The John Avery Boys and Girls Club is a safe place for kids, a positive place for kids. Parents have peace of mind knowing that their children are well supervised, playing and learning in the club's afterschool or summer programs. For many working families, traditional child care is not affordable. The club plays a vital role in building good citizens and enriching young lives. www.johnavery.org
Meals on Wheels of Wake County provides a hot lunch and so much more. Serving almost 1,500 meals daily, this organization reaches out to our frailest, homebound citizens, reducing isolation and improving their quality of life. But as food prices continue to rise, that enormous task is becoming more and more difficult. Find out how you can help at www.wakemow.org
From warm clothing to job skills, The Raleigh Rescue Mission rebuilds broken lives. While the Mission provides shelter, meals and training for men, women and children, most of the clients are single moms and their kids who have become homeless in this difficult economy. www.raleigh-rescue.org
The Salvation Army provides emergency food, rent and utility bill assistance for families who find themselves living on the edge. In just a year, requests for this kind of help have doubled. Meanwhile, donations are down more than a million dollars creating a perfect storm of need. www.salvationarmycarolinas.org
The Tammy Lynn Center for Developmental Disabilities is a loving, supportive environment for children and adults with special needs. From early intervention, to education and residential care, the center is a lifeline for clients and their families. But this vital mission would not be possible without volunteers, donations and community support. www.tammylynncenter.org
Fayetteville Cares is a community initiative that supplies support to our troops and their families at a time when they can feel very alone—before, during and after a long deployment. You can help ease the pain of separation and the stresses of service with a donation of time, goods or money. www.fayettevillecares.org
