By David Inabinett
At the start of 2020, no one could have predicted that the entire world would be in the midst of a global pandemic. Nine months later with mass layoffs, major brands, and companies going out of business, and new rules for interacting socially, there are a lot of things that are uncertain. One thing that is certain is that our community needs our help more than ever.
As a law firm, we are committed to championing organizations that uplift and strengthen our local community. To continue doing our part, here are some organizations that we support and that we encourage you to consider supporting also.
The Arc of Davidson County is a local chapter of The Arc of North Carolina and The Arc of the United States. It was founded in 1964 with a goal to “Secure for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to choose and realize their goals of where and how they learn, live, work and play.”
For over 50 years, The Arc of Davidson County has helped countless individuals, families, and organizations improve the lives of those with disabilities.
Big Toy Day was canceled this year, and Communities in Schools of Lexington/Davidson County was negatively impacted. The community-based organization provides much-needed programs that offer one-on-one support, mentoring, and a variety of initiatives that help at-risk youth with basic needs in our community. Communities in Schools operates in 24 schools across Davidson County and Lexington City School Districts. Now that North Carolina K-12 students are attending school at home or in a hybrid fashion, it is the perfect time to become a mentor to a child in need.
Greensboro Urban Ministry prides itself in serving the residents of Greensboro. The organization helps and supports community-based initiatives that may provide housing, food, counseling, and other services people may need.
To meet the needs of the homeless population, the Greensboro Urban Ministry partners also collaborates with organizations like Partners Ending Homelessness, The North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness, and The National Alliance to End Homelessness.
Providing public services for the youth, adult, and seniors, the J. Smith Young YMCA is a 70+ year staple in Davidson County. The local YMCA promotes a variety of programs that inspire, encourage and uplift individuals, and has been the go-to agency for preparation and delivery of much needed meals to school children during the pandemic and the provision of child-care during remote learning while schools have operated under a state of emergency.
While fundraising and donations may be a major part in keeping the YMCA operational, volunteering is just as important. Whether its once week or once a month, volunteers can play a big role in the lives of YMCA members. Your time and energy have no cost or value.
Lauren’s Ladder is a non-profit that honors the life of Lauren Cecil whose life was sadly cut short in 2013. Created by Lori and Keith Cecil, Lauren’s Ladder mission “Supports organizations and activities that contribute to the educational, emotional, physical, social and spiritual growth of children.”
Lauren’s love and light will forever live on through the individuals the organization continues to help.
Lexington Downtown Lion’s Club
Chartered in 1972, the Lexington Lions Club dedicates its membership “To serving our community and meeting the needs of the visually and hearing impaired on a local, state and national level.”
Every year the club participates in the Dave Conrad Memorial Golf Tournament. Funds raised from this event go towards:
- Sponsoring visually impaired persons for Camp Dogwood and the VIP Fishing Tournament.
- Providing eye exams and glasses for the visually impaired in Lexington.
Lexington Sportsmen’s Saturday
Sportsmen’s Saturday, the primary fundraising event hosted by the Wake Forest Baptist Health- Lexington Medical Center Foundation may be cancelled this year, but that does not mean your support has to be. The. The annual event raises funds to support the Medical Center and its efforts to remain competitive and prepared to serve our community in the 21st century. For the 10th anniversary in 2019, the Foundation donated funds for a state-of-the-art surgical center that opened its doors in September of that same year.
As a nonprofit, Pastors Pantry is a food bank that helps provide food and groceries to seniors and persons who are dealing with food insecurity. Having access to nutritional food is not a privilege, it is a necessity and our region is one of the most food-insecure.
According to Pastor’s Pantry, an average of 5,000 bags of groceries are distributed each month. With your donations, you can help alleviate some of the financial stress and stigma around individuals needing help.
The Life Center of Davidson County
The Life Center of Davidson County provides quality care for older and impaired adults. The organization paused services in March for seven weeks during the pandemic to develop a plan to safely serve one of the highest at-risk populations. On May 4, 2020, The Life Center reopened with additional safety protocols that allow them to remain the “home away from home” their clients and caregivers have come to expect.
There are so many great causes we can’t include them all, but others to consider are”
- United Way of Davidson County
- Davis-Townsend Lions Club
- EnergyUnited Foundation
- Davidson County Medical Ministries
- Senior Compassion Foundation
- Davidson County Senior Services
- Kiwanis Club of Lexington
- NCServes
- Path of Hope
- Women’s Resource Center of Greensboro
Shopping through your local small business is another great way to lend a helping hand to those who live, work, raise families and support our community. It is so easy to order everything online; whatever you need can be yours with just a click. However, before you place that order in your shopping cart think about the small businesses in your area that you can help support. It does not have to be a grand gesture. It can be as simple as buying a cup of coffee or lunch at your local coffee shop, or purchasing that unique gift, or do-it-yourself hardware item for your home or yard from the business down the street. Those local businesses and professional firms that provide other essential services also welcome your support.
You can do your part and help the small businesses in your community.
Brinkley Walser Stoner attorneys are here to help with your legal needs; schedule your appointment today to speak with one of our experienced attorneys.