May 10, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com FROM THE COVERI
“Following Jesus not only with moved hearts, means learning to come out of ourselves … in order to meet others, in order to go toward the edges of our existence, to take the first steps towards our brothers and sisters, especially those who are farthest from us, those who are forgotten, those who need understanding, consolation and assistance.” — Pope Francis, general audience of March 24, 2013
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How You Can Get Involved Pray Please remember the volunteers, staff, clients and supporters of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte in your prayers.
Donate online Make a secure one-time or recurring donation at www.ccdoc.org.
Donate by mail Please send donations to: Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, attention: Administration Office, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203-4003.
Donate grocery items Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte operates food pantries in Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Salem. Donations of grocery items (food and non-food items like toiletries, laundry detergent, paper products) are always welcome. Check the food pantry operating hours online at www.ccdoc.org, or call ahead to schedule your drop-off (828-255-0146 in Asheville, 704-370-3232 in Charlotte, 336-727-0705 in Winston-Salem). Items most requested by clients are canned fruit; juice, tea and coffee; rice; spaghetti sauce and pasta; and canned tuna. Donations of kid-friendly microwavable foods are particularly welcome during the summer months, when school meals are not being provided.
Donate furniture and household items Refugees often arrive in this country with few material possessions. Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte depends on donations of gently used furniture and household items to prepare a comfortable, welcoming home for newly arriving families. Donated items must be clean and in good repair. Needs include: dining tables and chairs, bed and bath linens, dishes, sofas, tables, beds (queen, full or twin), dressers, cooking utensils, blankets and lamps. Pick-up available. Call 704-370-3283.
Donate stocks or securities Gifts of stock may be made via electronic transfer or by physical certificate. The Diocese of Charlotte maintains a brokerage account with Wells Fargo Advisors for the purpose of processing electronic transfers to the Diocese for the benefit of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. Contact Katie Creighton at kmcreighton@ charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3372.
Donate vehicles Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte partners with Charitable Auto Resources on vehicle donations. Call toll free 855-930-GIVE (4483) or go online to www.donatingiseasy.org.
Consider planned giving Photos provided by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte
A translator works with refugee children in Charlotte in this 1984 archive photo.
Consider a gift for Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte in your estate planning. Contact Judy Smith, diocesan director of planned giving, at 704-370-3320 or jmsmith@charlottediocese.org.
Volunteer: Opportunities available in Asheville, Charlotte or Winston-Salem
(Above) Montagnard refugees enjoy Thanksgiving at the St. Pius X Parish rectory in Greensboro in 1986. (Left) In this 1982 archive photo, volunteers assist at a Charlotte area clothing pantry.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte welcomes volunteers in the Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Salem areas to donate their time and talent to help neighbors in need – from food pantry and office reception help, to mentoring refugee youths and planning events for seniors. For a complete list of opportunities, visit www.ccdoc.org. Here are a few ideas to get you started: n Asheville: Help is needed in the food pantry with stocking shelves, packing and distributing food, or organizing local food drives. In the clothing closet, help is needed in sorting clothing donations or organizing clothing drives. Bilingual volunteers are also needed to help in greeting clients and answering the phone. People are also needed to help teach Russian-speaking refugees English to prepare them for employment and for citizenship. (You do not need to speak Russian.) n Charlotte: Help is needed in the food pantry with stocking shelves, packing and distributing food, or organizing local food drives. Help collecting donated furniture and household items for incoming refugees, organize a donation drive and furnish an apartment for an incoming refugee family, or mentor incoming refugee children to help them acclimate to their new home. Volunteers are also needed with the refugee youth afterschool program, particularly Girl Scout troop leaders. n Winston-Salem: Help is needed in the food pantry with stocking shelves, packing and distributing food, organizing local food drives or shopping to stock the pantry from the office’s needs list. Bilingual volunteers are also needed to help in greeting clients and answering the phone. In the Wee Care Shoppe, meet with clients and help them “shop” for their baby needs.