With Charlotte waking up to frost clinging to windshields, dew clinging to grass, and a hint of snow dusting the sidewalks for the first time in years, last week was a stark reminder that some of our neighbors struggle to stay warm. Thankfully, December brought hundreds of volunteers who shared their time with Crisis Assistance Ministry to ensure Charlotte-Mecklenburg families have the essentials to stay warm and stabilize their housing through the cold winter months.
During the final days of 2024, the community also celebrated the annual WSOC TV 9 Coats for Kids Collection Day, formerly Steve’s Coats. This annual event collects thousands of warm coats from caring community members for distribution, free of charge, to families throughout the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region. Each year volunteers sort, organize, and distribute new and lightly used donated coats to protect our neighbors from the winter chill on cold drafty days.
True Homes Celebrates Annual US Day
Since 2018, True Homes has celebrate “US Day” by giving back to families served here. Their team consistently impresses our neighbors with their diligence—ready to work and serve the community in the most urgent and meaningful ways.
This year, there were familiar faces and new additions to the team. This group really came through for families served at Crisis Assistance Ministry by taking coats off the U-Haul truck, consolidating and sizing them, and even helping unload a surprise truck that delivered 602 larger-sized coats from WSOC TV 9 Coats for Kids Collection Day.
“It’s always a pleasure to serve alongside you and your staff. Thank you for creating an engaging and welcoming environment for our associates to serve,” said Jake Kennedy, Builders Bridge Program Director. True Homes volunteers were exceptional and clearly enjoyed their experience helping their neighbors.
First Presbyterian Church Brings Warmth
First Presbyterian Church is no stranger to Crisis Assistance Ministry’s mission. With monthly shifts throughout the year, this group also joined in the efforts to keep Charlotte-Mecklenburg families warm. Volunteering in Free Store Production, they helped inspect and organize the coats collected at WSOC TV 9 Coats for Kids Collection Day. Their help ensured families could access warm coats in the store and Partner Agencies could pick up batches of coats for neighbors they serve. First Pres volunteers even helped prepare for “pop up shops” serving individuals through partner Roof Above.
At Crisis Assistance Ministry, there are countless volunteer opportunities ranging from Free Store Assistant, Donation Door Attendant, Breakfast Ministry, and Free Store Production. On average 120 families seek help here daily, with children under 18 making up 41% of those benefiting from Crisis Assistance Ministry’s stability services. In Mecklenburg County residents receive more than 1.6 million items, free of charge, annually. Nearly every item is touched by one or more volunteers as it makes its way from donor to recipient.
Their tireless efforts, whether sorting coats for WSOC TV 9 Coats for Kids or assisting in Free Store Production, directly impact the lives of families facing hardship. By providing essential resources and support, volunteers empower individuals and families to overcome challenges and build a brighter future.
How You Can Help
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Crisis Assistance Ministry. They pour their hearts and souls into supporting programs that provide essential assistance to families facing hardship, empower our neighbors to build a brighter future, and encourage a community that truly understands the challenges of financial stability. Whether you are seasoned pro or just starting your volunteer journey, Crisis Assistance Ministry invites you to join in supporting our neighbors in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
Gather a group of friends, colleagues, or neighbors and sign up to volunteer together. Or, if you prefer, come alone and be warmly welcomed by our team.
The mission of Crisis Assistance Ministry is to help and advocate for people in financial crisis, helping them move toward self-sufficiency.