Reminder
Register by Friday, November 21.
Volunteer Opportunities
Note in the Pocket
Note in the Pocket provides quality clothing to homeless and impoverished children and families with dignity and love. They believe that it is unacceptable that children are limited in their educational and social development because they do not have appropriate clothes for school. Their model for getting clothes to children strives to remove some of the stigma that goes along with needing help. They deliver a wardrobe that has been lovingly selected for that individual by one of their many volunteers. By providing stylish, good quality clothing items that they can be proud to wear, they empower children to succeed in the academic environment.
What: With our partner organization Note in the Pocket, volunteers will help sort, fold, and package donated clothing for delivery to local children and families in need. Tasks may also include organizing incoming donations and preparing seasonal items for distribution.
Considerations: Participant liability waivers are required. This is an indoor project that involves standing for extended periods, bending, and light lifting.
When: Monday, December 8, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Where: 1010 Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Durham, NC 27713
Service Captain: Jeremy Petranka and Alex Markiewicz
Salvation Army Angel Tree Processing
The Salvation Army of Durham, Orange, and Person Counties Angel Tree program helps provide Christmas gifts for children and seniors in our area. Once a child or senior adult has been registered and accepted as an Angel, their Christmas wish list is shared with local donors who purchase gifts of new clothing and toys. The gifts are distributed to the receiving family to place under their family Christmas tree.
What: Join Fuqua volunteers as “Christmas Elves” to help process Angel Tree gifts as they are dropped off at the Salvation Army’s distribution center. Volunteers will help organize and sort purchased items to ensure each gift is directed to the correct recipient.
Considerations: This will be an indoor activity. Light lifting may be required. Volunteers may have brief exposure to vulnerable individuals.
When: Monday, December 8, 1:00pm – 4:00pm OR Tuesday, December 9, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Where: 324 Park Knoll Dr., Morrisville
Service Captain: Cathy Santos and Callie Westphal
Piedmont Wildlife Center –Raptor Enclosure Maintenance
The Piedmont Wildlife Center works to inspire people to develop a positive lifelong connection with nature and to actively engage in conservation. Through education, wildlife rehabilitation, and habitat preservation, they foster respect for wildlife and encourage stewardship of the natural world.
What: The group will be participating in the Wildlife Architects – Raptor Enclosure Maintenance project. Working alongside the Husbandry Manager, volunteers will help clean and maintain one or two of the Center’s raptor enclosures, depending on group size. This hands-on project supports the wellbeing of the Center’s animal ambassadors and offers volunteers a behind-the-scenes look at wildlife care, including the chance to meet one of their ambassadors.
Considerations: This project will take place outdoors and may involve moderate physical activity such as lifting, bending, and working on uneven terrain. Please dress appropriately for outdoor work and weather conditions.
When: Tuesday, December 9, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: 364 Leigh Farm Rd, Durham, NC 27707
Service Captain: Lizzie Pogoloff
NC Diaper Bank
The mission of Diaper Bank of North Carolina is to promote and protect the dignity of each resident by ensuring that families with babies and children living in poverty have an adequate supply of diapers and period products. The Diaper Bank improves access to and distributes basic personal hygiene needs through community partners to encourage access to their services and programs, thereby empowering people to become self-sustaining and develop their full potential.
What: Our session will start with a brief tour of the facility and discussion about the DBNC mission. Fuqua Volunteers will then team up and wrap diapers or feminine hygiene products into smaller packs for the Diaper Bank to distribute to their community partners who will share them with those in need. Wrapping the diapers helps inventory and minimizes storage needs for our partner organizations. Ain’t no party, like a diaper wrapping party!
When: Wednesday, December 10, 9:15am – 11:30am
Where: 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd. Suite #1 Hillsborough, NC 27278
Service Captain: Mary Catherine McKee
Animal Protection Society of Durham (APS)
The Animal Protection Society of Durham (APS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been helping animals in our community since 1970 and has managed the Durham County Animal Shelter since 1990. APS relies on donations from caring individuals and corporations to feed, shelter, and provide medical attention for nearly 4,000 stray, surrendered, abandoned, abused, and neglected animals each year.
What: Calling all animal lovers! Volunteers will support the shelter on site with whatever needs arise on our service day. Tasks may include dog walking, cat care support, cleaning kennels, or sorting donations. Volunteers will need to complete a waiver and come ready to work around animals in a variety of conditions. This will be a challenging but rewarding project!
Considerations: This is an indoor/outdoor activity that involves some physical exertion and exposure to vulnerable animals. A liability waiver is required by the organization and will be provided via email prior to the project date. Please wear long pants, tall socks, and closed-toe shoes.
When: Wednesday, December 10, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Durham APS, 2117 E Club Blvd, Durham, NC 27704
Service Captain: Liz Mullins
Durham Crisis Response Center
The Durham Crisis Response Center works with the community to end domestic, sexual, and family violence and human trafficking through advocacy, education, support, and prevention. DCRC is the only agency in Durham dedicated to providing comprehensive advocacy, shelter, and support services to victims of domestic and sexual violence.
What: In partnership with Bon Appétit, Fuqua volunteers will support DCRC’s Safe Shelter Initiative by preparing a full, nourishing meal for 10–15 adults and children currently sheltering through the agency. Under the guidance of Bon Appétit chefs, volunteers will use Fuqua’s kitchen facilities to cook and package dinner, complete with sides and dessert, to be delivered by DCRC staff. Participants may craft a message of support or season’s greeting from provided supplies during the orientation and safety briefing, if desired.
Considerations: Participant liability waivers are required by Bon Appétit. This project involves standing for extended periods and may include contact with sharp objects or allergen-containing foods. Closed-toe shoes are required. Hair and beard nets, as well as gloves, will be provided and must be worn during food preparation.
When: Wednesday, December 10, 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Where: Fuqua Café
Service Captains: Brenda Tate and Licelys Hamman
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels of Durham is a volunteer-driven organization that delivers hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors, older adults with disabilities, and other elderly neighbors in need throughout Durham County.
What: Volunteers, working in groups of three, will team up to drive routes together and deliver prepared meals to various homes on their designated route. Teaming up offers the most meaningful interaction with clients—and with fellow Fuqua colleagues! This year, we also hope to participate in Meals on Wheels’ annual holiday gift program, delivering small gifts along with meals to help spread extra cheer to clients during the holiday season.
Considerations: This is an indoor/outdoor activity involving light lifting and exposure to vulnerable individuals. Volunteers must be comfortable driving their own vehicles and riding with other Fuqua staff members. A liability waiver is required by the organization and will be provided in advance. Restroom facilities will be available before heading out. Additional route details and instructions will be shared after sign-up.
When: Thursday, December 11, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Where: Meals on Wheels, 2522 Ross Rd, Durham
Service Captain: Mary Beck White-Sutton and Lynn Cunningham
Hillcrest Durham
Hillcrest Durham opened in 1951 as the first certified skilled nursing facility in North Carolina. Since then, they have proudly remained at the forefront of senior care in the Triangle and beyond. Across both locations, Hillcrest is known and trusted by the area’s finest families, earning a reputation as the premier senior care provider in our community through total dedication to quality care and superior service.
What: Volunteers will join Hillcrest’s Activities Coordinator to engage with residents during their afternoon recreational programming. The plan is to co-lead a holiday-themed craft activity, where volunteers will help residents create festive décor to brighten their shared spaces and rooms. The project may also include light games, music, or friendly conversation, bringing warmth and connection to residents during the holiday season.
Considerations: This activity takes place indoors and involves minimal standing. Volunteers will interact closely with residents and should be comfortable engaging with vulnerable individuals in a care setting.
When: Thursday, December 11, 2:30pm – 4:15pm
Where: 1417 W Pettigrew St, Durham, NC
Service Captain: Lizzie Pogoloff
Book Harvest
The Book Harvest is a local organization established in 2011 to encourage literacy and reading by distributing books to children in low-income families. The group employs a small staff and is located at Rockwood on University Drive, in Durham. Since 2011, the Book Harvest has given over 2.9 million books to local children in need.
What: Volunteer groups help to sort book donations in their office but there are other special projects that come up from time to time as well. No prior experience or knowledge is needed. They will provide training to orient the group!
Considerations: This activity takes place indoors and may involve some heavy lifting, with most tasks requiring standing. Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.
When: Friday, December 12, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Where: 2501 University Dr, Durham, NC 27707
Service Captain: Susan Kesti