Rowan County is home to hundreds of organizations and nonprofit groups that rely on others to help them continue their circle of giving.

At the end of each year, the Salisbury Post compiles a Sharing the Season list of nonprofit, school and human services organizations that have needs or wishes for items to help in their missions.

Many of those wish lists are as easy to fulfill as contributing computer paper, while other entities could use buildings or vehicles to help them reach their goals.

Here is the 2017 Sharing the Season list, with the organizations in alphabetical order:

American Red Cross, Hanford Dole Chapter

1930 W. Jake Alexander Blvd., Salisbury, NC 28147

Purpose: To provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Needs: Volunteers (office helpers, veterans and disaster workers), blood donations and money. The VA Medical Center could use large-print Sudoku and/or crossword puzzle books, men’s and women’s toiletry items, alarm clocks with CD players for individual rooms, oldies music on CD or tape, western and classic movies on DVD, men’s and women’s sweatshirts/sweatpants (large to XXL), lap blankets (new or handmade), winter weather items (socks, scarves, gloves, stocking caps), and new NASCAR or sports team shirts and hats. Disaster clients could use comforters and quilts of all sizes (new or handmade), new stuffed animals, small packs of crayons and coloring book sets, men’s and women’s toiletry items, and Walmart or Food Lion gift cards.

Contact: Disaster Program Specialist Heather LeMaster, 704-633-3854. Ext. 107

The Arc of Rowan

108 Dorsett Drive, Salisbury, NC 28144

Purpose: To provide advocacy, public awareness, support groups, a summer day program for children, a weeklong summer camp for adults, after-school respite program for middle and high school students, monthly dances for adults, fetal alcohol syndrome awareness program, support for special education services, and information for families.

The Arc of Rowan emphasizes providing assistance to people with developmental disabilities so each person can learn, live, work and realize personal goals.

Contact: Executive Director Shela Sapp or Assistant Director Lori Ewart, 704-637-1521, or www.thearcofrowan.org

Born Leader Club Inc.

Purpose: To teach young boys and girls how to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship while building self-esteem and leadership skills and recognizing the value of community service.

Needs: Building, van, money to increase the number of youths served, grant writers, volunteers/mentors/teachers, gift cards, a projector, laptop or iPad for youth, speaker honorariums, program supplies, money for exploring careers/screen new mentors/field trips, funds to operate a van and building.

Contact: Email founder Ola Nwafor at bornleaderclub@yahoo.com or Olanwafor@yahoo.com or call 704-798-7575.

Capstone Recovery Center

418 W. Innes St., Salisbury, NC 28144

Purpose: The center is much more than a transition center; it’s a transformation center for women affected by substance abuse who have attained sobriety and want a radically new life. The nonprofit agency offers faith-based, nondenominational programs such as relapse prevention, life skills, computer skills and job training. The center also provides individual and group counseling with Dr. Oscar Ramirez.

Needs: Exterior paint for front and back porches, three new toilets, new floors for two upstairs bathrooms, new twin-size bed sets (pink, yellow or peach), new computer, ceiling and floor repairs, monetary donations, 2-ply toilet paper and paper towels.

Contact: Executive Director Miriam Ramirez, 704-749-0797, or www.capstonerecoverycenter.org

Christmas Happiness Fund

The Christmas Happiness Fund is a Salisbury Post-sponsored program that collects readers’ donations to help children who might not otherwise receive a Christmas gift. The Post turns the money over to the Salvation Army of Rowan County, which distributes vouchers to eligible families to buy gifts for their children. The vouchers may be used to purchase toys and clothing.

If you’d like to contribute, bring donations to the Salisbury Post, 131 W. Innes St., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or mail them to Salisbury Post Christmas Happiness Fund, P.O. Box 4639, Salisbury, NC 28145-4639.

Make checks payable to the Christmas Happiness Fund and indicate how you wish your donations to be listed.

Community Care Clinic

315-G, Mocksville Ave., Salisbury, NC 28144

Purpose: Provides free medical care, dental care and prescription medications to low-income uninsured residents of Rowan County.

Needs: Monetary donations for those services. Also needed are 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 as well as light maintenance and painting. Ongoing donations accepted: copy paper, brown lunch bags, paper towels, tall kitchen trash bags, stamps, and snack-size baggies.

Contact: To volunteer, call Krista Woolly 704-636-4523 or email kwoolly@communitycareofrowan.org

Communities in Schools of Rowan County

204 E. Innes St., Suite 240, Salisbury, NC 28144

Purpose: To support students and empower them to stay in school and achieve in life.

Needs: School uniforms (new, gently used), monetary donations, school supplies and mentors/tutors, gift cards, clothing (shoes, belts, underwear, socks, winter coats, jackets, scarves, hats, gloves and mittens). You can also register your Amazon account to the organization on Amazon Smile and register your Harris Teeter card to the organization. Both of these options do not cost the customer more and are free.

Contact: Executive Director Dr. Ron Turbyfill, 704-797-0210 or cisrowan@gmail.com

Website: www.CISRowan.org

Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary

P.O. Box 3097, Salisbury, NC 28144

220 Grace Church Road, Salisbury, NC 28147

Purpose: Animal rescue group formed to start 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 pets await adoption.

Needs: Purina Dog & Puppy Chow, Purina Kitten & Cat Chow, bleach, scoopable cat litter, laundry detergent (high efficiency washer), blue Dawn dish detergent, paper towels, hand soap, latex gloves (sizes medium, large and extra large).

Contact: 704-633-1722.

Website: www.faithfulfriendsnc.org

Family Crisis Council of Rowan County

131 W. Council St., Salisbury, NC 28144-4320

Purpose: To help empower victims of rape, incest, sexual assault and domestic violence to take back their lives and eliminate violence in the community by awareness, prevention activities, court advocacy, emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis support, information/referral services, and individual and group counseling services.

Needs: Volunteer victim advocates, cold medicines for infant, children and adults; over-the-counter ibuprofen and allergy relief, distilled white vinegar, Lysol and Febreze spray, paper towels, dish detergent, disinfectant wipes, Swiffer dry cloths, antibacterial liquid hand soap. Also monetary donations and gift cards from stores like Walmart, Staples, grocery stores, Office Depot and Dollar General. These cards are used to replenish supplies for the shelter and community clients as well as other programs as needed. The gift cards cover items such as office supplies, diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies, etc., business envelopes, new three-ring binders, post-it notes, legal pads, small packs of crayons, colored pencils, gas cards for clients to get to and from work.

Contact: Community coordinator Elizabeth Sippel, 704-754-8486

Website: www.familycrisiscouncil.org

Families First NC Inc.

135 Mocksville Ave., Suite 2, Salisbury NC  28144

Purpose: To strengthen families by providing information, education, prevention and support services.

Needs: Storage bins on wheels, book shelves, baby wipes, adn $10 gifts cards for food, gas, and Walmart.

Contact: Rita Kotarsky, 704-630-0481 or rkotarsky@families-1st.org

Website: http://www.familiesfirst-ncinc.org/

Families First — Cabarrus County

985 Central Drive NW, Concord, NC 28027

Purpose: To work with at-risk children and their families to improve their lives by mobilizing them at an early age, even prenatal. This is done through a home visitation program and the Cabarrus Bilingual Preschool. Currently, staff members go into more than 100 homes per month and have 36 3- and 4-year-olds enrolled in the dual language learning environment.

Needs: Primarily for the bilingual preschool that serves 36 low-income children getting ready for kindergarten. Volunteers, monetary donations, lamination paper, tape (moving and storage colors), Playdough and Playdough tools and cutters, popsicle sticks, pom poms (collage materials), glue sticks, pencils, water paint, bleach wipes, gift tissue paper, dot stickers, gallon plastic bags, finger paint, tempera paint.

Contact: Executive Director Spencer Swain, 704-202-5057 or spencer.swain@familiesfirstcc.org

Website: http://familiesfirstcc.org/

Food for Thought of Rowan County

131 W. Council St., Salisbury, NC 28144

Mission: To provide nutritious weekend meals to food-insecure children in Rowan-Salisbury Schools through the creation of local coalitions, working together to improve our community.

Vision: All Rowan-Salisbury Schools students are well-nourished to enable them to achieve their full potential.

Needs: Volunteer groups are needed to pack bags of food. During the school year, the backpacks bridge the gap between lunch at school on Fridays and breakfast at school on Monday mornings. Food for Thought is currently scheduling packing for February through May. The program has experienced explosive growth over the past year and the need for volunteer support is significant. Groups of between 15 and 20 people can easily pack 150 bags in less than an hour. Monetary donations are always appreciated and needed: $250 supports a weekend backpack for one child across an entire school year. Donations can be made in honor or in memory of someone.

Contact: Executive Director Carol Herndon. 980-234-1849 or director@ncfoodforthought.org

Website: www.ncfoodforthought.org

Godstock

P.O. Box 661, China Grove, NC 28023

Purpose: Assist families of ill children with expenses of daily living (not medical bills) to help with paying bills when caring for a sick child.

Needs: Donations. Volunteers to promote and help with events (setting up and breaking down events, serving refreshments, working a concession booth, helping a band set up). Groups interested in seeing a DVD about Godstock. To make a donation, visit http://godstock.org/make-a-donation.html

Website: www.godstock.org

Gemstones Academy/COMPASS

P.O. Box 484, Salisbury, NC 28146

917-C S. Main St., Salisbury, NC 28144

Purpose: For girls and boys in fifth-12th grades. Gemstones Academy offers workshops and seminars focused on leadership, education, self-esteem and etiquette.

Mission: Gemstones Academy and COMPASS is to provide youth with the skill sets to reach their maximum potential by unwrapping their hidden gifts, talents and abilities with a COMPASS, which stands for Confident, Optimistic, Motivated, Persistent, Assertive, Studious and Successful.

Needs: Monetary donations for printing, after-school supplies, transportation, tutoring stipends; a van to transport students for an after-school tutoring program; food and snacks for the food pantry for children in the community.

Contact: Alisa Byrd, 704-798-6436; Alex Clark 336-846-8387

Good Shepherd Clinic

220 N. Fulton St., Salisbury, NC 28144

Purpose: To provide outpatient primary care for indigent adults on a first-come, first-served basis. Volunteer health care professionals staff the clinic only on Thursdays.

Needs: Volunteer licensed physician assistants, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, dental hygienist and nurse practitioners. Monetary donations for operating costs and Spanish interpreters are needed. Gift cards to Office Depot are needed for office supplies. Mail items to 430 Newport Drive, Salisbury, NC 28144 with attention Jean Allen, director.

Contact: 704-636-7200

Habitat for Humanity of Rowan

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 work in 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, or volunteer@habitatrowan.org

Website: www.habitatrowan.org

Happy’s Farm Inc.

985 Parks Road, Salisbury, NC 28146

Purpose: Dedicated to providing engaging opportunities incorporating rescue farm animals for children, child care in a safe and positive environment, and recreational, cultural and educational experiences that promote each child’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. Happy’s Farm has also started a veterans program called Happy’s Farm Veteran H.E.R.O. Project to offer services to veterans in the community.

Needs: Horse feed and hay for rescue animals

Playground equipment, paper products (toilet paper, cups, plates, etc.), bags of sugar, building materials (lumber), monetary donations, handicap-accessible van, military memorabilia for the farm’s veteran “Salute to Freedom” tunnel, miniature golf equipment (golf balls, putters, etc.), gravel rock for driveway.

Contact: Farm president Rhonda Stirewalt, 704-279-5268 or 704-798-6800, or happysfarminc@yahoo.com

Website: www.happysfarm.org

Horse Protection Society of North Carolina

2135 Miller Road, China Grove, NC 28023

Purpose: Specializes in bringing starved and abused horses back to full health.

Needs: Volunteers and monetary donations.

Contact: Joanie Benson, 704-855-2978

Website: www.horseprotection.org

Humane Society of Rowan County

P.O. Box 295, Salisbury, NC 28145-0295

Purpose: 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, cat food and cat litter for food bank for families in financial crisis and wood shavings for pet food bank, volunteers, monetary donations for veterinary costs of sick or injured stray and abandoned animals acquired by the agency, sponsors for spay and neuter surgeries and dog houses or material to build houses for animals without proper shelter.

Contact: humanesocietyofrowancounty@windstream.net or 704-636-5700

Lee Street theatre

P.O. Box 201, Salisbury, NC 28145

Purpose: Committed to the development and presentation of original, challenging and entertaining performance art.

Needs: Monetary donations of any kind to support the operation and artistic endeavors.

Contact: Marketing director Caitlin Billings, 704-310-5507 or caitlin@leestreet.org

Website: www.leestreet.org

Meals on Wheels of Rowan

P.O. Box 1914, Salisbury, NC 28144

1307 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer, NC 28159

Purpose: Provide a meal and a friendly visit to the homebound of Rowan County, so no senior goes hungry.

Needs: Route card coordinator — main office location two to four hours a month; volunteer historian to create a book highlighting Meals on Wheels’ 42-year history; volunteer driver and delivery teams in the following areas: West Rowan, Cleveland, Mount Ulla, South Rowan, Enochville, East Kannapolis, China Grove, East Rowan, Rockwell, Gold Hill and Long Ferry Road, Salisbury, U.S. 29, U.S. 70.

Office Needs: 2-by-4-foot white board; 60+ inch TV for use with board meetings, webinars, and presentations; donated vehicle for courier delivery routes; white copy paper (8.5×11 and 11×17); coffee supplies for volunteers including cups, coffee, creamer and sugar; toilet paper, paper towels and Kleenex tissues; birthday bag items for participants; lotions, hand creams, toothpaste and toothbrushes, lip balm, individually packaged breakfast or healthy snack bars; large-print word search puzzles; pens, pencils and notepads.

Contact: Executive Director Cindy B. Fink, 704-633-0352 or info@mowrowan.org

Website: www.mowrowan.org

Midnight’s Promise

405 Ross Street

China Grove, NC 28023

Mission: To rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses that have been starved, abused or are in the slaughter pipeline and to provide education on equine health and welfare issues.

Needs: $1,000 for horse trailer repair, Alfalfa Cubes, Rancher’s Pride 13 percent horse feed, Nutrena Safe Choice Original horse feed, Nutrena Safe Choice Performance horse feed, bedding pellets, English or Western tack, 15-inch light weight Western saddle, Snaffle bits, metal carport to convert into a run in shelter, lumber, five and  half foot T-posts, electric fencing wire, Fescue, orchard grass or alfalfa hay either square or round bales, DMSO, Corona, Ichthamol Drawing Salve, vet wrap.

Contact: Executive Director Deborah Baker 704-798-6641 or midnightspromise@gmail.com

Website: www.midnightspromise.org

Nazareth Child and Family Connection

725 Crescent Road, P.O. Box 1438, Rockwell, NC 28138

Purpose: Provide love, stability and guidance to children who come for help, reuniting them whenever possible with their families.

Needs: Copy paper, pens, paper towels, trash bags, toilet paper, school supplies, Visa/Mastercard gift cards, gift cards to Rooms to Go, Sofa Store and More, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Ace Hardware, Marshall’s, Old Navy, Game Stop, Belk, Walmart; fuel-efficient sedans, work truck or van; carpet, paint, lumber; new desktop computers or laptops; duffle bags/roller luggage; personal supplies for men and women; bath towels, wash cloths, single bed sheets, pillow cases, comforters and new pillows. Also utility work vehicle (Mule, Gator, etc).

Contact: Blair Trexler, 704- 279-5556, Ext.113, or btrexler@nazcfc.org

N.C. Transportation Museum

411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer, NC 28159

Purpose: Located on the 60-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: Tour guides, rail restoration/train ride crew (will be trained), event volunteers, general office supplies, monetary donations, work truck, gift cards.

Contact: Doug Nixon, 704-636-2889, ext. 260, or doug.nixon@nctrans.org for rail volunteer opportunities or June Hall, 704-636-2889, ext. 268, for all other interests. Contact: Betsy Mowry, 704-636-2889, ext. 228, or betsy.mowry@nctrans.org

The Pedal Factory

218-B S. Main St., Salisbury, NC 28144

Purpose: To make bicycles accessible to kids and adults by using recycling practices for Earn-a-Bike programs and bicycle giveaways and holding community workshops and rides while encouraging the use of bicycles for transportation, health and recreation. The organization will help empower individuals to do their own bicycle maintenance while providing tools, resources, volunteers, and a safe space to help educate cyclists.

Needs: Building: rent/utilities $6,000 per year, tools $2,000 (the initial tool costs without contributions from tool manufacturers would include basic hand tools, some specialty tools for crank sets, rear cassettes, etc.) Also needed are bike repair stands (preferably portable), bike pumps and simple cleaning tools such as brushes, etc. Materials: $200-300 (initial material costs would include inner tubes, bike tires, new brake cables, new shift cables, brake pads and other basic bicycle needs). Most hard parts would be collected from donated bicycles that are not deemed repairable. Cleaning materials: $100-200 (initial cleaning material costs would include shop rags, degreasers, hand cleaners as well as chain lube, bearing grease, etc.). Future building needs: Costs to be determined. Electrical outlets and lighting will need to be installed, motion sensor lighting, plumbing will need to be operable. The organization will need a new toilet and sink for both restrooms. Paint and supplies to help touch up building exterior and interior.

Contact: info@thepedalfactory.org

Website: http://www.thepedalfactory.org/

Piedmont Players Theatre/Eastern Costume Company

213 S. Main St., Salisbury, NC 28144

P.O. Box 762, Salisbury, NC 28145

Eastern Costume Company, 112-B S. Main St., Salisbury, NC

Purpose: PPT is a nonprofit theater and presents stage productions each season at the historic Meroney Theater. PPT’s Norvell Theater, on Fisher Street, stages live productions and education programs geared to youth. Piedmont Players owns Eastern Costume, a costume rental house with more than 40,000 costumes.

Needs: 12 reams of paper, 11 sheets of lauan, 10 rolls of fabric, nine large size trash bags, eight replacement light bulbs, seven replacement light bulbs, six replacement light bulbs, five 18 volt DeWalts, four mannequins, three filing cabinets, two HVAC units and a big crane to lift the units up.

Contact: 704-633-5471 or bm@piedmontplayers.com

Website: www.piedmontplayers.com

Pregnancy Support Center

847 S. Main St., Salisbury, NC 28144

Purpose: Provides 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; pack ‘n’ play; baby lotion, powder, wash, shampoo; new baby bottles and new clothes.

Office needs: Bottled water, snacks, cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, stamps, etc.

Financial contributions: The goal through the Year-End Campaign is to raise $10,000 to ensure the agency meets the annual operating 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: Executive Director Shari Evans, 704-633-7695 or shari@pregnancysupport.com or choices@pregnancysupport.com

Prevent Child Abuse Rowan/Terrie Hess House

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: Gift cards in $25 increments for area grocery stores or Walmart, postage stamps, mini and regular size bottled water, trash bags, toilet paper/paper towels, blank DVD-R discs, antibacterial wipes, infant diapers (size 0-3), individual portion size bags of potato chips, infant clothes, fleece blankets, printer paper, plastic cups/paper plates.

Contact:  Executive Director Beth Moore McKeithan, 704-639-1700 or beth@preventchildabuserowan.org

Website: www.preventchildabuserowan.org

Rowan Blues and Jazz Society

P.O. Box 176, Salisbury, NC 28145-0176

Purpose: Dedicated to the preservation, promotion and presentation of blues and jazz music. The society has presented the annual Blues and Jazz Festival for the past 17 years. Youth music workshops are also taught by professional musicians on a regular basis. Award-winning bands facilitate workshops in local schools to enhance the students’ knowledge of blues and jazz. It is the goal of the society to present a signature festival that attracts a diverse audience every year free to the public and preserve the legacy of blues and jazz.

Needs: More sustaining sponsors and grants are needed to hire a program director and plan future festivals. Festival committee members, fundraiser, 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, 704-640-2542 or rbjs1720@carolina.rr.com

Website: www.rowanbluesandjazz.org

Rowan County Literacy Council

P.O. Box 95, 201 W. Fisher St., Salisbury, NC 28145-0095

Purpose: Free Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language instruction to adults in the community. The organization helps students prepare for the U.S. citizenship interview and exam. The Literacy Council provides personalized one-on-one tutoring and small group classes.

Needs: Monetary donations to be used for program materials and volunteers for teaching; no teaching experience necessary.

Contact: Program coordinator Laurel Harry, 704-216-8266

Website: www.rcliteracy.org

Rowan County Rescue Squad

1140 Julian Road, Salisbury, NC 28146

Purpose: A volunteer rescue squad and paramedic-level medical service providing rescue and medical services to Rowan County communities.

Needs: The station is collecting new or gently worn coats to benefit Rowan Helping Ministries.

Contact: 704-633-5405

http://www.rowanrescue.org/

Rowan County United Way

1930 Jake Alexander Blvd. W., Suite B, Salisbury, NC 28147-1186

Purpose: Raises money for human services, helps sponsor local agencies (including many listed here), and 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.

Contact: 704-633-1802

Rowan County Youth Services Bureau

1322 S. Fulton St., Salisbury, NC 28144

No updates were available. These are the organization’s previous needs:

Purpose: Multiple programs focus on making a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of local at-risk youth ages 7 to 17.

Needs: In addition to financial contributions, used for activities and materials directly benefiting youth in the programs and which are tax deductible, the agency needs caring and responsible adult volunteers for Teen Court. Young people may serve as Teen Court attorneys, clerks or jury members. Adults are needed to serve as judges and jury room monitors. Training is provided for all volunteers.

Contact: 704-633-5636

Website: www.RowanYSB.com

Rowan Department of Social Services

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: Nonperishable food for food pantry.

Contact: 704-216-8330

Rowan Helping Ministries

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, Jeannie’s Kitchen, Homeless Shelter, Transitional Housing, Life Coaching, New Tomorrow Life Skills classes and Journey Forward program.

Needs: Breakfast items (cereal, grits, oatmeal, breakfast bars), canned meat (chicken, beef stew), spaghetti sauce, canned fruit, peanut butter,  juice and milk for the kitchen. Clothing for the Clothing Center: new or clean, gently used winter clothes, new underwear for men, women and children, socks, coats, gloves, hats. Supplies needed: twin blankets, twin sheets, pillowcases, new pillows, toilet paper, paper towels, towels, washcloths. Items can be dropped off at the loading dock on the Liberty Street side of the Ralph W. Ketner Crisis Assistance Center, 226 N. Long St., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Volunteers are needed to work three- to four-hour shifts in the food pantry or clothing center, as client interviewers for assistance and as drivers picking up donations from grocery stores. Contact: Emily Huffman at 704-637-6838, Ext. 112, to volunteer in crisis assistance, the food pantry or the clothing center. To cook and serve meals in Jeannie’s Kitchen, call Katie Murdock at 704-637-6838, Ext. 117. To make a donation by phone, call Karen Taylor, 704-637-6838, Ext. 100.

Website: www.rowanhelpingministries.org

Rowan Museum

202 N. Main St., Salisbury, NC 28144

Purpose: Collect and preserve historical materials connected to the history of Rowan County. Operates three historic properties: 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: Executive Director Aaron Kepley, 704-633-5946 or rowanmuseum@fibrant.com

Website: www.rowanmuseum.org

Rowan Public Library

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: Monetary donations for library materials. With your donation of $25 or more, materials can be purchased for the library’s collection and a gift plate can be placed 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 the 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. Legos for a children’s summer reading program are also needed.

Contact: Jeff Hall, 704-216-8231

Rowan-Salisbury Schools

P.O. Box 2349, Salisbury, NC 28145-2349

Needs: Encourage every child to read 20 minutes a day, volunteers to read with children at school, help build innovative space/reading centers in schools, provide a “hot spot” for after school student learning with digital devices, contribute to the system’s Rowan Partner with Education Fund, donate books for summer feeding program and join in weekly community school visits via http://www.rss.k12.nc.us/school-visits.

Contact: Public information officer Rita K. Foil, 704-630-6103

Rowan Vocational Opportunities

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 consumers ranging in age from 18 to 82. Many have limited external support.

Needs: New and gently used coats/jackets, dormitory-sized refrigerators, first aid supplies, dry erase boards, toiletries and other hygiene supplies, digital camera, educational movies, maps, books, puzzles, monitor/flat screen TV, easel, snacks and nonperishables (Pringles, Pop Tarts, cookies, pretzels, beef jerky, microwave popcorn, crackers), microwaves, hair care products, athletic socks, thermal tops and bottoms, crafts/construction paper/art supplies, pens, pencils, gloves, winter hats, hand sanitizer, disposable men’s and women’s razors, hair trimmer/clippers, Chapstick, shampoo and conditioner, shower gel, bar soap, Kleenex tissues, stickers, poster boards, digital scale, exercise bikes, reading books for first through sixth grades.

Contact: Special projects coordinator Wilson R. Cherry, 704-633-6223, Ext. 113, or 704-467-5909

Rufty-Holmes Senior Center

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: Food pantry items for seniors in need and monetary donations for seniors’ meals at the Lunch Club sites

Contact: Executive Director Nan Buehrer, 704-216-7715

Website: www.ruftyholmes.org

Salisbury-Rowan Symphony Society Inc.

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: Printer/scanner for the new office, computers (three) for the new office, money to help purchase a donor database and ticketing software, donations to help provide for community outreach programs

Contact: 704-637-4314

Website: www.salisburysymphony.org

The Salvation Army of Rowan County

P.O. Box 625, Salisbury, NC

Purpose: Provides a variety of programs and assistance

Office Needs: clipboards, copy paper, permanent markers, a new desk for social services office, file cabinet, files for client information, scissors, staples, hanging files, light bulbs. Also crayons, pencils, glue, pipe cleaners, plaster mold, paper grocery bags, breakfast items, soups, and pasta products, as well as programs and services.

Contact: NaKisha Carr, 704-636-6491 or nakisha.carr@uss.salvationarmy.org

Saving Grace Therapeutic Programs

725 Jackson Road, Salisbury, NC 28146

Purpose: To offer people with special needs safe and therapeutic interactions with horses that nurture the mind, body and spirit.

Needs: For the horses: horse feed — Triple Crown Senior Feed or Triple Crown 30 percent Supplement (Southern States), thrush remedy for hooves, horse quality hay, Corta-flx HA-100 Supplement (Statelinetack.com), horse treats, horse fly spray, horse wormers, epsom salt, first aid supplies, horse shampoo, grooming tools, small buckets.

For the therapeutic program: plastic barrels, outdoor games, bean bags, large toy dice, first aid supplies, copy paper, learning and tactile activities.

Contact: Executive Director Janna Griggs, 704-209-6577

Smart Start Rowan

1329 S. Jake Alexander Blvd., Salisbury, NC 28144

Purpose: Resources and support for families and children up to age 5.

Needs: Monetary. Diapers, baby wipes, toys and children’s books (appropriate for newborn to 5 years); volunteer opportunities.

Contact: Director of programs Laura Villegas, 704-603-3368 or lvillegas@smartstartrowan.org

Trinity Living Center (formerly Abundant Living Adult Day Services)

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: Cereal (whole grain or enriched like Cheerios, cornflakes, etc.), quick-cooking grits, non-stick cooking spray, cheese (slices), muffin mix (just add water kind with no nuts), soft margarine, wheat Ritz crackers, granola, low fat yogurt, instant pudding, cake mix (chocolate and vanilla), frozen waffles or pancakes, toilet paper, disinfectant cleaner, liquid hand soap refills, liquid dish detergent, laundry detergent, laundry dryer sheets, peanut butter, stamps, copy paper (8.5×11 and 8.5×14), fine/medium point ink pens, personal wipes, incontinence pads, paper plates/cups/cutlery, quart/gallon size plastic bags, disinfectant wipes, tissue, air freshener sprays, dry erase markers, acrylic paint, colored markers, monetary donations, gift cards, volunteers

Contact: 704-637-3940

Trinity Oaks (formerly Lutheran Home at Trinity Oaks)

728 Klumac Road, Salisbury, NC 28144

Trinity Oaks Health and Rehab, 820 Klumac Road, Salisbury, NC

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.

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.

Contact: Lynn Barringer, 704-603-2770 or lbarringer@trinityoaks.net

Website: www.trinityoaks.net

Tsunami Development Literacy Program

West End Plaza, P.O. Box 2112, Salisbury, NC 28145

Mission: To positively impact literacy growth for third, fourth- and fifth-grade children in the Salisbury-Rowan community by providing tutoring and support in reading that will enable them to be productive learners in school while instilling character and positive values.

Vision: To give every child a voice, a choice and an opportunity to improve, grow and enhance their inherent abilities. The agency will serve children by encouraging them to achieve and to succeed through perseverance, responsibility and respect.

Needs: Books (third through fifth grades), 2-inch three-ring binders, page protectors, No. 2 pencils, yellow highlighters, notebook paper, copy paper and copy cartridges, printer ink cartridges, large dry erase board, large cork board, large book case, healthy snacks and beverages.

Contact: 704-433-2201

Waterworks Visual Art Center

123 E. Liberty St., Salisbury, NC 28144

Purpose: 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.

Needs: cordless microphone, gift cards from Office Depot, Walmart, Lowe’s or Dick Blick Art Supply, gas blower for outdoor garden, hand-held vacuum cleaner, monetary donations for scholarship program.

Contact: Administrative director Lizz Johnson, 704-636-1882

Website: www.waterworks.org

YMCA of Rowan County

Purpose: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Needs: Members and program participants, volunteers and support of the YMCA Annual Campaign.

Contact: Any branch to find out how you can help your local YMCA help the community.

CEO Jamie Morgan, 704-216-9622 or jmorgan@rowanymca.org

Saleeby-Fisher YMCA, East Branch, 704-279-174

Fred Corriher YMCA, South Branch, 704-857-7011

J.F. Hurley YMCA, Salisbury Branch, 704-636-0111

Website: www.rowanymca.org