Community

People encouraged to unite with community for Hands On Charlotte Day

There is no better way to celebrate National Volunteer Month than to volunteer right here in Charlotte where needs are being served daily. There are indoor and outdoor projects ranging from sandwich making for the men’s shelter to gardening at Garinger High School to stacking hay at Shining Hope Farms.
“Hands on Charlotte Day is not only an opportunity to serve others and to support the work of community organizations in a single day,” Bob Young, director of volunteer strategy and planning of Hands on Charlotte, said of the April 21 event.  “It also highlights our individual and collective capacity to be changemakers in our community throughout the year.”
Staff from WSOC-TV and WAXN-TV (Cox Media Group - Charlotte), will volunteer in the Lakewood neighborhood and assist residents with a variety of efforts to spruce up the community.
“We can’t wait to get going on April 21,” Jamall Kinard, president of the Lakewood Neighborhood Alliance, said.  “We’re going to keep Erica, Scott, the Channel 9 team and all the volunteers busy painting a picnic shelter, repairing benches, rehabilitating a ball field and neighborhood spruce up.”
Residents and other stakeholders in the Lakewood neighborhood have a vision to make their community safe, attractive and welcoming to all who choose to live, work and play there. The Lakewood Neighborhood Alliance is helping to make this vision a reality.
Channel 9 anchor Erica Bryant already has her work gloves ready. “What a great opportunity to be able to help neighbors right here in the city that I love,” Bryant said.
This is the 27th edition for Hands on Charlotte.  On average, the organization has around 300-500 volunteers spread out for this one-day community good deed, but the United Way is hoping to double the number of volunteers.  In the Lakewood community, individuals and groups, including Queen City Unity and Million Youth March of Charlotte, will participate.  
Throughout the year, United Way’s Hands On Charlotte offers flexible volunteer opportunities for companies, individuals and families, connecting community members like you, with service projects that have a meaningful impact in our area.
“Our hope is that people understand, embrace and exercise their ability to make a positive difference in the lives of all their neighbors, and that we come together to solve problems and build a stronger community,” Young said.
You are encouraged to grab friends, family and co-workers and lend a helping hand to local nonprofits and schools during Hands On Charlotte Day on Saturday April 21.  Click here to sign up today because volunteer spots are filling quickly.
If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV community affairs manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.

Cox Media Group

Most Read