Charlotte’s Generosity Shines Brightly This Holiday Season

News Summary

The Charlotte community is exemplifying the holiday spirit through the annual Empty Stocking Fund campaign, raising over $82,000 to support local families in need. Notable donations have come from residents like Michael Peterson and Noah Lazes, who contributed in memory of loved ones. With the Salvation Army’s Christmas Center serving thousands of children, community efforts like the Magical Toy Drive underscore the importance of giving back during this festive season. Volunteers are rallying to ensure that every child experiences joy, proving that in Charlotte, nobody should ever have an empty stocking.

Charlotte’s Generosity Shines Brightly This Holiday Season

The holiday spirit is alive and well in Charlotte, as the community comes together to support families in need through the annual Empty Stocking Fund campaign. Since approximately 1920, this initiative has been a cherished tradition, with all contributions funneled directly to the Salvation Army’s Christmas Bureau. This year, the campaign is seeing a remarkable response, with a year-to-date total of $82,016 raised to benefit local families.

Community Contributions Make a Difference

In the latest round of donations for the 2024 campaign, generous supporters raised $11,178, showcasing how the Charlotte community steps up during the holiday season. Noteworthy contributions include Michael Peterson and Noah Lazes, each contributing $2,500, with Noah’s donation made in loving memory of Emily Jennifer Lazes. Other donors like Doris Parsell, Kenneth Roerden, and Robert Brink have also made significant contributions, highlighting the deep sense of community and commitment to helping those less fortunate during this festive time.

For those looking to get involved, donations can be made easily online at EmptyStockingFundCLT.org or by mailing checks to The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte.

A Season of Giving at the Christmas Center

The 2024 Salvation Army Christmas Center at 4444 South Boulevard in Charlotte boasts an impressive 55,000 square feet of space, dedicated to providing toys for about 7,000 children between the ages of 0-12 this Christmas. The demand for toys is reaching new heights this year, as many families face hardships due to job loss and health challenges.

Supporting this mission is the Magical Toy Drive, now in its 24th year, showcasing the unwavering dedication of partners who work tirelessly to bring joy to children during the holidays. With nearly 15,000 children across the region set to be served, the importance of community involvement cannot be overstated.

Volunteer Spirit Lights the Way

This year, about 1,500 volunteers are gearing up to assist in collecting, sorting, and packing the toys. Donations of new, unwrapped toys are currently being accepted at the Belk Department Store parking lot at Carolina Place Mall on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., making it convenient for Charlotteans to contribute to this worthy cause.

Additionally, the Angel Tree program aims to provide gifts for 1,627 families, totaling 3,850 children in Mecklenburg and Union counties. The Angel Tree initiative also extends aid to seniors, offering gift cards to 1,261 seniors and 277 individuals with disabilities, ensuring that no one is left out this holiday season.

Heartfelt Stories from the Community

Local residents, such as Brandis Mitchell, serve as poignant reminders of why these initiatives matter. As a single parent who has experienced financial difficulties, Brandis and her children will benefit from the gifts of clothing and toys made possible through donations. Their connection to the Salvation Army extends beyond just receiving assistance; the Mitchell family is actively involved in community outreach, participating in special meals for seniors and promoting a spirit of giving back.

As they prepare to celebrate both Christmas and Kwanzaa, the Mitchell family emphasizes values such as community, kindness, and the importance of helping others in need.

A Community Makes the Holidays Brighter

In the spirit of the holidays, the Empty Stocking Fund campaign continues to bring hope and joy to countless families in Charlotte. With contributions from generous donors, tireless volunteers, and community involvement, this season promises more than just gifts; it’s about making lasting connections and uplifting those in need. As residents rally together to ensure that every child experiences the excitement of the season, the message is clear: in Charlotte, nobody should ever have an empty stocking.