Looking for ways to give back this holiday season? With the fun and excitement of holiday shopping and gift giving during this time of year it is easy to forget that many people in our community are struggling to provide the basic needs for their families. CVAN and Second Harvest Food Bank are local organizations working to change that.
CVAN (Cabarrus Victims Assistance Network) provides safety, shelter and support for battered women and their children in Cabarrus County and is always in need of personal and household items, paper products, cleaning supplies and packaged food for the shelter food pantry. They also have a thrift store that accepts donations of all types of clothing, shoes and accessories, household items including kitchen, seasonal decorations, small appliances and knick-knacks, books, DVDs and CDs. It is a perfect time of year to clean out those basements, attics and closets to make room for new Christmas gifts and to start off the New Year on the right foot.
The Second Harvest Food Bank supports 37 programs in Cabarrus County that help to feed the 12% of the population in our county that are living at or below poverty level. They accept donations of everything from bulk, canned and baby food items to dry goods, toiletries and of course supplies for our furry friends. Pantry food has a longer shelf life than you might think. Canned fruit, vegetables and proteins can last up to 5 years after the Best Buy Date. Condiments and drinks are good up to six months after the date listed and snacks, dry pantry items, cereal and pet food are still fresh up to a year. This is a great time to clean out your pantry and donate a few extra cans or take advantage of coupons and sales to pick up a few items while you are out doing your regular shopping.
If you have children, let them pick out a few items and deliver them with you. This is a great reminder of how much we have for which to give thanks. Henry Longfellow encouraged us to “Give what you have. To someone it may be better than you think”. Grand gestures are wonderful but small donations are just as important and to the person receiving them they are everything. No donation is too small and even a few items can make a huge difference. Help these organizations provide some comfort and joy to those in need this holiday season. You will be glad you did.
CVAN thrift store donations can be made at their Cool Used Stuff Store at 543 Concord Pkwy N. Concord, NC 28027. Hours: M – F 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
To donate supplies for the CVAN Shelter please call (704) 788-1108.
Donations to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina can be made at 500-B Spratt Street Charlotte, NC 28206.
Hours M – F 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For more info, please call (704) 376-1785.