteers can sign up for as part of Hands On Charlotte Day?
● Making breakfast and spending time with McCreesh Place residents
● Helping sort donations and organize items on the Habitat ReStore sales floor
● Weeding and supporting garden maintenance at Friendship Gardens Urban Farm
● Sorting , inspecting and labeling donated items at Second Harvest Food Bank
● Wrapping , cleaning and organizing donated books at Promising Pages
“For us, community service is an integral part of our company’s culture,” said Jennifer DeWitt, director of programs and community affairs for the Duke Energy Foundation. “When we all come together for a common purpose, the impact we can have on our city is immeasurable. That’s why we are excited to roll up our sleeves and support DO GOOD Week.”
The campaign will culminate on April 29 with Hands On Charlotte Day, presented by Wells Fargo, which will offer more than 20 hands-on projects for Charlotte volunteers. A community celebration will follow the morning activities (details TBA).
For more information visit sharecharlotte.org, www.handsoncharlotte.org and make sure to follow the #DOGOODWeek hashtag on social media.
SHARECharlotte.org | Instagram & Facebook: @sharecharlotte | Twitter: @shareclt
About SHARE Charlotte and Hands On Charlotte:
SHARE Charlotte makes it fun and easy to invest in our local community by offering simple ways for neighbors, over 400 nonprofits and local businesses, to come together through good. Through its signature campaigns #GivingTuesdayCLT and SummerSHARE, SHARE Charlotte raises awareness about local nonprofits and inspires community engagement. SHARE Charlotte believes that by doing good, we will create a stronger, happier Charlotte.
Hands On Charlotte, a program of United Way of Central Carolinas, encourages members of our community to take part in a wide range of one-time or recurring volunteer service projects, perfect for individuals, groups, and families. There is no better way to feel the impact of your donation than to volunteer right where needs are being served daily.
SHARECharlotte.org | Instagram & Facebook: @sharecharlotte | Twitter: @shareclt