Volunteer guide: 10 ways to volunteer on MLK Day and beyond in Charlotte
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"Men of Change" at the Harvey B. Gantt Center. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
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Presented by Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region ReStores. Love home decor and helping the community? Volunteer at one of the area’s six ReStores.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is approaching.
State of play: Charlotte, like cities across the country, will celebrate King’s birthday the weekend of Jan. 14-16. His actual birthday is Jan. 15 and the federal holiday is observed on Jan. 16.
Why it matters: As Charlotte prepares to honor King’s legacy, it’s a time not only for celebration of the Civil Rights activist, but also a time for service in our community.
Here are 10 ways to volunteer in Charlotte this weekend and beyond.
1. Support the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture
The Gantt’s MLK Day celebration theme coincides with the Smithsonian’s “Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth,” which is currently on view at the Gantt and the Levine Museum of the New South.
- You can volunteer for roles like a program or workshop assistant on MLK Day.
- Sign up to volunteer here.
2. Help families in need
Sardis Presbyterian Church will host a day of service for elementary-age children on MLK Day from 9-11am. Children will help prepare lunches and make beds for Room in the Inn.
- Sign up to volunteer here.
3. Assemble snack packs for students
You can volunteer in-person or virtually to help United Way of Greater Charlotte’s supported programs.
In-person: Assemble snack packs on Jan. 14 from 11am-1pm at Northside Baptist Church (333 Jeremiah Blvd.) for students in tutoring and after-school programs supported by United Way.
Virtual: Get a group of friends, family or your coworkers together to assemble your own kits. They can be dropped off Jan. 16-20 and United Way will distribute them. You can also purchase items off United Way’s special 2023 MLK call to service Amazon wish list.
Northside Baptist Church 333 Jeremiah Blvd.
- Sign up to volunteer here.
4. Make it a family affair
Gather the whole family and join The Charlotte Church at 2200 Ashley Road on Jan. 14 from 9am-1pm for several opportunities:
- Prepare lunch bags for Roof Above.
- Assemble personal care packages for Opportunity House, which helps people experiencing homelessness, addiction or who were released incarcerated.
- Create flashcards and bookmarks for Classroom Central to distribute.
- Put together housewarming packages for the Harvest Center, which provides families the kitchen items they need to get started.
- The Charlotte Church also encourages volunteers to host a “Sunday Supper” in honor of King’s legacy, in which you’ll have a meal with someone from a different culture.
Of note: Volunteers should be third grade and older.
- Sign up to volunteer here.
5. Know Charlotte’s history
Volunteer with the Levine Museum of the New South as a tour guide for programs and events or clerical needs.
- Apply to volunteer here.
6. Help Charlotte’s jazz scene grow
You don’t need to be a professional musician to assist JazzArts Charlotte. They’re looking for everything from help with fundraisers to researchers and writers to special event organizers.
- Fill out their volunteer survey here.
7. Inspire young photographers
Calling all professional photographers! Creating Exposure Through the Arts is an Arts & Science Council Culture Blocks program where high school-age students learn the ins and outs of photojournalism and visual arts. Their next program begins this weekend at the Eastway Regional Recreation Center and runs through March 4.
- Reach out for volunteer opportunities here.
8. Share your time
Volunteer at Novant Health’s Presbyterian Medical Center. Volunteers must be fully vaccinated and at least 14 years old. Opportunities include greeting patients and visitors and helping them navigate the medical center, pet therapy, veteran services, lobby music and home crafting.
- Apply to volunteer here.
9. Send love to a widow with love on Valentine’s Day
Ashley Manning, who owns Pretty Things by A.E. Manning is once again organizing a Valentine’s Day Widow Outreach. Widows are nominated by community members and volunteers assemble bouquets and gift bags for the nominees in the Charlotte area.
- Email [email protected] for more details.
Go deeper: How to send flowers to Charlotte widows this Valentine’s Day
10. Donate
Sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day, but you can also financially support a cause dear to your heart.
- Donate to the Gantt Center here.
- Donate to United Way here.
- Donate to Roof Above here.
- Donate to Opportunity House here.
- Donate to Classroom Central here.
- Donate to the Levine Museum here.
- Donate to JazzArts Charlotte here.
- Donate to CEA here.
- Donate to the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation here.
- Donate to the Valentine’s Day Widow Outreach project here.
Bonus: Celebrate King’s legacy at these Charlotte events, including the 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial service at the MLK statue in Uptown’s Marshall Park, which begins at 3pm on Jan. 15: