At A.S.P.I.R.E., we believe in the power of community and compassion, especially during the holiday season. On Saturday, December 14, 2024, we had the privilege of hosting our inaugural Giving Festival at the Albemarle Corporate Plaza. This heartwarming event was designed to bring joy and relief to Charlotte’s most vulnerable residents, offering food, clothing, toys, and essential items to those in need.
From 1:00 to 3:30 p.m., dozens of individuals and families—many facing homelessness and hardship—gathered for a day of generosity and community. With the holiday season upon us, we know that for some, it can be a particularly difficult time of year. For those without family or the means to enjoy a warm meal, we aimed to offer comfort and support.
Our guests were treated to a hot, nutritious meal donated by local businesses, along with the chance to “shop” for free in our event’s “store,” which featured a wide range of donated items: men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, toys, infant supplies, toiletries, and books. It was truly special to see how these items helped brighten the holiday season for so many in need.
In addition to the free shopping experience, each guest received a raffle ticket, which gave them the chance to win a variety of prizes, including frozen turkeys, blankets, boxes of food, and toys. These prizes were generously donated by our local partners, and we were thrilled to offer something extra to our guests to help make their holiday season even more special.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Donors
We are deeply grateful to the following individuals and organizations whose generous donations made this event possible. Your contributions helped us make a meaningful impact on the lives of so many in our community:
Domino’s Pizza- Sharon Amity
Elevate 808
Grigority Alex Oganova
Food Lion – Idlewild Rd.
Harris Teeter – Sardis Rd.
Hearts United for Good
Hope Street Food Pantry
La Shish Kabob Restaurant
Mario Estrada
Panera Bread – Matthews
Portofino’s Italian Restaurant – Eastway
Shirley Thrower
Sylvia Clippard
Tony’s Pizza – Galleria
U.S. Fried Chicken – Albemarle
Whole Foods – Fairview Rd.
Thank you for your support and for believing in our mission to uplift those in need.
Volunteer Spirit Shines Through
The success of our Giving Festival was made possible by the hard work and dedication of volunteers from all walks of life. We were humbled by the support of individuals who traveled from as far as Durham, NC, and Columbia, SC, to lend a helping hand. One volunteer shared, “It was inspiring to see the entire community rally behind this event. It was truly special to witness people from different walks of life benefiting from the good work being done here.”
As we reflect on the success of our first Giving Festival, we’re filled with excitement for what lies ahead. A.S.P.I.R.E. Inc. is committed to continuing our work on the ground—providing food, clothing, and other essential resources to those who need it most. This event was just the beginning of what we hope to achieve in the future, and we’re thrilled to have the community by our side in these efforts.
Join Us in Making a Difference
As we continue to serve our neighbors in need, we invite you to join us in our mission. There are many ways you can get involved, whether through volunteering your time, making a donation, or simply spreading the word about the work we’re doing.
If you’re interested in helping us make a lasting impact, we would love for you to get involved. Visit our “Get Involved” page to learn more about how you can volunteer with A.S.P.I.R.E. Inc. and be part of our efforts to bring hope and support to those facing challenges in our community.
Together, we can continue to make a difference, one act of kindness at a time.