October was a remarkable month at Crisis Assistance Ministry, showcasing the genuine compassion and commitment of groups from the education sector. From elementary schools to special education academies and youth missions, these devoted volunteers demonstrated the immense impact that students and educators have when they step up to serve their Mecklenburg community.
Interestingly, this theme of students giving back was entirely unscheduled—it just so happened that many groups connected to the education industry chose October to volunteer! This wonderful coincidence reminds us that investing time and energy is one of the most effective ways we can help provide critical assistance to our neighbors experiencing a financial crisis. Here’s a roundup of the inspiring work that made October so special:
CROSS Missions
We last saw the enthusiasm of CROSS Missions over the summer, when 226 youth volunteers contributed an astounding 607 hours. It was a pleasure to have them back so soon in October, returning with that same fierce energy and sense of purpose! Their consistent presence is clear evidence of their commitment to service. While inspecting donations or assisting in the warehouse, they listened to today’s top artist playlist, helping set an atmosphere of fun and excitement and the passion to give back. Their energy ensures we can keep pace with the needs of our community, offering a vital “hand up” to families working toward stability.
Charlotte Christian School Elementary Excellence
What a productive day! The fourth-grade volunteers from Charlotte Christian School brought two groups to serve throughout the day. This fantastic team was able to help set up the Free Store, inspect and prepare donated goods, and hang items for our community. It’s always great to see the amazing work an efficient team can accomplish in such a quick turnaround time.
The students collaborated with their peers and learned valuable skills while giving back to their community, earning a sense of pride in their accomplishments. Their willingness to jump into task-oriented projects helps us continue to preserve dignity by keeping our shelves stocked with essential goods.
Phillips Academy’s Decade of Loyalty
We have to say it: WE LOVE PHILIPS ACADEMY!
Phillips Academy has been a steady, shining volunteer partner for more than 10 years, bringing multiple classes throughout each school year. Their students truly excel in task-oriented projects and have an exceptional attention to detail. This October, they helped move a special holiday project forward in a big way! This amazing crew stuffed 200 holiday stockings with brand-new PlayStation and Xbox games and are currently working on assembling 200 bracelets in our signature colors to include with the stockings for children in our community. Their continued loyalty helps brighten the futures of local children.
Our Community Connection with St. Gabriel’s Catholic School
The strength of the Mecklenburg community was on full display with the generous donation from St. Gabriel. Student Council members collected and delivered 200 new Halloween costumes. This thoughtful contribution provided many Mecklenburg County neighbors with costumes free of charge when they shopped our Free Store.
Join Us in November
These student volunteers are charting a path for the future, demonstrating that compassion is a compelling engine for change. Their time and commitment are invaluable in helping our neighbors stabilize their housing, have access to basic necessities, and chart a path toward financial stability.
Now it’s your turn. Consider this a clear invitation to your group—whether a corporate team, a faith-based community, or another organization—to get involved. We need helping hands every day.
Check out our volunteer portal and grab a spot (or 10) for your next student building volunteer event!