As North Carolina moves into Phase 1, our first step in returning to a ‘normal’ routine, the focus remains on social distancing and not leaving your home unless deemed necessary. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a major decline of one important element of our community – volunteering.
Legion Brewing remains focused on the community and is safely providing a way for our neighbors to donate items during a three-week Donation Drive, shining light on a different local non-profit each week. Week 1, starting on Monday, May 11th, will focus on the people experiencing homelessness by supporting two local non-profits, Urban Ministry Center & Hope Vibes.
Legion has provided a shopping list of high-demand items on their Instagram and Facebook pages. These include items easily found at your local grocery store, on Amazon or unused items that can be found in your own home such as deodorant, foot powder or toothbrushes. These resources are vital and help to provide cleanliness, hope and dignity back to those less fortunate.
Legion is offering Curbside Drop Off points happening at both Plaza Midwood and SouthPark taprooms every Monday - Saturday during current open location hours. Our team stationed outside of the taprooms will be taking all necessary precautions, including hand sanitization, masks and gloves. Depending on your comfort level during this time, you may drop off items directly inside our taprooms, at our donation tents outside, or ask a Legion team member to provide you with contact-less drop off by gathering donated items directly from your trunk. You may also shop from the safety of your home by ordering from our Amazon Wish List at a.co/fZV3vvh and having the items delivered directly to our taproom at 1906 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte NC 28205.
Week 2 will begin on Monday, May 18th continuing through Saturday, May 23rd, and will focus on the needs of local animal shelters. Week 3 will begin Monday, May 25th and go through Saturday, May 29th focusing on the needs of underprivileged kids in Charlotte.
Legion Brewing will also continue to provide carry-out and delivery services for the duration of the state-wide stay-at-home order as we enter into Phase 1. Details and updates can be found on their website www.legionbrewing.com and on their social media channels @legionbrewing and @legionbrewingsouthpark.
About Urban Ministry Center
The Urban Ministry Center serves as a point of entry to services offered by a network of agencies that work closely together to provide necessary opportunities for the Charlotte homeless population. We’re an interfaith agency drawing support and volunteers from more than 130 houses of faith.
The Urban Ministry Center opened its doors in December 1994 as a partnership of uptown congregations and businesses to address the needs of the poor and homeless with compassion and tangible help. Our original home was in the old train station building at North Tryon and North College Streets. The Soup Kitchen founded by St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in 1979 relocated to this building.
In 2006, we expanded services and moved into our new building, located directly across from the old train station. After a very successful pilot project, Homeless to Homes, we raised funds to build and run Moore Place and a larger permanent supportive housing program, which opened in 2012 and is located two miles from Urban Ministry Center.
About Hope Vibes Charlotte
Hope Vibes, the organization, was founded in July 2016. It was birthed organically when Co-Founder/ Director, Adrienne Threatt, shared a video on social media about the often forgotten/unrealized challenges of women living on the streets with their menstrual cycle. She, along with many others, were shocked, outraged, saddened, but most importantly, moved to ACTION!
Adrienne, her husband and Co-Founder Emmanuel Threatt, and a handful of friends decided to collect hygiene products to meet the needs. In just a few short weeks, they mobilized a humble army of giving hearts. To this day, Hope Vibes receives personal hygiene product donations and excited volunteers from all over the city and beyond!
Hope Vibes is also working to bring us their latest project, The Hope Tank. The Hope Tank is an Eco-Friendly mobile shower and laundry center. Privacy, safety and comfort are the three major areas that we provide for any guest utilizing the Hope Tank. Our goal is to create an environment that promotes dignity and hope, giving our guests a renewed sense of purpose. Every shower will be in a single stall, with a sink, and toilet. Every Hope Tank guest will be accompanied by a Hope Vibes volunteer who will assist them in washing their clothing in the available washer and dryer.
