Child & Family Development Child & Family Development

April 29, 2022

National Volunteer Month

By: Eleanor Hodge, OTR/L

April is National Volunteer Month! Here is a mini guide on how to get involved:

  1. Share Charlotte
  • Check all volunteer opportunities in the greater Charlotte region using this resource. You can easily filter your available dates, the opportunity type you are looking for, and the population you are interested in serving. When you click on a specific item, it will tell you the date(s) needed, skill(s) needed, and the location of where you will be volunteering. The “sign up and apply” buttons take you directly to the page to sign up.
  • Find a HUGE variety of events on this page – everything from signing up for a single event (i.e. the buddy walk for the Down Syndrome Association of Great Charlotte) to signing up to be a coach for the Special Olympics Mecklenburg county!
  1. Refugee Support Services
  • A non-profit organization that supports newly-arrived immigrants in making Charlotte their new home. There are options to volunteer at the Refugee Help Center, in an education program, and to donate online. Complete an application to get started with the volunteer process:
  1. Classroom Central
  • This organization collects and distributes free school supplies to teachers in districts where 50% or more of the children qualify for free or reduced lunches. Volunteer your time and resources (i.e. such as making flashcards to donate to teachers). Check this website out for more information.
  1. South End Rail Trail Clean Up
  • This monthly event is happening on April 23, 2022 from 10:00-1:00. Help keep the rail trail in South End Charlotte clean and enjoy a free drink and goodies following the event! Sign up here:
  1. Salvation Army
  • The Salvation Army has a multitude of events to sign up for. Sign up to “Serve a Meal” (lunch or dinner) or “Stock a Pantry”. There is a short application if you are hoping to volunteer on a more regular basis.
  • ** Employees that have a smaller/shorter caseload on Fridays – check out opportunities to volunteer at the Sedgefield or Tryon Hills Boys & Girls Club. The Friday availability time slot is from 3:00-7:00 p.m.
  1. Ronald McDonald
  • If you can’t volunteer your time this month, consider using other means to support those in the community. Ronald McDonald has a program called “Year of Love”, in which you can participate in the suggested projects or support by purchasing necessary items for the house.
  • April event – purchase a “Sport a Shirt, Share a Night” and wear it on Friday, April 29th or to the Charlotte Knights game to show support.
  • May event – Shop their Amazon wish list.
  1. Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
  • Donate your time, food, or money at the Second Harvest Food Bank. Plenty of opportunities on a weekly basis and easy way to sign up online! The main warehouse for donation drop off is 500-B Spratt Street. Call (704)-342-1601 or find details online for the times each drop entrance is open.