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United Family Services Victim Assistance -- Helps crime victims, their families and the community cope with the trauma of victimization and increases awareness of safety issues and options. Volunteer needs: People to assist on the 24-hour hotline, take part in role-playing situations and talk to new recruits about their experiences. To help: Call Mary Russ, 704-336-2190.
The Uptown Shelter -- Cares for people who are homeless and provides them opportunities to rebuild their lives. Material needs: Financial support (group donations of $550 pay for lease and maintenance of shelter van), toiletries (soap, disposable razors, toothbrushes, deodorant, body lotion, shaving cream, combs and brushes); men's clothing (all sizes of socks, underwear, jeans, casual clothes, belts, shoes, work boots); seasonal items (warm coats, hats, gloves, scarves, shorts, T-shirts, bathing suits); food (fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats); office supplies (note paper, envelopes, stamps, pencils, pens); cleaning supplies (laundry detergent, bleach, cleansers, etc); paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, styrofoam plates, 8 oz. styrofoam cups); garbage bags, garden tools, suitcases, drawstring bags. Volunteer needs: People to help with meal and program services, resident activities, fund raising, administration support, check-in and store help. To help: Call Marge Preston, 704-334-1337 ext. 111.
Urban Ministry Center -- Serves people who are poor and homeless with love, compassion, and tangible assistance. Among their services are the St. Peter's Soup Kitchen, Room in The Inn emergency winter housing, and the Servant Leadership School. Material needs: Financial contributions, food and paper products, toiletry items, soap, laundry detergent, towels, socks, hats, and gloves. Volunteers needed. To help: Call Liz Clasen, 704-347-0278
YouthNetwork (Formerly The Relatives Inc.): Keeps kids safe, families together and reduces the incidence of juvenile crime in the local community. Material needs: Toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, hair care products for African American and Caucasian hair, etc.), Sports equipment (basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, frisbees, badminton, NO BIKES, ROLLERBLADES OR SKATEBOARDS), food (main course and side dishes needed during the holidays.), appliances (washer/dryer, stoves, dishwasher, microwaves, toasters, and refrigerators.), linens (twin bed sheets, comforters, pillow cases, etc.). Volunteers needed. To help: Call Emily Moss, 704-335-0203 ext. 15, or email her at emoss@youthnetworknc.org.
Youth Homes Inc. -- Helps at-risk children ages 8-18. Works to strengthen families through group homes/family mentoring program, emergency placements, and intensive, long-term care. Provides safe and stable homes for abused and neglected children through foster-care programs. Material needs: Twin sheets and comforters, towels, school supplies, day planners, journals, combination locks, dishes, basketballs, footballs, music/bookstore gift certificates, Blockbuster gift certificates, bowling passes, movie passes, G- and PG-rated videos, portable CD players, digital alarm clocks and toiletries. Volunteer needs: Tutors to meet weekly or biweekly with a child, mentors, people to help with special activities and projects. To help: Call Maria Prewitt, 704-334-9955, weekdays 8:30am-4:30pm.
YWCA Women in Transition -- Provides affordable transitional housing and personal opportunities to homeless or at risk women. Material needs: New pillows, blankets, grocery store gift certificates and day planners. Volunteer needs: Groups to participate in various interactive and fundraising activities with program participants. To help: Call 704-525-5770.
Information compiled by Adam Hyatt and Sheri Pickens