While the winter holidays bring enough donations to overflow the shelves, the summer months can be challenging. The weather is better, people are focused on taking a break from work or school and leaving town on vacations. Share Charlotte recognized this challenge faced by nonprofits and created SummerShare to help promote the idea of giving NEED a vacation. July 10-21 is a time when the Charlotte community is encouraged to donate inkind items to nonprofits.
Our #1 item of need this summer is backpacks. Almost everyone we serve has to carry many personal items with them at all times as they do not have a secure place to store their belongings. Plastic bags are good for short stints, but backpacks are needed for the long haul. And even then, the heavy use by our homeless neighbors requires frequent replacements. You can see Marcus’s backpack in the video.
In addition, our Outreach team is short on sleeping bags and tents in the summer. In the winter, the need is obvious and the community responds appropriately, but the need persists throughout the year; and tents still provide cover from the elements, bugs or critters, and sleeping bags offer comfort for sleeping.
Backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, items to help with showers or laundry—you can find them all on our ShareCharlotte Wishlist or our Amazon Wishlist. These are both easy ways to send exactly what is needed. In addition, we welcome donations on our agency wishlist brought to Urban Ministry Center (945 N College St) – hygiene items should be new, but backpacks, tents, sleeping bags can be new or gently used. Any questions, just email me at tfries@urbanministrycenter.org. We can use your help to #GiveNeedAVacay!
