Countless groups and individuals took the opportunity to get involved as 2025 got rolling. Throughout the cold months, volunteers inspected, organized, and distributed new and gently used items, ensuring our neighbors faced both the winter chill and the warmer, almost spring-like days with dignity and support.
Elliot Davis
Elliot Davis came through with 32 volunteers and opened hearts to serve the community on a frigid morning at the beginning of the month. This group was focused on making the most of their time at Crisis Assistance Ministry. They helped stock the Free Store, hung clothing, and inspected through donations to uphold dignity for our neighbors today. It was a pleasure hosting them and seeing their dedication and impact.
Aramark
This partnership has blossomed into a monthly commitment with new additions to the group each month. Their contagious enthusiasm lifts everyone’s spirits. They were awarded a grant to serve the community during their “annual volunteer events” and identified Crisis Assistance Ministry to receive volunteer service hours. The financial grant enabled the team to distribute brand-new hats, gloves, fitted neck scarves for extreme weather, eight-hour pocket warmers, and chapstick to 350 unhoused neighbors. These winter essentials made the perfect accompaniment to this winter’s pop-up Coat Shopping Days with partner agency Roof Above, where Aramark volunteers served as a personal stylists ensuring each community member received winter gear that was “just right.”
Tokai Carbon
Tokai Carbon team members spent their annual giving event serving individuals at Crisis Assistance Ministry. Their team always goes above and beyond for our neighbors, tackling the most urgent needs with diligence and dedication. They purchased and distributed warm Chick-fil-A breakfast biscuits to families and individuals awaiting assistance, helped unload a Cintas truck FULL of freshly cleaned and repaired coats and then organized and sized the coats to prepare for an event with one of our partner agencies, Roof Above.
Atrium
Atrium is no stranger to Crisis Assistance Ministry’s mission. With shifts throughout the year and their participation in the Partner Agency Shopping Service program, they help improve services for people in Charlotte-Mecklenburg by bringing aid directly to neighborhoods where they are needed most. This winter, the team distributed new personal care products to senior citizens at the West Charlotte Recreation Center.
Last year, Mecklenburg County residents received more than 1.6 million items of clothing, shoes, and household essentials. Nearly every item is touched by one or more volunteers as it makes its way from donor to recipient. Their tireless efforts directly impact the lives of families facing hardship.
On average 125 families seek help here daily, with children under 18 making up 41% of those benefiting from Crisis Assistance Ministry’s stability services.
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.
There are countless volunteer opportunities ranging from Free Store Assistant, Donation Door Attendant, Breakfast Ministry, and Free Store Production. Whether you are a 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 on your own 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.