Longworth at Large: Plenty of Ways to Give this Holiday Season

By: Jim Longworth

As we celebrate and enjoy this holiday season, let’s not forget that there are people beyond our immediate circle of family and friends who could benefit from our love and generosity. Over the past decade, I’ve been able to showcase scores of community organizations on my “Triad Today” television show, and in the process, I’ve learned that there are several ways we can help these agencies help others. The first is to donate goods. Second is to donate money. And, third is to donate our time. Of course, some nonprofit groups can benefit from all three types of giving. Here, in no particular order, are just a few organizations to which you might lend your support.

Kernersville Foundation

Founded in 1999, the Kernersville Foundation provides financial assistance to non-profit organizations that serve the Kernersville community. Beneficiaries include the Mayor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities, the Kernersville Little Theatre, Kernersville Cares for Kids, and many more. Donations can be made directly online by visiting www.kernersvillefoundation.org

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC

Unfortunately, the Piedmont Triad has one of the worst hunger problems in the nation, and that includes the issue of childhood hunger. To help alleviate the hunger problem, Second Harvest Food Bank distributes food to churches and nonprofit agencies who feed hungry people in an 18 county area. You can write a check directly to the food bank, or you can drop off nonperishable food items at many locations in our area. For more information call (336) 784-5770, or visitwww.hungernwnc.org

Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC

Each year, thousands of people in Northwest NC are served by workforce development programs that are administered by Goodwill. Those programs are supported in part by the clothing and other items we donate, which are then sold at Goodwill retail stores. That means, the more items you donate, the more people who will get back to work. Goodwill also welcomes monetary donations. For more information call (336) 724-3621, or visit www.goodwillnwnc.org.

Crossnore School and Children’s Home

The first Crossnore school was founded in 1913 as a boarding school for disadvantaged children. The Children’s Home, founded in 1909, began as an orphanage and today serves children in residential group foster care. The two organizations merged in January 2017 to serve more children in the Triad and Western NC. The Triad campus is located on Reynolda Road in Winston-Salem. For more information about adoption, to volunteer, or to donate, visit www.crossnore.org or call (336) 721-7600.

Cancer Services, Inc.

Their stated mission is “to enhance the quality of life for those living with cancer, and to provide the gift of life through education.” Their services include patient advocacy, medication and financial assistance, providing equipment and supplies, offering peer support groups, and much more. 90% of funds donated to Cancer Services, Inc. goes directly to providing client services. In addition to money, you can also donate used equipment and supplies. Call (336) 760-9983, or visit www.cancerservicesonline.org

Greensboro Urban Ministry

is on the front lines when it comes to providing emergency assistance. Greensboro Urban Ministry provides homeless families in Guilford County a safe, temporary environment. They also operate a food bank and offer a chaplaincy service. Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve meals, manage shelters, tutor children, and perform a variety of other duties. Monetary donations are also much appreciated. Call (336) 271-5959, or visit www.greensborourbanministry.org

Mountain Valley Hospice

Mountain Valley Hospice is a nonprofit program that serves a 16 county area in North Carolina and Virginia. It provides personalized care for patients at the end of life, as well as comfort to families. Mountain Valley Hospice has six regional offices and operates the Woltz Hospice Home in Mt. Airy and the SECU Hospice Home in Yadkinville. They also specialize in care for terminally ill children and veterans. To give money or inquire about volunteering, call 1-888 789-2922, or visit www.mtnvalleyhospice.org

Petty Family Foundation

NASCAR legend Richard Petty and his family support many charitable organizations and specialized programs, including Paralyzed Veterans of America and Victory Junction Camp, the latter of which provides an uplifting experience for children with severe disabilities and terminal illnesses. To donate or learn more, visit www.pettyfamilyfoundation.org

The P.O.W.E.R. of Play Foundation

Founded by former NFL star Ricky Proehl and his wife Kelly, the Foundation works with at-risk youth, teaching them important life lessons in a structured, sports-centered environment. Daily programs are offered at Proehlific Park in Greensboro, which also offers state-of-the-art athletic facilities for adults. Each year, Ricky also teams with Richard Petty to distribute toys to needy children through their “Santa’s Helpers” campaign. To donate or for more information, call (336) 665-5233, or visitwww.proehlificpark.com

Carolina Donor Services and Red Cross

There can be no greater gift at this holiday season than the gift of life, and that’s why you might consider donating blood and signing a donor card. Either gesture requires only a few minutes of your time, and will almost certainly result in saving someone’s life in the future. You can reach Carolina Donor Services at 1-800 200-2672, or at www.carolinadonorservices.org. You can call the Red Cross at (336) 333-2111, or via the internet at www.gsoredcross.org.

Please remember that your donations of time, money, or goods to area community organizations is vitally important, not just now, but throughout the coming year. It’s also a way for us to expand the circle of people we care about, and that’s something worth celebrating in this season of giving.