The holiday season is a time for giving, and the Twin Counties offer countless ways to make a meaningful impact on the lives of neighbors in need. From empowering youth through education to addressing food insecurity, these initiatives highlight the spirit of community and the power of generosity.

Fight Food Insecurity with Ripe for Revival

This holiday season, Ripe for Revival continues its mission to combat hunger with its 2024 Annual Capital Campaign. Running now through December 31st, the campaign aims to raise $200,000 to support programs that address food insecurity across eastern North Carolina. Every dollar raised goes directly into initiatives that ensure no child goes to bed hungry and every family has access to fresh, nutritious food. A $25 donation provides 150 servings of fresh, nutritious meals to families in need.

As part of their holiday efforts, Ripe for Revival will hold a special Christmas food distribution event on Friday, December 20th, at the Rocky Mount Mills. Volunteers are needed to help prepare and distribute food boxes and bags:

-Prep Volunteers: Assist with packing boxes and bags from 9 AM – 12 PM.

-Loading Volunteers: Help load vehicles with prepared items from 1 PM – 4 PM.

This hands-on event provides a unique opportunity to directly impact families during the holiday season, ensuring they have nutritious meals to enjoy. Use this link to sign up to volunteer for this Christmas food distribution!

Since January, Ripe Revival has distributed over 1.3 million servings of food, but the need remains great. Your contributions will help expand their reach and ensure families have access to healthy meals year-round. From children’s outreach, to Mobile Markets, to their farming initiatives, Ripe for Revival is making strides to bridge the gap in food insecurity. Check out more about their efforts here!

Building Shalom: Transforming Communities Through Housing and Hospitality

Building Shalom is on a mission to transform blighted neighborhoods into beautiful, beloved communities. By focusing on housing rehabilitation, neighborhood revitalization, and community connection, this organization is making a tangible difference in the Twin Counties—and you can be a part of it!

Do you have a knack for construction or home improvement? Building Shalom invites skilled volunteers to connect with their Project Manager and get involved in current or upcoming housing projects. Whether you’re experienced in carpentry, plumbing, painting, or just want to lend a hand, your skills can directly contribute to restoring homes and creating safe, welcoming spaces for families.

If mentoring and empowering others is your passion, consider becoming a “Building Coach.” In this role, you’ll walk alongside individuals as they work toward the goal of homeownership, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way. Your support can help change the trajectory of someone’s life, creating a ripple effect of hope and stability.

Do you enjoy planning and executing events? Building Shalom thrives on community connection and would love your help in creating memorable events that embody warmth and hospitality. Volunteers are needed for everything from logistics to setup and breakdown, ensuring every event runs smoothly and fosters a sense of belonging.

For those who prefer to give financially, Building Shalom offers opportunities to make one-time or recurring contributions. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every dollar donated supports their core programming and mission of revitalizing neighborhoods. Your generosity fuels their work of turning neglected spaces into thriving communities.

Click here to learn more about volunteering with Building Shalom, or click here to donate using your preferred method.

Support Local Youth Through the Boys & Girls Club of the Tar River Region

The Boys & Girls Club of the Tar River Region provides life-changing opportunities for young people in our community. Their enriching programs focus around healthy lifestyles, academic success, good character/citizenship, and more! Your support can help sustain programs that keep children safe, engaged, and supported all year long:

• Annual Scholarship Membership ($1,260): A one-time gift of $1,260 provides a child with membership to BGCTRR for an entire year, offering a safe environment after school and during the summer.

• Summer Education Initiative ($450): Eliminate summer learning loss with a $450 donation, which provides a child with 10 weeks of educational interaction with a certified teacher.

• iGive365 Movement ($365/year or $31/month): Join a network of young professionals committed to youth development. Your gift helps fund programs promoting academic success, good character, and healthy lifestyles.

• Academic Programming ($25/month): Ensure club members stay on track academically with a monthly gift supporting tutoring and resources to help children graduate high school.

Click this link to check out more information on the mission of The Boys & Girls Club, and how to donate!

Southside Academy- Located at of Peacemakers in Rocky Mount

Southside Academy, a private Christian school located at Peacemakers in South Rocky Mount, NC, is on a mission to empower children from low-income families through a God-centered education. Serving scholars in grades K-3, with plans to expand to 8th grade, the academy is dedicated to providing a remarkable educational experience that challenges and excites students while addressing the barriers faced by under-resourced households.

Unlike typical private schools, where tuition covers 90% of costs, Southside Academy relies on only 10% of funding from families, with the remainder needing to come from community partners. This model highlights the crucial role of local businesses and organizations in shaping the future of Rocky Mount. By investing in high-quality, comprehensive education, the community equips future entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers with the tools they need to thrive. It is both a responsibility and a privilege to empower our children and secure the bright future of our community.

To donate to Southside Academy or any other branches of Peacemakers Rocky Mount, click here!

Creating Ripple Effects in the Twin Counties

Ripple Effects (RE) is a Community Transformation Organization established in 2016 to provide support and guidance to residents of the Twin Counties. As a community collaboration hub, Ripple Effects offers resource counseling, life skills workshops, case management, and services designed to address holistic wellness. Serving over 600 people each month, the organization provides essential care through a unique and unrivaled model.

With a mission to break cycles of desperation and hopelessness while fostering new beginnings, Ripple Effects emphasizes the importance of physical, spiritual, and mental wellness. By inspiring individuals to cultivate desire, discipline, and determination, Ripple Effects equips the community to respond to life’s challenges with positivity and productivity.

Ripple Effects has many ways you can get involved in their mission. Check out the Get Involved tab on their website here!

Celebrate Giving Tuesday with Twin County Media

The Twin Counties community thrives when we come together to support those in need. Whether you’re donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness, your efforts this holiday season can create a ripple effect of kindness and hope. Let’s ensure every child, family, and individual in the Twin Counties has a reason to smile this holiday season.