Plenty of organizations in Rowan County would appreciate your charitable giving this holiday season.
Below is the 2013 Sharing the Season wish list for local nonprofits, human service agencies and schools.
The list is not complete. The community has countless more churches and charitable organizations. But these are most of the major groups in Rowan County.
The agencies are in alphabetical order.
1930 Jake Alexander Blvd. W.
Salisbury, NC 28147
Purpose: To provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Needs: Holiday Mail for Heroes Program, which provides holiday cards and care packages to military service personnel and veterans, respectively.
The needs are snacks that are individually wrapped (no homemade items), fresh fruit, sugar free pudding and jello cups, Forever stamps, personal care items; including denture adhesive, denture tablets, socks, large and x large t-shirts. Veterans Hospice Care, need Dove bath shower gel. Also gift cards $20-$25-$50 from Walmart or Visa gift cards to assist veterans and their families, classic or western movies and new or used Wii games for patients.
Contact: Monica Bruns, 704-633-3854 ext. 107
Website: www.redcross.org/nc/salisbury
1918 W. Innes St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: Provides advocacy, public awareness, support groups, a summer day program for children, a week-long summer camp experience for adults, monthly dances for adults, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness program, special events, support for special education school services, and information for families
The Arc of Rowan places the greatest emphasis on providing assistance to people with developmental disabilities so each person can learn, live, work and realize their personal goals
Needs: Volunteers, donations and money earmarked for Operation Santa campaign. Also school supplies such as book bags, paper and pencils for summer program and office supplies such as pens and paper.
Contact: Jane Jackman or Shela Sapp at 704-637-1521
Website: www.thearcofrowan.org
315 G, Mocksville Ave.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: A nonprofit organization that provides free medical care, dental care and prescription medications to low-income uninsured residents of Rowan County.
Needs: Monetary donations to provide medical, dental and prescription assistance to uninsured adult residents of Rowan County. We need medical and dental providers and pharmacists to volunteer at the clinic Monday-Friday and every other Tuesday night. Support personnel for office related duties are needed at anytime. Ongoing donations accepted: toilet paper, copy paper, liquid hand soap, stamps, tall kitchen trash bags, black pens, brown lunch bags and snack sized baggies.
Contact: To volunteer, call Krista Woolly 704-636-4523 or email kwoolly@communitycareofrowan.org
Website: www.communitycareofrowan.org
204 E. Innes St., Ste. 240
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: To surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
Needs: Belts of all sizes appropriate for children (plain for girls and boys), gift cards for shoe stores, gas gift cards ($10 increments), gift cards for WalMart, Target, Food Lion (any amount), jackets, coats, mittens, scarves and winter hats. Also volunteers to mentor and tutor, monetary donations, life coaches for high school students.
Contact: Vicky Slusser, executive director, 704-797-0210 or cisrowan@gmail.com
Website: www.CISRowan.org or facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Communities-In-Schools-of-Rowan-County/3232696
40412
P.O. Box 3097
Salisbury, NC 28144
220 Grace Church Rd, Salisbury NC 28147
Purpose: Animal rescue group formed for the sole purpose of starting an animal sanctuary in Rowan County. Faithful Friends’ vision is to have a safe place for abused and abandoned dogs and cats, while providing health care, spaying/neutering, protection, warmth, care and love while awaiting adoption.
Needs: Cat litter, 13-gallon or 33-gallon trash bags, bleach, cleaning supplies including laundry detergent, dish and hand soap refills, paper towels. Also animal supplies including toys and treats for dogs and cats, food for dogs and cats (Purina Puppy, Dog, Cat and Kitten Chow only) and cat litter. Also office supplies including copy paper, color paper, file folders
Contact: 704-633-1722
Website: www.faithfulfriendsnc.org
131 W. Council St.
Salisbury, NC 28144-4320
Purpose: To help empower victims of rape, incest, sexual assault and domestic violence take back their lives and eliminate violence in our community by awareness, prevention activities, court advocacy, emergency shelter, 24 hour crisis support, information/referral services and individual and group counseling services.
For the shelter: Paper products, Kleenex, skillets, plastic cups with lids, pillows, blankets, twin size sheet sets and mattress covers with zippers, towels and washcloths, dishwasher soap, laundry detergent, fabric softener, ethnic hair products, shampoo, conditioner and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, small trash cans
Additional items: Umbrellas, cleaning supplies, over-the-counter medications, antibiotic ointment, forehead thermometers, feminine products, infant and toddler educational toys, diapers size 3-5, alarm clocks, hampers, under-bed storage units. No clothes, please.
Ambitious wish list: Infant/toddler car carriers, booster seats, outdoor playground (durable) equipment, (heavy duty) vacuum, copy paper
Monetary donations: Monetary donations make a difference to individuals and families in need: $15 is the cost of cab fare to court/medical appointments for one person without transportation; $70 provides one night of emergency shelter and food for a victim of domestic violence; $145 provides one day of advocacy services for the 24-hour crisis line; $175 is the average cost of a Greyhound bus ticket when a victim needs to relocate to a safe location; $400 provides support group meetings for domestic and sexual violence victims for 5 weeks.
Holiday wish list: Gift cards, gift items appropriate for infants, toddlers, children, tweens, teenagers and adult women.
Drop off location for donations: United Way, 1940 W. Jake Alexander Blvd.
Contact: Linda Coplin 704-638-2200
Website: www.familycrisiscouncil.org
723 W. Innes St.
Salisbury, NC 28144-4149
Purpose: To strengthen families by providing information, education, prevention and support services.
Wish list: Disposable diapers – all sizes, baby wipes, baby board books, family board games, fast food gift cards, and $10-$15 Walmart gift cards.
Contact: Rita Kotarsky 704-630-0481 rkotarsky@families-1st.org
P.O. Box 661
China Grove, NC 28023
No updates were available. This is the organization’s 2011 needs:
Purpose: Assist families of ill children with expenses of daily living (not medical bills) to help with burden of paying bills when caring for a sick child.
Needs: Donations. Volunteers to promote and help with events. Groups interested in seeing a DVD about Godstock.
Website: www.godstock.org
120 N. Jackson St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: Provides outpatient primary care for indigent adults on a first-come, first-served basis. Volunteer health care professionals staff the clinic on Thursdays
Needs: Volunteer physicians, nurses, medical educators and pharmacists, social workers, other human service specialists and someone to provide strong spiritual support. Money for operating costs and Spanish language Bibles are needed. Volunteers to act as host, greeter and registrar during clinic hours
Items needed: Paper products (paper towels, toilet paper, tissues), copier paper, cleaning supplies, books for children waiting with parents
Contact: 704-636-7200.
1707 S. Main St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Mission: A nonprofit, Christian ministry dedicated to building simple, decent houses with qualified families currently living in inadequate housing.
Needs: Applicants for Habitat homes, volunteers to help build houses and to work in the Habitat ReStore (no experience necessary), new and used items in good condition for resale in the ReStore, property on which to build houses.
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator Jane Hartness, 704-642-6292, ext. 101
Website: www.habitatrowan.org
2135 Miller Road
China Grove, NC 28023
Purpose: Specializes in bringing the worst starved and abused horses back to full health.
Needs: Volunteers, monetary donations, alfalfa cubes or pellets, rice bran, 50 pound salt blocks and mineral blocks, saddle bridle and saddle pads.
Contact: Joanie Benson, 704-855-2978
Website:www.horseprotection.org
P.O. Box 295
Salisbury, NC 28145-0295
Purpose: The Humane Society of Rowan County is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the relief of suffering of animals, the prevention of cruelty to animals and the extension of humane education. The agency is not to be confused with the county animal control and shelter.
Needs: Foster care and permanent homes for animals, pet food and cat litter for distribution to pet owners in need of assistance, volunteers for call returns, donations for veterinary costs of sick or injured stray and abandoned animals acquired by the agency, sponsorships of low cost spays & neuters for those unable to afford this solution to the overpopulation of unwanted cats and dogs.
Contact: humanesocietyofrowancounty@windstream.net or call 704-636-5700.
329 N Lee Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
Needs: Lee Street theatre would love donations to help finish our capital campaign! We would also love volunteers to come join our family! Also, we are always grateful for donations such as office supplies (copy paper, stamps, a copy machine, paper cutter), shop supplies (lowes gift card, cordless screw guns, miter saw, circular saw, claw hammers, saw horses, extension cords, tape measure, safety goggles etc). But above all else, we’d really love for you to come see a show.
Contact: 704.310.5507, info@leestreet.org
Website: www.leestreet.org
1918 W. Innes St
P.O. Box 1914
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: Provide a meal and a friendly visit to the homebound of Rowan County, so no senior goes hungry.
Needs: Volunteers to run routes with great need for substitutes, especially on holidays and in the summer.
Contact: 704-633-0352
Website: www.mowrowan.twcbc.com
725 Crescent Road
P.O. Box 1438
Rockwell, NC 28138
Purpose: Provide love, stability and guidance to the children who come to us for help, reuniting them whenever possible with their families.
Wish list: Financial contributions, fuel-efficient sedans, gift cards (Walmart, Old Navy, Marshall’s, Food Lion, Cinemark and Woodleaf Lanes), board games, arts and craft items, computers, twin beds, towels and wash cloths, carpet, area rugs, personal hygiene products, tables, chairs, sofas. Anyone interested in planned giving can contact us as well.
Contact: Josh Regan Ext.119 or jregan@nazch.com
Website: www.nazch.com
411 S. Salisbury Ave.
Spencer, NC 28159
Purpose: Located on the 57-acre site of Spencer Shops, the former repair facility for Southern Railway’s steam locomotives. Preserves and interprets the history of transportation in North Carolina and operates an on-site train ride.
Needs: Volunteers to serve as tour guides, help with special events, help care for automobile collection, or restore and maintain rail equipment and serve as train crew. Training and certification provided for rail operation volunteers-no experience necessary. Financial contributions and in-kind contributions of craft supplies for children’s programs (paper, scissors, glue, glitter, crayons, etc.), holiday decorations, office supplies (colored cardstock, highlighters, pens, Sharpies, copy paper). Gift cards to Lowes, Staples, Walmart, Food Lion and Harris Teeter.
Contact: 704-636-2889 (ext. 228 for donations or ext. 258 for volunteering)
P.O. Box 762
Salisbury, NC 28145
Purpose: PPT is a nonprofit theater and presents 5 stage productions each
season at the historic Meroney Theater and 5 productions at the all-youth
Norvell Theater. The Meroney houses the mainstage productions, while the
Norvell focuses on youth programs and education.
Needs: Participation by auditioning for a show, volunteering at the theater
(crew, ushers, set construction, box office, etc.), buying a ticket for a
show, giving a ticket to a family member or friend, signing up for a class,
donating clothing for costumes, or just become a valued donor to the
theatre. Without the generous support of our community, PPT cannot exist.
Contact: 704-633-5471
Website: www.piedmontplayers.com
847 South Main Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: Provides the following services: free pregnancy tests, limited ultrasound services, material assistance for mother, father, and baby, pregnancy, fetal development and parenting education, and community agency referrals. The center does not provide abortions or refer for abortions.
Baby boutique wish list: Diapers (preemie through 6); baby wipes; new car seats; cribs and mattresses; baby lotion, powder, wash, shampoo; new baby bottles and new clothes.
Maternity boutique and daddy’s den wish list: Maternity clothes, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, men’s and women’s devotional books, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shaving gel/cream, men’s and women’s deodorant, soap, tools.
Office needs: Blank cards, bottled water, canned soft drinks, cleaning supplies, paper towels, stamps, toilet paper, trash bags, volunteers.
Financial contributions: The Pregnancy Support Center is in need of approximately $30,000 before the end of the year in order to meet budget. Tax-deductible gifts may be mailed to 847 S. Main St., Salisbury, NC 28144. Tax-deductible gifts can also be made electronically at www.RowanFriendsForLife.org.
Contact: 704-633-7695 or choices@pregnancysupport.com
130 Woodson St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: To stop child abuse in Rowan County through education, intervention and support. Funding is dependent on grants and donations.
Needs: Postage Stamps, Capri Sun, Juice Boxes, pre-packaged snacks, books and toys (appropriate for all ages), bottled water, cleaning supplies, Wii games (must be rated E), blank DVD+R discs, and sleeves(major need), bulk paper towels and toilet tissue, monetary Donations, gift cards (Walmart, Target, and Lowes)
Contact: 704-639-1700
Website: www.preventchildabuserowan.org
P.O. Box 4234
Salisbury, NC 28145
No updates were immediately available. This is the organization’s 2011 needs.
Purpose: Promote arts and culture in Rowan County.
Needs: Volunteers and sponsors for events, to support the arts in Rowan County.
Contact: 704-638-3029 or rac@rowanarts.org
Website: www.rowanarts.org
P.O. Box 176
Salisbury, NC 28145-0176
Purpose: Dedicated to the preservation, promotion and presentation of blues and jazz music. The RBJS has presented the Annual Blues and Jazz Festival for the past 15 years. Youth music workshops are also taught by professional musicians on a regular basis. Headliner bands provide workshops in local schools to enhance the student’s knowledge of blues and jazz music. It is the goal of the RBJS to present this signature festival that attracts a diverse audience every year free to the public.
Needs: In order for this year’s festival to take place, we are in need of a group of volunteers for festival planning. We are also in need of new board members. Major sustaining sponsors and grants are needed to hire a part-time program director and plan future festivals. Festival 2014 committee members, fundraiser office supplies, donated office space, a van, musical instruments to be used for youth and festival backline, volunteer musicians to assist with the youth music workshops, volunteers to join the board of directors and to assist with set-ups at festivals and other events.
Contact: Eleanor Qadirah at 704-636-2811 or www.rowanbluesandjazz.org
1813 E. Innes St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Mission: Provides services that include Food and Nutrition Services (formerly food stamps), Medicaid, Work First, child day care subsidy payments, adult day care, adult guardianship, in-home aide, adult protective services, adult long-term care placement, foster care for children, foster home licensure, adoption, child protective services, child support enforcement
Needs: Donations of canned or non-perishable food and monetary donations to the food pantry at DSS.
The average number of families served for Food and Nutrition Services for fiscal year 2013 was 12,029 households as compared to 12,022 households in fiscal year 2012. While waiting for Food and Nutrition Services benefits, people may run out of food. DSS keeps a small food pantry at the main office to give the family a bag of groceries to help them until their benefits are approved.
Contact: 704-216-8330
P. O. Box 95
201 W. Fisher St.
Salisbury, NC 28145-0095
Purpose: Teaching undereducated adults and English as a second language residents to read.
Needs: Monetary donations to be used for program materials; also volunteers for teaching, no teaching experience necessary
Contact: Phyllis Martin, director, 704-216-8266
Website: www.rowancountyliteracycouncil.org
1322 S. Fulton St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: Multiple programs focus on making a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of local at-risk youth between the ages of 7 and 17.
Needs: In addition to financial contributions, used for activities and materials directly benefitting youth in our programs and which are tax deductible, we need caring and responsible adult volunteers who are willing to share their time and skills either in a 1-on-1 and/or group mentoring relationship. Youth volunteers are needed for our Teen Court program. Training is provided for all volunteers. Your time and talent can make a big difference in a young person’s life.
Contact: Youth Services Bureau at 704-633-5636
Website: www.RowanYSB.com
226 N. Long St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Mission: To serve, through cooperative community action, our neighbors in Rowan County who are in crisis, by providing essential life needs and educating and empowering them to break the cycle of crisis. The agency’s programs are Crisis Assistance Network, Food Pantry, Clothing Center, Soup Kitchen, Overnight Shelter, Transitional Housing, Life Coaching, New Tomorrow Life Skills classes and Journey Forward program.
Needs: Monetary donations, volunteers in our Crisis Assistance area, volunteer groups to prepare breakfast, peanut butter, non-perishable foods, sugar, canned fruit, canned meat, seasonal children’s clothing (toddler-size 14), winter coats, gloves, and thermal undergarments.
Contact: Karen Taylor 637-6838 ext100
Website: www.rowanhelpingministries.org
The agency receives funding from private donations and government grants.
201 W. Fisher St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: Rowan County’s public library system, headquartered in Salisbury, with branches in China Grove and Rockwell
Needs: Used books (adult and children’s, hardcover and paperbacks), DVDs, and
CDs for the library’s annual Friends of the Library book sale. The
proceeds from this sale are used to support the programs and services of
the library. Monetary donations for library materials – a gift that keeps on giving. With your donation of $25 or more, we can purchase materials for the library’s collection and place a gift plate in them to commemorate your gift, with your name and the name of the person in whose honor or memory the item is given. Donations are recognized in the library’s catalog as well as our monthly newsletter. An acknowledgement card will be sent to you and to the person you honor, or a family member of the person memorialized. Contributions can be made by individuals, families, businesses or groups.
Contact: 704-216-8231
202 N. Main St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: Collect and preserve historical materials connected to the history of the county. Operates three historic properties: the Utzman-Chambers House (1815 on South Jackson Street), the Old Stone House (1766 in Granite Quarry), and the museum in the old 1854 courthouse on Main Street
Needs: Volunteers to work as docents/guides at historic sites, volunteers for special events such as the Old Christmas Celebration and Colonial Spring Frolic at the Old Stone House, volunteers for the Summer History Day Camp, for special projects, for the annual Antiques Show planning and implementation, and for fundraising. Office supplies, paper products, Post-It notes, etc.
Also: Volunteers, financial contributions and any items related to the history of Rowan County, its communities and the Piedmont.
Contact: Kaye Brown Hirst, executive director, 704-633-5946
Website: www.rowanmuseum.org Email: rowanmuseum@fibrant.com
P.O. Box 2349
Salisbury, NC 28145-2349
Needs: Employers who allow time for employees or themselves to mentor or tutor a student, read in the classroom, donate supplies, offer financial resources, apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing experiences, classroom speakers, in-kind donations, sponsorships of events, expertise in skilled areas, graduation project review panelist and graduation project mentors.
Contact: Rita K. Foil, 704-630-6103
2728 Old Concord Road
Salisbury, NC 28146
Purpose: Devoted to providing job-seeking skills for adults with developmental disabilities, leading to competitive and/or sheltered employment. Currently there are approximately 250 consumers ranging in ages from 18 to 82. Many have limited external support.
Needs: Automatic external defibrillator; Christmas items for consumers ranging in sizes from medium to 5X, equally distributed among ladies and men; toiletries and hygiene supplies; snacks and non-perishable items; microwave ovens; new refrigerator; first aid supplies, digital camera; educational movies, maps, books, puzzles
Contact: Wilson R. Cherry, 704-633-6223, ext. 113
1120 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: Provides a focal point for aging resources and opportunities to extend independent living and enrich the quality of life for Rowan County older adults.
Needs: Contributions toward cost of operating Senior Center and providing meals for congregate nutrition program. Digital cameras for use with Lunch Club sites.
Contact: Rick Eldridge, executive director, 704-216-7714
Website: www.ruftyholmes.org
P.O. Box 4264
Salisbury, NC 28145
Purpose: Annually presents four performances of the Salisbury Symphony and one of the North Carolina Symphony, two performances of the Nutcracker, and one of the Pops at the Post with funds raised by a separate board. Also provides teachers for after-school string program and annual orchestra concert for all fifth-graders and string trio/quartet concert for younger students in all schools.
Needs: in order of priority
At Catawba: New orchestra shell, pit renovation to original plans (requiring new storage area for Theater Department)
At Livingstone: Stage enlargement or reworking of entire performance space, new seats and other comfort improvements to audience area
Equipment needed for all concerts: New musicians’ chairs, additional music stands
In the community: Orchestra program in all middle and high schools, more support for music and all the arts in our school system.
Contact: 704-637-4314
Website: www.salisburysymphony.org
P.O. Box 625
Salisbury, NC
Purpose: Provides a variety of programs and assistance
Needs: Angel Tree gifts for 1,200 children – clothing sizes and wish list are included on Angel Trees at several banks and retail stores
Also: Volunteers needed the week of Dec. 16 through Dec. 20 to help prepare packages for distribution. Volunteers are also needed to help distribute gifts from the Christmas Happiness Fund.
Contact: Lt. Joshua and Chasy Morse, Corps Officers, 704-636-6491
Website: www.SalvationArmyRowan.org
1416-A S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: Enables frail older adults and adults with disabilities to remain at home and in the community through the use of supportive services.
Needs: Volunteers are needed monthly as abundant shoppers (grocery volunteers are also needed to Volunteers to assist with activities, provide extra hands, work in our flower beds and help with small group and individual time. Household supplies (Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues), office supplies (copy paper, legal pads, manila folders, sticky notes, postage stamps), bingo prizes (socks, lipstick, costume jewelry, dollar store items, handkerchiefs, scarves, lotion, nail polish, remover, emery boards, cotton balls), non-stick Telfa pads (over-the-counter), wound cleanser (over-the-counter) and health care items (Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment).paper plates small and large and paper cups.
Contact: 704-637-3940
820 Klumac Road
Salisbury, NC 28144
Needs: Someone to play the piano for 30 minutes or so a week for dementia group; appointments can be set up for different days of the week. Any groups to provide music or share talents. Bring a pet and visit (call ahead). Students to assist in training residents to use computers for simple tasks such as email and surfing the web. Community groups and individuals to adopt resident for the holidays.
For Christmas stockings: Body lotion, tissues, white socks – in bulk from one source or bottle by bottle, box by box
Other items: Costume jewelry, after-shave, stick deodorant, oral care products (toothpaste, Efferdent, mouthwash, Poligrip), postage stamps, body sprays, body wash, word search puzzle books, suncatchers for windows
Full-size gift items: Sweat suits, sweatshirts and sweatpants in all sizes, as well as bedroom slippers (closed back and washable), all sizes and both genders – all items must be new and unopened
Volunteers: In constant need of volunteers for a variety of tasks; Brenda Zimmerman will speak with any community group or individual looking for an opportunity to serve in such a capacity
Contact: Brenda Zimmerman, 704-603-2770.
P.O. Box 5065, Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: Raises funds for health and human services, helps sponsor fifteen member agencies, plans for community-based needs.
Needs: Donations of equipment and supplies to Matchmaker program that matches items with agencies that need them. Call United Way to learn where to donate goods. Donations are welcome.
123 E. Liberty St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: The Center is among Salisbury’s most valued cultural organizations dedicated to providing exciting, enriching, and diverse opportunities in the arts for adults and children through exhibitions, education, and outreach programs. In addition to rotating, professional exhibits of contemporary art, it also offers studio classes in drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and pottery, and outreach programs. We invite you to join us in creative exploration!
Needs: Video camera for online podcasts of artists, workshops, and exhibitions, gift cards from Dick Blick art supplies or Walmart, laser cutter, Fund-A-Need (scholarships for classes, art supplies), volunteers (clerical tasks, docents, studio assistants), volunteer librarian, members, donors, and sponsors (for exhibitions and fundraisers).
Contact: Anne Scott Clement, 704.636.1882
Website: www.waterworks.org
Purpose: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Needs: Members and program participants; strong volunteers for our sports programs; assistance with our annual We Build People Campaign, providing those in need child care, camp, swim, sports and memberships.
Contact: Any branch to find out how you can help your local YMCA help the community:
Jamie Morgan, CEO & J.F. Hurley, Salisbury Branch, 704-636-0111. jmorgan@rowanymca.org; Amanda Hesse, COO and Saleeby-Fisher YMCA, East Branch, 704-279-1742 or ahesse@rowanymca.org; Alan Lambert, J. Fred Corriher YMCA, South Branch, 704-857-7011 or alambert@rowanymca.org.
Website: www.rowanymca.org