These are some local charities and nonprofit organizations to donate to or volunteer at that don’t often appear in the spotlight.
The Love Mission
This nonprofit organization contributes to the community through hygiene donations, community initiatives and inclusion education. Located in St. Charles County, the organization is built off of the idea that one person can make an impact. They have done events such as toy, hygiene and food drives. Sponsoring or partnering, volunteering and donating with them are all ways to get involved with this organization.
“Most charities you hear of are huge and located in different areas, but knowing that there’s a good one nearby is very nice,” junior Stefania Gentile said. “If they are doing every [type of] drive they can, I think that’s really good.”
Marcy’s Project
This is a nonprofit organization that has been directly involved with FHSD and raises money through donations, fundraising, grants and selling items through resale. Over $7,000 were raised for the Meal Assistance Program in the district, however they also get involved with nursing homes. Located on Jungerman road in St. Peters, they are open for volunteers and donations. For steps on how to sign up to volunteer, go to Marcy’s Project website.
“I believe Marcy’s Project was on our schools’ resource list,” counselor Lisa Woodrum said. “I hugely appreciate them. We [still] have so many families on the borderline that don’t qualify that definitely need meal assistance, so that’s a huge help.”
The Sharing Shed
This charity is devoted to giving people hope, dignity and stability back in their lives. Their focus is providing furniture for local families in need and they have helped over 2,500 families going through hardships. Located in O’Fallon, there are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities flexible to different availabilities. Volunteers should fill out the form on The Sharing Shed’s website.
“I would say it’s important because for us personally, it helps us do a good thing for the people around us,” sophomore Jocelyn Hart said. “We’re helping these kids have a better future in front of them and we wouldn’t be able to afford things all the time, like their bed frames, if we didn’t have people donating to us and supporting us.”
We Love St. Charles
This nonprofit located in St. Charles focuses directly on the people in the area. They partner with schools, such as the City of St. Charles School District, provide support for single parents and hold hospitality events for first responders. The nonprofit is open to donations and volunteers to “give back to our neighbors”, and is searching for a wide variety of volunteers to meet the needs of all the different families they partner with. Those wanting to volunteer should fill out the form on the We Love St. Charles website.
“I feel like the local ones [charities] are the most important,” junior Anna Bauer said. “It’s affecting where you live and everyone around you.”
