Enrich Your Summer

By Urban News Staff

Now that summer\’s on its way, many if not most young residents will be spending a lot of time outside looking for fun.

We hope that as they
find lots of free time during school and college vacations they\’ll also
give thought to helping those for whom “summer in the sun” is more of a
memory than a daily plan.

Meals on Wheels, MANNA Food Bank, and many other nonprofit organizations need volunteers throughout the year, including the summer months. Community centers, children\’s tutoring programs, and seniors\’ organizations can always use help. Even bringing fresh flowers to low-income residents in nursing homes is a volunteer activity that brings tears and smiles to the eyes of giver and receiver alike.

Spending some free time to help others is one of the most rewarding and gratifying activities energetic youth can engage in. It creates and builds relationships, establishes intergenerational bonds, trades the energy of the young for the wisdom of the old — in short, it builds community.

Let the summer sun energize you. Look around, see what needs doing, call the United Way or a familiar charity, or ask your religious leader for ideas.

MANNA FoodBank

Distributes food to those in need in Western North Carolina.  For more information contact Karen……………………………………………………………………………………828-299-3663 x232

Day Program for the Elderly

Elder Day Club, Group Respite Program.  Call Alison Gireth…………………..828-253-0701

New Choices/Circle of Hope

Program for single mothers and displaced homemakers.  Provides assistance with goal setting, information, referrals, group support, and counseling………………………………828-254-7206 x113