DSS Vision: To Be The Best!
Beverly Hinson, Community Resources Office Administrator
Community support is the backbone of our success. Group and individual contributions make it possible for us to assist many persons who would otherwise fall between the cracks. Giving to someone you do not know takes a special kind of caring. Please review our sponsorship programs listed below and call our office today with any questions you may have about how you can help. Please call the Community Resources Office at 704-336-4809 for more specific information on the sponsorship programs below:
Thanksgiving Sponsorship:
- The Thanksgiving Sponsorship program, begins in early October. An individual or group agrees to provide the ingredients necessary for a holiday meal for a family. The sponsor also delivers to the client's home. The sponsor chooses a family based on the number of people in the home, etc. Our office then matches the sponsor with that family. The sponsor works through the human services professional that referred the family for assistance, in order to work out details such as special dietary needs, delivery date/time, etc.
- Sponsors Can Call In Early October To Get On The List To Be Matched With A Family.
- All Matches Are Generally Completed By Mid-November With All Deliveries Completed By The Monday Prior To Thanksgiving Thursday. The sponsorship form should be turned in by early October.
Christmas Sponsorship:
- Christmas sponsorship is very similar to the Thanksgiving program. In addition to the holiday meal, the sponsor also agrees to provide a minimum of one new article of clothing for each child under age 18 living in the home, and one new age-appropriate toy or gift for each person in the home. The sponsor again works with the referring worker to coordinate details once the match has been made.
Interested Sponsors Can Begin To Call In Mid-October And The Majority Of Matches Are Completed By The Second Week Of December. The sponsorship form should be turned in by early November. We welcome donations of new toys, clothing and gift cardsfor all ages, infant through teen, with a concentration on teen gifts and clothing. These are used to meet emergency holiday needs.
Giving Trees Sponsorship:
- Running concurrently with other holiday programs, Giving Trees are another option to be of assistance. Groups wanting to make contributions of new clothing and toys for children can call in and request a list. The group determines the number of items on the list. Lists are available for children and/or adult (frail elderly or handicapped) clients of DSS who have no one to remember them at the holidays.
- Children and youth deliveries are made to our designated Youth and Family Services Toy Shop. All items are distributed by social workers to foster children or others whose circumstances put them out of the range of existing assistance programs. The toys and gifts they receive through this effort are often the only remembrances they get for Christmas. Call Cindy Brady (704-336-7348) or call our Community Resources Office for more information and for the Toy Shop delivery site.
- Gifts for the frail elderly and handicapped will be delivered to: DSS, 301 Billingsley Road, 28211. Call Ginny Harper (704-336-7969) for information on the frail/elderly and handicapped.
Groups interested in Giving Trees need to begin in Mid-October to have sufficient time to shop prior to delivery of donations to our office by early December.
Easter Basket Sponsorship:
- Individual Easter baskets are purchased (or created) by groups and individuals. These filled baskets are delivered to the Community Resources Office at Social Services two weeks prior to the holiday. The baskets will be distributed to the children living in public housing areas served by our social workers. Interested parties should telephone in a commitment 4 to 6 weeks prior to Easter. All donations need to be delivered to the Community Resources Office before the Monday of Good Friday Week.
Children's Summer Camp Sponsorship:
- Children living in public housing areas, or who are homeless, often do not have the opportunity to experience any type of camp. This program accepts monetary donations, which are used to provide children a summer camp experience.
- Day camps sponsored by the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department average $130 per child for a two-week session. Yet for the families of the urban poor, this cost is prohibitive. Most children we assist are referred by community social workers. We also accept donations for full or partial scholarships for children with special needs or handicaps.
- Please telephone in March to make a donation commitment, since camp registration forms must be submitted in April to assure a place for the camper. When making a donation, specify "camp scholarship" in the memo portion of the check or money order. Donations should be made payable to the Mecklenburg County and mailed directly to:
Beverly Hinson, CRO Administrator
Community Resources Office
301 Billingsley Road
Charlotte, NC 28211
Or call our office: 704-336-4809.
Back-To-School Supplies:
- This summertime campaign matches select groups with special families in need of back to school supplies for their children. These families are screened and referred by their social workers. For those who want just to contribute, a school supply collection is also held each year so that we may assist the social workers in meeting the needs of their clients. Sturdy book bags and/or backpacks are needed for all ages and are the most requested item. Other needs include: Alarm clocks, ink pens, rulers, calculators (regular and scientific), 3-ring binders (2 inches), loose leaf paper, composition books, etc. We would be glad to work with you to tailor a drive to your group's needs. Donations of school supplies are needed year round, with a greater need in July and January. Please call the Community Resources Office at 704-336-4809 in July to register to participate.
Other Ways to Volunteer/Year Round Opportunities:
The Community Resources Office coordinates many year round and seasonal events. We invite you to participate with us as a volunteer or a sponsor. Below are brief synopses of our service opportunities. If you have further questions you may telephone our office at 704-336-4809.
Volunteer within Social Services:
Year round opportunities for volunteers range from one time special needs to jobs which need an ongoing commitment. We are very flexible with your weekday schedule, allowing you to work the days and hours that fit your calendar. Openings are available in:
- Senior Citizen's Nutrition Program: Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to seniors throughout the community. You can also volunteer at one of the 22 nutrition sites with meal preparation or serving. There are also programs administered through Senior Nutrition, where planning and administrative volunteers are always needed. Please call Jackie Hubbard (704-336-4877) for more information.
- Faith Community: Volunteer in a team of 3-4 individuals to help seniors and elderly in our In-Home Aid program by assisting them with picking up groceries and prescriptions or providing companionship. Also, if your House of Worship has interest in participating in a Special Project or would like to involve DSS in any of your programs.
- Volunteer at DSS. Office support, clerical assistance, some limited contact with clients and/or their children (toddler through four years old) in the "Tot Lot" and limited "handy man" tasks. The list of needs constantly changes. Please call 704-336-7969 to volunteer.
- Special Projects: Call Beverly Hinson (704-336-4545) to discuss special projects to assist with unmet needs in Mecklenburg communities.
Monetary and Generic Donations:
- Monetary gifts and gift cards (designated or non-designated) can be sent to our office. To assist families in crisis, please make checks payable to Mecklenburg County and mail to:
Beverly Hinson, Administrator
Community Resources Office
301 Billingsley Road
Charlotte, NC 28211
Please click here (make sure you select the BACK button to return to our page) to review our
Please click here to review our Holiday Sponsorship Form.
To learn more about the Community Resources Office, please visit "About Us".
