Community Needs and Ongoing Programs
Community Needs and Ongoing Programs
- Do you love plants? Then you are perfect for the NC State Extension Master Gardener program. Under the guidance and direction of Extension agents, individuals complete a 40-hour training program, pass an examination, and complete at least a 40-hour internship. The wealth of information you learn is immense and the skill set is rewarding. Visit Become a Volunteer on the NC State Extension website or contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension Center to learn how you can join the Extension Master Gardener program.
- The Helping Hand Clinic which provides services to the uninsured and low-income residents of Lee County, desperately needs your help to keep the doors of the clinic open. Please consider donating now as an investment in the health of the community. The clinic is grateful for all the donations it has received, but the clinic’s circumstances are dire. Send checks to the Helping Hand Clinic at 507 North Steele Street Sanford 27330.
- Highway to Healing is a group of volunteers who help Lee County cancer patients by driving them to and from cancer treatment appointments. Free transportation is provided to cancer patients so that they can attend doctor appointments or receive treatment. There is no cost to the patient for this service–Lee County people helping Lee County people. Call 919-774-8940 to schedule transportation.
- Highway to Healing is a group of volunteers who help Lee County cancer patients by driving them to and from cancer treatment appointments. Are you interested in volunteering? Volunteers are asked to make one trip per month but may drive as often as their schedule allows. Volunteers pick their destinations and are compensated for gas through cooperation with local gas stations. Call 919-774-8940 to find out how you can help cancer patients in Lee County.
- If you walk into the fellowship hall of Pocket Presbyterian Church between eight and noon on any given Tuesday, you’ll hear the whir of sewing machines. A small but dedicated group of women get together to sew every week. Using donated fabric, they sew garments for children in impoverished countries. The women’s operation takes over the whole room! If you are interested in joining the “Sewing Sisters Group” call Zelda at 919-776-3767.
- Meals on Wheels of Sanford is designed to serve residents within the city limits who live alone or who are unable to go to the grocery store or are unable to cook for themselves. People who are recovering from surgery, handicapped or other physical limitations would also qualify. The meals are prepared at Central Carolina Hospital honoring special diet requests. Recipients are asked to pay what the hospital charges Meals on Wheels. If you are unable to pay this amount, the difference is subsidized with funds from volunteer donations.
- All Lee County veterans are encouraged to house their military discharge papers in the Lee County Court House Register of Deeds’ vault. This service has been arranged by the Lee County Veterans Council.
- For Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption to exist the organization must have a strong core of volunteers. CARA operates mostly with volunteers, relying on the commitment of dedicated animal lovers. If you would like to help, register as a volunteer via their website.
- The Christian United Outreach Center of Lee County’s Food Pantry has seen an increase of clients, so continued donations of food items, financial support, volunteer service and prayers are requested. There is a list on their website of needed food pantry items.
- The Moore Free & Charitable Clinic seeks to create a healthy community by providing health care to the uninsured. The organization is always looking for volunteers in the healthcare and administrative fields. The hours are flexible, and the personal fulfillment that comes from helping your neighbors is great! Check out their website for additional details about volunteering.
- The Moore Humane Society’s mission is to ensure that all animals are treated with compassion and respect and to end euthanasia as a means of controlling pet overpopulation in the community. Private donations are the organizations only source of income and the ability to rescue homeless animals in need depends entirely on the compassion and generosity of members. Needed support will help save the lives of Moore animals.
- The Bread Basket of Sanford is dedicated to serving the hungry in the surrounding community. The charitable organization cannot accept financial donations at its physical location. Mail your donation to P O Box 912 Sanford 27331.
- At Habitat for Humanity, it is believed that everyone deserves a safe, decent, and affordable home. The goal is to work together to build homes and help families succeed in their homeownership journey. Volunteers are the lifeblood of Habitat for Humanity. There is work that continues beyond the construction site. Habitat volunteers are active at the office, they assist the ReStore staff, they serve on committees, and they are engaged in various community revitalization projects. Interested? Contact a local Habitat for Humanity affiliation.
- Partnership for Children & Families believes that all children, youth, and families should thrive in safe, stable, and nurturing environments. One of their thirteen programs is The Happy Bottoms Bank which helps babies and women with necessities. If you are able to donate needed items, there are three donation sites – The Partnership office on Steele Street, Books at a Steal, and Lee County Library. A small gesture can bring a big change.
- Are you looking for a volunteering opportunity? The American Red Cross needs volunteers. The most needed positions are Blood Donor Ambassador, Blood Transportation Specialist, Disaster Action Team, Shelter Services and Disaster Health Services Team. 90% of the Red Cross workforce are volunteers. Access their website to start your volunteer journey.