How to keep the holiday spirit and help Wilmington-area charities throughout the year

Cheryl M. Whitaker, Wilmington StarNews
·4 min read
The Good Shepherd Center at 811 Martin Street in Wilmington is one of many local nonprofits helping the community throughout the year.
The Good Shepherd Center at 811 Martin Street in Wilmington is one of many local nonprofits helping the community throughout the year.

Most people are cheerful and in a giving mood during the holidays and don't mind donating or volunteering to nonprofits. But when the holidays are over local charities are still asked to help those in need of food, clothing, shelter and more.

Here are just a few of the many local nonprofits that the community can still lend a helping hand to beyond the holidays.

Email Cheryl.Whitaker@StarNewsOnline.com if you have a charity organization you'd like to spotlight.

Good Shepherd Center

The Good Shepherd Center is collecting new toiletries to support its Day and Night Shelters. These toiletries are particularly the most needed ― deodorant, razors, and travel size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion.

New scarves, hats, gloves, sweatshirts, and hoodies in all sizes are needed for adults that the center served who are experiencing homelessness.

Monetary donation is always needed. Donations support Good Shepherd mission to feed, shelter, and most importantly to rehouse men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. Donate at: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=Q2C6H4F6KGFPW.

Donations can be dropped off between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday-Friday at 811 Martin St., Wilmington.

Rick Stoker, CEO of First Fruit Ministries, checks in on members of the homeless community in front of the library in downtown Wilmington in 2021.
Rick Stoker, CEO of First Fruit Ministries, checks in on members of the homeless community in front of the library in downtown Wilmington in 2021.

First Fruit Ministries

First Fruit Ministries is asking the community to help its organization to help them serve the homeless community. The nonprofit needs warm coats, blankets, sleeping bags, tents, tarps, towels and toiletries. First Fruit Ministries also is in need of fresh and nonperishable food on an ongoing basis to distribute through its food pantry. Donations can be dropped off at 2750 Vance St., Wilmington.

More: A Brunswick nonprofit that began with a simple need now serves more than 600 children

Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Wilmington

The agency, which serves an average of 1,300 clients a year, is always in need of small-increment gift cards from establishments such as gas stations, fast food restaurants (preferably those open late), grocery stores, Walmart, and Target.

The agency accept donations of new clothes and new toys for all ages, hygiene products and nonperishable food.

The agency is able to receive gently used clothing at its three Vintage Values store locations in Wilmington ― 609 Castle St., 413 S. College Road and 5226 S. College Road (Monkey Junction).

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army works with the homeless and is always in need of the following items: Blankets, gloves, coats, jackets, sweaters and socks.

The Salvation Army also help others in need with food, rent or paying utility bills, so the nonprofit is asking for nonperishable food and monetary donations. Its thrift stores remain open throughout the year for used clothing and other donations.

Pender County Humane Society

No matter what time of the year, Pender County Humane Society always needs volunteers for its shelter, For Our Furry Friends Thrift Store, and to work on the Pender County Humane Society board committees.

  • Shelter: Volunteers (preferably over 18, with transportation) for mornings and weekends to walk the dogs, clean kennels, clean litter boxes, and perform miscellaneous duties.

  • Thrift store: Volunteers are needed for morning and weekends to work in the warehouse and be able to lift 40 pounds, assist people dropping off donations, stocking warehouse shelves, and working with the staff to arrange displays, and restocking retail shelves.

More: A 'no-kill' shelter in Pender County goes thrifting to help stay afloat

  • Board of directors. People are needed to work on committees to support Pender County Human Society ongoing fundraising and public awareness efforts. Also, people who can work on, and possible chair, fundraising, social media, finance and marketing committees. Volunteers also are needed to work on fundraising events throughout the year, support the cleanups of the shelter (twice a year), and any other emerging events or situations.

Weekend Meals on Wheels

Weekend Meals on Wheels prepare and deliver meals on Saturday and Sunday mornings to homebound seniors in New Hanover County. Volunteers can select one Saturday or Sunday a month. The program needs volunteers to deliver the meals and also volunteers willing to prepare 10-12 meals from their home once a month.

Weekend Meals on Wheels also provide meals for the entire weekday program to the Senior Resource Center while it is closed for the holidays. Assistance with meals delivery is needed on Sunday, Dec. 24, Christmas (Monday, Dec. 25) and Tuesday, Dec. 26.

To volunteer, please call 910-612-0676.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: How to help charities throughout the year in Wilmington NC