Rowan County is home to many nonprofit, human and educational organizations that provide a variety of services. Each year, the Salisbury Post compiles a list of such organizations to help them secure the resources to pursue their missions.

Some needs are as simple as reams of copy paper, while other organizations could use larger gifts such as buildings and vehicles to reach their goals.

In alphabetical order, here is the 2018 Sharing the Season list of organizations in need in the Rowan County area:

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 Service to Armed Forces collects pajamas (pants and shirts) for a holiday party and could use large-print Sudoku and crossword puzzle books; men’s and women’s toiletries; 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 and sweatpants (large to XXL); lap blankets (new or handmade); winter weather wear (socks, scarves, gloves, stocking caps); new NASCAR or sports team shirts and hats. Disaster clients are in need of comforters and quilts of all sizes (new or handmade); small packs of crayons and coloring book sets; men’s and women’s toiletries; Walmart and Food Lion gift cards; gas station 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 and 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 programs; 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: A building; van; money to increase the number of youths served; grant writers; volunteers, mentors and teachers; gift cards; a projector; laptop or iPad for youths; speaker honorariums; program supplies; money for exploring careers, screening new mentors and field trips; funds to operate a van and building.

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

Capstone Recovery Center

418 W. Innes St., Salisbury, NC 28144

Purpose: The center is a seven-month residential treatment and transformation center for women affected by substance abuse who have attained sobriety and want a new life. The agency offers services free of charge.

Needs: Carpeting for the office; exercise equipment (new or good condition); 15-passenger van (low center of gravity); clothing racks for Capstone Closet; paper towels; two-ply toilet paper; monetary donations; and gift cards.

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. Also needed are medical and dental providers and pharmacists to volunteer at the clinic Monday-Friday and every other Tuesday night as well as support personnel for office duties as needed as well as light maintenance and painting. Ongoing donations accepted: copy paper; brown lunch bags; paper towels; tall kitchen trash bags; stamps; 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 or gently used); monetary donations; mentors and tutors; gift cards; shoes; belts; new underwear; socks; winter coats; jackets; gray crewneck sweatshirts; scarves; hats; gloves; and mittens. You can also donate using the “Donate” button on the Communities in Schools website.

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

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 and neutering, protection, warmth and care while pets await adoption.

Needs: Purina Dog & Puppy Chow; Purina Kitten & Cat Chow; canned dog food (Pedigree, Alpo, etc.); bleach; scoopable cat litter; potty pads; new or gently used crates; Nylabones; Milkbone dog treats; tennis balls; Turbo Scratcher refill pads (10-inch); Kong’s; plain yogurt; creamy peanut butter; large carrots; laundry detergent (high-efficiency washer); blue Dawn dish detergent; paper towels; hand soap; latex gloves (medium, large and extra large); 13-gallon garbage bags; 33+ gallon garbage bags.

Contact: 704-633-1722

Website: www.faithfulfriendsnc.org

Family Crisis Council of Rowan County

502 N. Long St, Salisbury, NC 28144

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 and referral services, and individual and group counseling.

Needs: All donated items should be new and remain unwrapped. This year, the most critical needs are for preteens and teenagers. Needs by age group:

• To age 1: car seats; rattles; toys; diapers (sizes 3, 4, 5); blankets; outfits; socks; pacifiers; bottles; bouncers; strollers.

• Ages 1-3: car seats; booster seats; outfits; socks; shoes; Pull-Ups; blankets; coats; pajamas; underwear; toys.

• Ages 4-8: nonviolent toys; puzzles; basketballs; soccer balls; footballs; baseball accessories; cars and trucks; dolls of all cultures and races; DVDs; board or handheld games; children’s art supplies; educational toys; socks; fashionable hats; gloves; mittens; scarves; slippers; pajamas; underwear; coats.

• Ages 9-12: hoodies and sweaters; fashionable hats; gloves; mittens; scarves; coats; winter clothing; socks; slippers; underwear; robes; pajamas; shoes; DVDs; MP3 players and iPods; board and handheld games; radios; headphones.

• Ages 13-17: portable CD/DVD players; clock radios; gift certificates to local stores; clothing; wallets; purses; bath items; hair accessories; board or handheld games; DVDs; art supplies; socks; slippers; underwear; pajamas; coats; hoodies; shoes; trendy boots.

• Ages 18 and older: sweaters; hats; gloves; mittens; scarves; coats; underwear; pajamas; robes; slippers; shoes; trendy boots; hair dryers; brushes, combs and picks; curling and flat irons; gift certificates; ethnic hair products; clothing; sweat suits; makeup cases and makeup; socks; jewelry; bath items; CD players; radios; portable DVD players; DVDs; MP3 players; and bicycles (to travel to and from work).

Gift certificates are also appreciated: phone, grocery, gas and clothing cards; cards from Walmart, local restaurants, etc.; movie, concert and theater passes; haircut certificates (please limit to $5-$25).

Contact: Outreach and education director Icela Trujillo, 704-754-5999, Ext. 206

Website: www.familycrisiscouncil.org or www.fccrowan.org

Families First — Cabarrus County

985 Central Drive NW, Concord, NC 28027

Purpose: Working with at-risk children and their families for success in life through a home visitation program and three Cabarrus Bilingual Preschool campuses. Staff members go into more than 100 homes twice per month, full-day preschool locations, free ESL and GED classes, and tutoring classes throughout the week and a 16-week group for families to recover from addictions together.

Needs: Primarily for the challenging pace of need and growth in preschools. Volunteers; monetary donations; lamination paper; tape (moving and storage colors); Playdough and Playdough tools and cutters; popsicle sticks; 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/

Families First NC Inc.

135 Mocksville Ave., Suite 2, Salisbury NC  28144

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

Needs: Infant/toddler clothing for the court child care center and teen parent program; family games; board games; gift cards, including to Food Lion

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

Website: http://www.familiesfirst-ncinc.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 provide youths with the skills 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: A heavy-duty copier; printing paper; ink cartridges; snacks for after-school programs; nonperishable items for the food pantry; toiletries for the upcoming toiletry pantry.

Contacts: Alisa Byrd-Clark, 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, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, dental hygienists and nurse practitioners; monetary donations for operating costs; Spanish interpreters; gift cards to Office Depot for office supplies. Mail items to 430 Newport Drive, Salisbury, NC 28144 to the attention of 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 for qualified families currently living in inadequate housing.

Needs: Applicants for Habitat homes; volunteers to help build houses; 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. offering services to veterans in the community.

Needs: Playground equipment; paper products (toilet paper, cups, plates, etc.); bags of sugar; building materials (lumber); monetary donations; military memorabilia for the farm’s veteran “Salute to Freedom” tunnel; miniature golf equipment (balls, putters, etc.); gravel rock for driveway; horse and cow feed; children’s costumes and dress-up clothes.

Contact: 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 good health and placing them in new homes. Open to visitors each Saturday.

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, prevention of cruelty to animals and extension of humane education. The agency is separate from the county animal control shelter.

Needs: Foster care and permanent homes for animals; cat food and cat litter for families in financial crisis; wood shavings for pet food bank; volunteers; monetary donations for veterinary costs of sick or injured stray and abandoned animals acquired by the agency as well as rehabilitation of those sick or injured animals; sponsors for spay and neuter surgeries for the “Spay It Forward” campaign.

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

P.O. Box 201, Salisbury, NC 28145

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

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

Contact: 704-310-5507 

Website: www.leestreet.org

Let’s Lend a Helping Hand

P.O. Box 1914, Salisbury, NC 28144

1307 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer, NC 28159

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

Office needs: 50-inch TV monitor, 8.5-by-11-inch copy paper; 8.5-by-17-inch copy paper; Forever postage stamps; volunteers during the holiday season.

Meal participant needs: Small microwaves; Hormel Dinty Moore complete meals (sent for weekend meals); microwavable vegetables; single-serving fruit cups and juice.

Contact: Program director Sandy Combs, 704-633-0352 or scombs@mowrowan.org

Website: www.mowrowan.org

Midnight’s Promise

405 Ross St., China Grove, NC 28023

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

Needs: Alfalfa cubes; bedding pellets; dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); methylsulfonylmethane dietary supplement; Orchard or Fescue hay in square or round bales; bitless or side-pull bridles; vet wrap; five-way vaccinations; cash donations.

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: Nazareth has an array of services including therapeutic foster care; family foster care; adoptions; transitional living services for young adults; therapeutic residential and short-term care; individual and group outpatient therapy; psychiatric services; outpatient substance abuse therapy; and parenting groups in Rowan and surrounding counties. The mission is to empower youths and families to find solutions that ensure successful outcomes.

Needs: Towels and washcloths; hand towels; twin-size sheet sets; pillows; storage bowls with lids; silverware; crayons; coloring books; magazines; children’s books; games; gift cards for transportation; granola bars and snack items; money for bus passes or bus passes from city of Salisbury transit; stickers; PlayDoh; school supplies; Visa and Mastercard gift cards; gift cards to Rooms to Go, Sofa Store and More, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Ace Hardware, Marshall’s, Old Navy, GameStop and Belk.

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, the museum preserves and interprets the history of transportation in North Carolina and operates an on-site train ride.

Needs: Tour guides; rail restoration and train ride crew (will be trained); event volunteers; general office supplies; monetary donations; a 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 other interests. Betsy Mowery, 704-636-2889, Ext. 228, or betsy.mowery@nctrans.org

The Pedal Factory

311 E. Council 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: Volunteers to help with shop activities: mechanical, administrative, cleaning, organizing, planning, event assistance, and shop functions. Bicycles: preferably not abused but almost any condition accepted; what cannot be safely used is recycled. Building rent is $7,200 per year; any monetary donation helps offset costs. Shop supplies: rags; Simple Green; degreaser; WD40; rubbing alcohol; steel wool pads; zip ties; rubber bands; large storage bins; computer or iPad for sales and record keeping; cleaning supplies; restroom supplies; large garbage bags; snacks; coffee; water in large cooler jugs; cups and plates. Office supplies: copy paper; folders; file boxes; chalk. Tools: sponsorship or monetary donations are appreciated, as most tools are specific to bicycle repair. Bicycle parts: new tubes and tires; used tires and tubes in excellent condition; parts in working or salvageable condition; bicycle locks; chain and padlocks for making bicycle locks; bicycle lights. Used gear, clothing and bicycle accessories in good to excellent condition.

Contact: info@thepedalfactory.org

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

Piedmont Players Theatre/Eastern Costume Co.

213 S. Main St., Salisbury, NC 28144

P.O. Box 762, Salisbury, NC 28145

Eastern Costume Co., 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 toward youths. Piedmont Players owns Eastern Costume, a costume rental house with more than 40,000 costumes.

Needs: 10 reams of copy paper; 10 luan sheets; six 8.6-by-11 acrylic stands; four 6-quart storage bins; a DVD burner; a digital camera.

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, prenatal and parenting education; community agency referrals.

Baby boutique wish list: Diapers (preemie through 6); baby wipes; new car seats; pack ‘n’ play; baby lotion, powder, wash and shampoo; new baby bottles; 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 its 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.pregnancysupport.com/partner-with-us/

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: Snacks for children: individual juice boxes, individually wrapped snacks (fruit by the roll, cookies, gummy, chips, peanut butter crackers, breakfast bars, granola bars, etc.); bottled water; canned soup and spaghetti and meatballs; toilet paper; paper towels; tall kitchen garbage bags; 4-gallon garbage bags; Forever postage stamps; children’s stickers; new stuffed animals; fleece blankets; blank DVDs; a battery-powered drill with bits; gift cards from grocery stores, Walmart and Staples; gas cards.

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

Website: www.preventchildabuserowan.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 also participates in youth reading and enrichment programs, offers GED prep, and helps individuals preparing to take the U.S. citizenship exam. The Literacy Council provides one-on-one tutoring and small group classes.

Needs: Monetary donations for materials and expenses; volunteers to tutor adults and children (no teaching experience necessary).

Contact: Program coordinator Laurel Harry, 704-216-8266; info@rcliteracy.org

Website: www.rcliteracy.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 the Matchmaker Program, which 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

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

Needs: Financial contributions to support activities and materials directly benefiting youths in the programs, which are tax-deductible; adult volunteers for Teen Court; young people may serve as Teen Court attorneys, clerks or jury members; adults are needed to be judges and jury room monitors. Training is provided for all volunteers.

Contact: 704-633-5636

Website: www.RowanYSB.com

Rowan County 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 Rowan County residents who are in crisis by providing essential 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.

Needs: Blankets and facial tissue needed immediately; soup; canned fruit and vegetables; deodorant; washcloths; rice; cereal; 2 percent gallon milk; new underwear and socks; pasta; beans. Items can be dropped off at the loading dock on the Liberty Street side of 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 and crisis interviewing who can come on a weekly basis. Groups are needed to serve in the kitchen.

Contact: Chris Resner 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 Cheryl Linder at 704-637-6838, Ext. 108. To make a donation by phone, call Karen Taylor, 704-637-6838, Ext. 100.

All other special donations or questions about needs can be directed to Erica Taylor at (704) 637-6838, Ext. 123.

Website: www.rowanhelpingministries.org

Rowan Museum

202 N. Main St., Salisbury, NC 28144

Purpose: Collect and preserve materials connected to the history of Rowan County. Operates three historic properties: 1815 Utzman-Chambers House on South Jackson Street; 1766 Old Stone House in Granite Quarry; and the museum in the old 1854 courthouse on Main Street.

Needs: Volunteers to work as docents and 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, special projects, the annual antiques show planning and implementation, and 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 the West End Library Project in Cleveland. Contributions can be made by individuals, families, businesses or groups. Legos for a children’s summer reading program are also needed. Cash, checks, and credit or debit donations are accepted. All gifts will be acknowledged in the library’s monthly newsletter. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by federal and state law.

Contact: Jeff Hall, 704-216-8231. To make debit or credit cared donations by phone or request a donation form or envelope, contact Cyndii Owen at 704-216-8240/cynthia.owen@rowancountync.gov or Pam Nance at 704-216-8231/pam.nance@rowancountync.gov

Rowan-Salisbury Schools

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

Needs: Encourage every child to read 20 minutes a day; contribute to the system’s Rowan Partners for Education Fund to support teacher mini-grants; donate books for the summer feeding program; volunteer to read with children at school; attend community exhibitions of student work; write a “thank you” note to a teacher; make positive posts on social media; ensure students get eight hours of sleep per night; encourage students to attend school every school day.

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, clients range in age from 18 to 82. Many have limited external support.

Needs: Toothpaste and toothbrushes; men’s and women’s deodorant; hand sanitizers; compact mirrors; hair combs and brushes; hair trimmers; disposable razors; Q-tips; chapstick; body lotion; hand moisturizer; cosmetic or vanity kits; shampoo and conditioner; adult Depends; tissue; perfume and cologne. Clothing: Men’s and women’s sweatshirts sizes medium to XXXL; men’s crewneck or v-neck T-shirts sizes large to XXXL; new or slightly worn jackets and coats; scarves, toboggans and gloves; dress or athletic socks. Supplies: globes and maps; construction paper; art supplies and craft kits; easels; educational and safety DVDs; elementary basic conversational Spanish DVDs; reading books for first through sixth grades; educational puzzles (Legos); safety and survival signs and games; crayons and markers. Agency needs: two microwave ovens; 27-inch or bigger flat-screen TV; digital camera/recorder; exercise bikes; dormitory-style refrigerator.

Contact: Special projects coordinator Wilson R. Cherry, 704-633-6223, Ext. 113, or 704-467-5909; Executive Director Gary Yelton, 704-633-6223, Ext. 115.

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 older adults.

Needs: Nonperishable food for the food pantry; a laser printer; 1.3-cubic-foot or larger safe; utility carts; 3-foot bookcase; yoga mats; board games; adult coloring books; movie DVDs; digital cameras; 32-inch smart TV; bike rack; iPads for teaching; media cart; outdoor sculpture.

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 Pops at the Post with money raised by a separate board. Also provides teachers for after-school string program and an 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; three computers; money to help purchase donor database and ticketing software; donations to help provide community outreach programs

Contact: 704-216-1513

Website: www.salisburysymphony.org

Salvation Army of Rowan County

620 Bringle Ferry Road or P.O. Box 625, Salisbury, NC

Purpose: Provides a variety of programs and assistance

Office needs: Nonperishable food; coats; socks; monetary donations; new exterior doors; a heating unit; a seal for the walk-in freezer in the outdoor pantry; kitchen renovation to make it commercial grade; 12-passenger Ford Spartan cargo van; ice machine; manila folders; copy paper and office supplies; office desks; book shelves; heavy-duty metal pantry shelves.

Volunteers are also needed to ring the bells for the Red Kettle campaign.

Contact: Capts. Janice and Karl Dahlin, 704-636-6491

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 from 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, 704-798-5955

Smart Start Rowan

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

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

Needs: Monetary donations; diapers; baby wipes; toys; children’s books appropriate for newborn to age 5.

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

Trinity Living Center

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 with supportive services.

Needs: Cereal (whole-grain or enriched like Cheerios, cornflakes, etc.); quick-cooking grits; nonstick cooking spray; sliced cheese; muffin mix (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 by 11 and 8.5 by 14 inches); fine or medium point ink pens; personal wipes; incontinence pads; paper plates and cups; plastic cutlery; quart and gallon plastic bags; disinfectant wipes; tissue; air freshener sprays; dry-erase markers; acrylic paint; colored markers; monetary donations; gift cards; volunteers

Contact: 704-637-3940

Tsunami Development Literacy Program

West End Plaza, 1935 Jake Alexander Blvd. W., Suite 3-C; Salisbury, NC 28147

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: Post-Up chart paper; cursive writing pads; notebook paper; ink pens; pencils; dry-erase markers; earbuds; snacks.

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 through exhibitions, education and outreach programs. In addition to rotating professional exhibits of contemporary art, Waterworks offers studio classes in a variety of media, including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture and pottery.

Needs: Cordless microphone; gift cards for Office Depot, Walmart, Michael’s or Dick Blick Art Supply; gas blower for the outdoor garden; monetary donations for a 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 a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Needs: Members and program participants; volunteers and supporters of the YMCA Annual Campaign.

Contact: Any branch to find out how you can help.

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 Family YMCA, Salisbury Branch, 704-636-0111