In Charlotte and beyond, there is an endless need for volunteers to help the less fortunate — and the need increases during the holidays. With so many great organizations to choose from, residents can rest assured that their time and/or monetary donations are going to a great cause with our picks. Here’s a list of charity drives and organizations that are currently in need of assistance.

Santa’s Fire Truck — Serve Charlotte’s Homeless
PO Box 39042
Charlotte, NC 28278
http://www.serveourhomeless.org/santas-fire-truck

Serve Charlotte’s Homeless, an organization that assists the homeless and the needy, is organizing a Christmas toy drive and holiday meals in the hopes of making Christmas brighter for families in two cities. Serve Charlotte’s Homeless is asking for the support of the community in the form of monetary donations or donated toys as they launch “Santa’s Fire truck,” a unique way to give back that will unite charity, two Fire Stations, and the delivery of holiday meals and toys to families in need — by everyday heroes (Firefighters.) These Firefighters will visit the homes of underprivileged families on Christmas morning, and will make Christmas an unforgettable day for a few very deserving families. Donations can be made via paypal at donate@serveourhomeless.org, or via mail at the address listed above. Please write “Santa’s Fire truck” in the memo line.

2nd Annual NARI of Charlotte Holiday Social & Toy Drive
7024 Smith Corners Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28210
http://www.naricharlotte.com/cmt/85.html

On December 8^th, 2012, the public is invited to the second annual NARI Charlotte Holiday Social and Toy Drive. The toy drive will benefit the Jimmy Murphey Toy Collection. Guests can either make a $10 monetary donation or donate an unwrapped toy.  There will be live cooking, dessert and wine provided at the event.

Christmas Bureau – Salvation Army
801 E. Arrowood Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 716-2643
www.salvationarmycharlotte.org

The Christmas Bureau is a program through the Salvation Army that collects and distributes new toys to local children in need. They primarily collect these toys through Angel Tree and Silver Bells adoptions, however the public is welcome to host a toy drive to benefit the Christmas Bureau, and volunteers are also needed to distribute the toys.

Operation Christmas Child – Samaritan’s Purse
Samaritan’s Purse
P.O. Box 240417
Charlotte, NC 28224
(704) 583-1463
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/

Operation Christmas Child is a program operated through Samaritan’s Purse. For nearly a decade, the organization has distributed shoe box gifts all over the world. The concept is unique, and volunteers fill shoe boxes with gifts specifically chosen for the child receiving the gift. Samaritan’s Purse has a need for volunteers to help assemble and distribute shoe box gifts, and they are always in need of donations as well.

Urban Ministries
945 North College St.
Charlotte, NC 28206
(704) 347-0278
http://www.urbanministrycenter.org/support-us/holiday-support

Urban Ministries is the only day facility that assists Charlotte’s Homeless population. The facility is a place where homeless individuals can obtain a locker, shower, receive mail, eat a meal, and escape from the cold. Their soup kitchen is opened daily from 11:15am to 12:15pm, and nearly 400 people attend each day. The soup kitchen will be opened on Christmas Day, and volunteers are needed to help serve and donate items such as drinks, food, or holiday cookies.