Since 1939, the Vision Resource Center in Fayetteville has worked to enrich the lives of blind and visually impaired residents, a community that staff say often feels overlooked.
"It's going to give us the tools and the opportunity to offer our community more and to offer them the experiences they've been wanting to do for so long," said Maureen Pacheco, community outreach and engagement specialist at the center.
The Vision Resource Center is the only facility of its kind in Cumberland County and serves more than 250 people, many on limited incomes. Pacheco said the center focuses on building independence, reducing isolation, and improving members' confidence and wellness.
"We have different tools and resources that we get by donations that we can offer to our community," she said. "We also have our social worker who helps them with any questions about how to navigate blindness."
The center offers a variety of programs, including a walking trail and indoor exercise equipment to help participants stay active. Pacheco said additional donations could fund new programs designed to further enhance their quality of life.
Across town, the Fayetteville & Cumberland County Youth Club is also preparing for GivingTuesday with the hope of expanding services for local children.
"It's important that we keep our children off the street, and these programs help them to become better adults," said Melinda Dancy, the club's administrative director.
For more than 48 years, the youth club has provided a safe learning space for more than 50 children in the community. The nonprofit offers tutoring, mentorship, healthy snacks, and other programs designed to inspire confidence and create a sense of belonging.
Click here to see a full list of organizations you can support on #GivingTuesday
"They help them with homework, they offer them healthy snacks," Dancy said. "They bring in tutors to help children with certain things that they may need."
Dancy said GivingTuesday donations will support program costs and help purchase supplies such as sports equipment, art materials, and nutritious foods. Funds will also assist with transportation and staffing.
"The money that we collect will go toward many of the programs," she said. "It will also help us maintain the vans that we put the children on and take care of our payroll for the people that we hire."
Residents can make donations to both organizations in person or online.
SEE ALSO | What is GivingTuesday? How to donate on the annual day of charitable giving
Click here to see a full list of organizations you can support on #GivingTuesday