During the holiday season, it’s time to give

Jason Sandford November 30, 2008

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Loyal reader Tara recently wrote me to ask about local volunteer opportunities. She said she was frustrated because she wasn’t getting calls back from one local shelter she’d contacted, and wanted to know where there might be other opportunities to spend a Thanksgiving volunteering.

I suggested a couple of places, then added that probably the easiest way to get good information was to simply call 211. Here in Western North Carolina, calling 211 hooks you up with folks who have access to great databases of information about local agencies seeking volunteers, as well as information for anyone seeking help from social service agencies.

Tara wrote me back and said she ended up helping local veterans. Great! She said she’d been unaware of the 211 service.

Here’s the Web site for www.211wnc.org. Or just call 211. We’ve got a couple of more holidays coming up, and we have lots of people in our community in need.

That’s my advice. How about you? What do you suggest for ways to help this holiday season?

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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6 Comments

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ashkat December 1, 2008

My first choice is to help the homeless & poor in my own community because I’m more likely to know them and their needs. I like to make/keep contact and want to help them develop a support system. I’m lucky to live where many of us don’t want to exclude neigbors on the basis of financial status. Sharing can mean inviting someone to a holiday dinner to avoid loneliness or giving them a goody basket to cook for their family. The list is so long—rides, clothing, babysitting, helping children join in sports & other activities many children take as a birthright….

Love your sleeping Santa.

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From across the road December 1, 2008

I knew that picture was from Carter street. But we have to remember that even when beds are available at the missions some choose to sleep outside.

Yes there are truly to many homeless in this area. But they continue to get the short end of the stick because of greedy vagrants and panhandlers. We need stricter city rules so that real homeless people get the help they need.

Please give to the homeless and give plenty they really need it.

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Ash December 1, 2008

Cake, thank you for that information!

Sleepless, you’re welcome. Yes, the photo above is from my archives. I shot it last year in the Carter Street parking lot in downtown Asheville.

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Sleepless in Paris Hilton of the South December 1, 2008

Thank you for telling readers about the 211 system, one of the best things done by Buncombe County Commissioners (with United Way and others).
By the way, is the sleeping Santa a local photo?

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Cake December 1, 2008

My family always buys Christmas for 2 boys in a local orphanage. My father and his brother grew up in Grandfather Home in Banner Elk and so I like to give back, just as some nice folks gave to them over the years.
The Presbyterian Home in Black Mounatin on Lake Eden Rd and Eliada Home off Leicester hwy are two wonderful opportunities to give.
The Battered women’s shelter Helpmate can use items throughout the year because 99% of the time they leave their home with not even a hairbrush, toothbrush or toiletries.

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