Summer Newsletter July 2021
2020-2021 President's Message
Assistance League of Charlotte Completes a Successful Year by Demonstrating Flexibility and Creativity
Assistance League of Charlotte adjusted to new realities of operating under COVID restrictions in 2020-2021. Our chapter successfully navigated obstacles to providing program services and raising funds and continued to provide help to children and families in need in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Our thrift shop, the primary source of funding, was able to operate safely and keep pace with prior years’ earnings even with reduced hours. Grants and donor development remained committed to to reach pre-pandemic revenue goals and with diligent work exceeded this benchmark. Successful fund development allowed us to continue to provide new clothing for children in need, food to families, mentoring for at-risk teens, and scholarships to support arts education for school children and college education for graduating seniors.

These achievements are a testament to the member volunteer model that drives our organization. Our volunteers show a high level of commitment and devotion to the creation and implementation of our philanthropic programs. This past year tested that bond as person-to-person contact among the members was severely limited. Yet our members persisted, and by adhering to safety protocols, utilizing outside-the-box thinking and rolling up our sleeves, we were able to fulfill our budgeted promises and then some. I encourage anyone who wants to contribute their time and talent to a worthy local organization to consider Assistance League of Charlotte.

Mary Lou Grgurich, President 2020-2021
National Philanthropy Day® Recognition • November 15, 2020
Operation School Bell® Volunteers Gear Up for Back to School
It's that exciting time of year when the Assistance League Center at 3405 S. Tryon becomes a beehive of activity. Uniforms, coats, underwear, socks, books and hygiene supplies have been ordered and delivered. Our volunteers have been hard at work unpacking and stocking inventory in preparation for the new school year. Operation School Bell remains committed to serving the needs of children in poverty in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools system. We have coordinated with our school liaisons to modify and update our delivery procedures to meet CMS’s requirements. Distribution of uniforms will be our highest priority as we are the only consistent and reliable source of new uniforms in the CMS district. The program's goal is to enhance self-esteem, promote learning and encourage regular school attendance.
Introducing Arsema, the 2021 Assistance League of Charlotte Scholarship Recipient
Assistance League of Charlotte awards this college scholarship, based on community service, academic performance and financial need, to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg graduating high school senior for continuing education.

Arsema is a 2021 graduate of Cato Middle College High School who will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall studying Public Health. Throughout high school, Arsema was involved with the Young Black Leadership Alliance organization, Student Government, National Honor Society, and Crisis Assistance Ministry.

In her spare time, Arsema works for UrbanPromise Charlotte, a nonprofit organization where she is able to mentor, plan and lead classes for young children who are from her former elementary school, Idlewild Elementary. Arsema prides herself in her work at UrbanPromise and has even landed a leadership position as a captain. Arsema is a first-generation American and has hopes of making a positive impact on her community through her career.
Community Culinary School Of Charlotte Welcomes a New Assistance League Scholarship Student
Debbie Tankle, Assistance League Community Scholarship chairman, is pleased to announce that our chapter has awarded a Community Culinary School of Charlotte Scholarship to Britney. Her family and friends kept encouraging her to open her own restaurant, but she wanted to do it the right way. Her motto is: “When you know better, you do better.” She looked up culinary schools, and saw that CCSC was not only affordable but had a focus on the community. She says, “I love it. I go home happy to have learned new things.” Welcome to Class #68!

In addition to CCSC scholarships for adults, Assistance League Community Scholarships support children in several ways. This initiative enables hundreds of children with limited means to enrich their lives with music lessons, art classes and group performance experiences through Arts+. It also funds activities and educational experiences including literacy, reading and math at YMCA Day Camp.
 Foundations and Grantors 2020-2021
Assistance League of Charlotte gratefully acknowledges the confidence and generosity of the foundations, corporations and grantors who provided support in 2020–2021. Thank you also to the hundreds of businesses, organizations and individuals who contributed both monetarily and in-kind for the benefit of our programs.

Altar’d State
Amazon Smile
George W. and Ruth R. Baxter Foundation
Blumenthal Foundation
Bombas
Carolina Panthers
Coca-Cola Consolidated
Elevation Church
Food Lion Foundation
David R. Krug Fund
La-Z-Boy Southeast Furniture Galleries
London Stock Exchange
Lyon Foundation
Mecklenburg Bar Foundation
Merancas Foundation
Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church
Publix Super Markets Charities
St. Matthew Catholic Church
Target Circle
True Homes Foundation
William D. and Nancy Barnhart Thomas
W. P. Carey Foundation
Uwharrie Bank
Transforming Lives • Strengthening Community
Assistance League of Charlotte | 704-525-5228
info@charlotte.assistanceleague.org | assistanceleague.org/charlotte