The Giving Season – Supporting Your Community

The holiday season often inspires folks to give back. So, as you are planning gifts for friends and family, please consider helping out one (or a few) of the many organizations around the Triangle. Whether you are passionate about animals, health, food security, or just general community development, there is an organization out there whose mission may resonate with you.

There are a number of ways you can help local organizations. You can volunteer your time, donate funds, donate items, and/or spread the word about their work! The following organizations are merely a handful of those that serve Durham and the surrounding area.

FAMILIES

The Community Builders, Inc. is a nationwide nonprofit that builds housing for all incomes. The organization manages The Pointes at Downtown Crossing (705 E. Main St.) in Durham, which is a low-income housing development, and they are hosting a coat/winter clothes drive, prioritizing the needs of children first. Staff request that individuals and local organizations donate new or gently used items by November 16 at 12pm. More info on the coat drive can be found HERE. If you do not have items to donate, they have an Amazon wishlist.

Stand Up-Speak Out NC heals through art. The organization provides direct care and outreach advocacy services for families, child survivors, and witnesses of gender based violence by offering holistic therapeutic services through Integrative Art Intervention. SUSO has a number of volunteer positions open if you are able to grant your time and skills.

MATERNAL HEALTH

H.E.A.R.T.S. (Helping Each Adolescent Reach Their Spark) supports adolescent parents to become independent and thriving. The organization aims to fill the gap created by high rates of teen pregnancy and low resources for minority populations. Their LoveBug Closet is a consignment-type store where their program participants can shop with dignity for baby supplies, household items, and personal hygiene products. More information on LoveBug Closet can be found HERE as well as how to donate tangible goods. You can also help via their Amazon wishlist

MAAME, Inc. (Mobilizing African American Mothers through Empowerment) helps birthing people of color navigate the perinatal and postnatal process through a community-driven approach. Their services aim to be culturally-inclusive and affordable. MAAME accepts weekly donations at their 1208 Fayetteville St. office of baby items and postpartum and menstrual supplies, Tuesdays to Fridays, 10am to 1pm.

FOOD

PORCH Durham fights food insecurity by providing groceries to families around the county. One way they collect groceries is through donations. The PORCH model is built on neighborhood food drives with neighborhood coordinators organizing collections and dropoffs. See if your neighborhood already is involved or you can start one in your neighborhood (even just for the holidays)!

NCSU/UNC Pantry Bowl: NCSU and UNC alums in Durham! From November 19 to 26, UNC and NCSU will have a friendly competition to see who can raise the most funds for their respective university food pantries, which assist food insecure students. Learn more HERE about what your donations can do. Even though this competition only counts monetary donations, you can still donate food and hygiene items to Feed the Pack (NCSU’s food pantry) and Carolina Cupboard (UNC’s food pantry).

If you are at Duke, the university also has an on-campus pantry at Smith Warehouse.

Are you involved with an organization that fights against food insecurity? Do you work for a company that often has excess food? The MEANS Database is an online platform that was created to divert food that would otherwise go to landfills and puts it in the hands of local emergency feeding services. Durham is a hub and is expanding! Organizations can sign up to donate or receive food. To learn more about the organization, you can watch their feature on CNN Heroes.

ANIMALS

As many of you are aware, APS (Animal Protection Society) of Durham is a local nonprofit that is contracted to manage and operate the Durham County Animal shelter. Animals are constantly coming in so they are always in need of donations. On ways to help, check out this page which also contains their wishlist. You can even read to the cats!

As for foster-based rescues, Hope Animal Rescue rehabilitates and rehomes dogs across the Triangle. You can often find them with their adoptables at area events and businesses. Like many other nonprofits, they could use your help! One way is fostering, but if you are unable to or do not wish to foster, you can volunteer your time in development, marketing, outreach, admin, or events. Another way to support the rescue is to donate in-kind items, such as those from their wishlist. Follow them on Instagram to see their upcoming events and where you can meet their pups next!

If you are interested in exotic animals, BeWild Reptile Rescue rehomes reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates in addition to conducting educational programming. You can find care guides for common exotic pets on their website if you are interested in keeping these species. They welcome volunteers for their four animal care shifts. And, they also have an item wishlist.

Other rescues you can support:

Independent Animal Rescue
Blind Spot Animal Sanctuary

MUTUAL AID

Changed Paths Durham serves the East Durham community, especially those most vulnerable, such as those facing addiction, homelessness, and food insecurity. The organization addresses immediate, short-term needs, including food, clothing, and Narcan. Every Sunday, Pastor Allen Jones and volunteers serve free meals at 4:30pm at 903 Park Avenue. They are in need of underwear, personal hygiene products, socks, and compostables. See their Amazon wishlist if you wish to donate items.

In North Durham, North Durham Mutual Aid is based on the concept of neighbors helpingneighbors. From food distribution to skill sharing, from community organizing to free markets, NDMA aims to dismantle the unjust dominant system. Check out their Instagram for their upcoming events and the link to become involved.

Remember, whichever organization you wish to support, your time and efforts are valued. Every item donated, every cent donated, every second donated accumulates to create impact in your community.