Along with the holidays comes the urge—between gratitude and generosity—to appreciate the things we take for granted, and to give to those in need. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some worthy local organizations that could use your help this Thanksgiving and Christmas.
World Relief Durham
World Relief Durham works “with refugees, the church, and community partners to help refugees integrate and thrive in the Triangle.” (801 Gilbert Street, #209, Durham, 919-286-3496)
Donate: Money, furniture, household items, school/employment supplies, and welcome kits.
Durham Rescue Mission
DRM’s mission is “to meet through the power of Jesus Christ the needs of the whole person: spiritual, educational, emotional, physical, social, and vocational, so that those who are hurting may become fully functioning members of society.” (507 East Knox Street, Durham, 919-688-9641)
Donate at Thanksgiving: Buy a Thanksgiving Meal Ticket, donate turkeys and hams (250 of each needed), volunteer for a Thanksgiving Day event (1201 East Main Street or 507 East Knox Street, Durham; Thanksgiving day, noon)
Donate at Christmas: Sponsor a Christmas meal, donate toys, or volunteer for the Toy Give-Away event (December 22 at 1201 East Main Street or 507 East Knox Street)
Book Harvest
Book Harvest believes “that books are a vital tool to help ALL children succeed in school and in life.” (2501 University Drive, Durham, 252-497-2665)
Donate: Money, books, or run a book drive (templates available on Book Harvest’s website)
United Way of the Greater Triangle
United Way’s mission “is to eradicate poverty and increase social mobility through the power of partnerships.” (800 Park Offices Drive, #204, Durham, 919-460-8687)
Donate: Money (donate directly to United Way or contribute to one of the five hundred organizations UWGT funds), or volunteer
Helping Hands Mission
Helping Hands “assists families in need with food, clothing, furniture, and shelter.” (623 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, 919-829-8048; 5713 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, 919-854-2555)
Donate: Money, food, clothing, furniture, toys, volunteer time
Events: Love Baskets Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, November 21, 11:00 a.m., 623 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh), Toy and Food Boxes (Monday, December 24, 1:00 p.m.; 623 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh)
Raleigh Rescue Mission
Raleigh Rescue Mission seeks to transform the “lives of homeless men, women, and children by ministering to their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.” (314 East Hargett Street, Raleigh, 919-828-9014)
Donate: Money, volunteer time
Events: Gobbles to Go 2018 Meal Delivery (Thursday, November 22, 2018, 9:30 a.m. at 314 East Hargett Street, Raleigh), Gobble to Go 2018 Meal Packing (Monday, December 24, 2018, 8:30 a,m. at 314 East Hargett Street, Raleigh)
