Volunteerism – Community Generosity Lifts Local Non-Profit

Community Generosity Lifts Local Non-Profit

Lydia’s Loft Exemplifies a Charitable Mission

by Tony Ricciardelli photography by Jon Beyerle

There are people in our communities who tread the noble path, quietly taking care of others without drawing attention to themselves. They willingly serve humanity, thrive on altruism and perpetuate virtuous deeds that kindle an inherent satisfaction garnered from administering selfless acts of kindness. We are surrounded by caring people and organizations.

In the Lake Norman region, there are several groups aiding those in need, including Hope House, Angels & Sparrows Community Table and Resource Center, FeedNC, Loaves and Fishes and Ada Jenkins Center to name a few. Locally, Lydia’s Loft, a ministry of the First Baptist Church of Huntersville, has been helping families and individuals since 2004.

The non-profit includes more than 30 volunteers, many of whom are members of the First Baptist Church of Huntersville; however, Lydia’s Loft welcomes individuals of all denominations and professions to join the team. At least one bilingual volunteer is on duty every shift. The organization serves as a “recycling center” for unneeded clothing items.

The facility consists of a main house used for conducting the day-to-day business, a garage and two pods for storage, all wellstocked and organized with donations. The main house offers a variety of clothing choices housed within several specifically designated rooms: children, women, shoes, coats, scarves and women’s plus sizes; men shoes, clothing and belts, and linens. Jewelry is also available. The shelves and racks are well-labeled and categorized, which makes for easy shopping.

Director Perry Smith, a retired elementary school teacher, assumed her leadership role in 2019. She emphasizes the demand for quality clothing and accessories in terms of figures and urgency. “We serve about 1,500 families per year. That adds up to approximately 5,000 individuals ranging from infants to adults,” says Smith, “and the numbers continue to grow. We’re grateful for the donations we receive.”

To obtain assistance, Lydia’s Loft requires families and individuals to obtain a signed referral letter from a church or religious organization, a student’s school counselor or a worker at a public service entity (hospital, fire department, soup kitchen). A list of referral providers is available on the Lydia’s Loft website. The first Baptist Church located next to Lydia’s Loft provides free Saturday breakfasts from 7:30 to 10 a.m., June through August. Modeled after Angels & Sparrows Community Table & Resource Center, which provides a cost-free lunch each weekday to anyone who enters, the Saturday Breakfast Table bridges the weekend gap.

Additionally, every September the church holds an annual World Hunger Day yard sale, selling donated clothing, baked goods, non-perishable food, housewares, outerwear, toys and home and gardening tools. The event, which started in 1982, raises money to address world hunger. The September yard sale raised $27,500 which was disbursed to several food ministries and organizations including ministries in Haiti, Caterpillar Ministries, Loaves and Fishes and Community Breakfast.

“The work being done here ensures our patrons get what they need to move forward with their lives,” says Michelle George, a Lydia’s Loft volunteer for the past nine years. “For example, getting the proper clothes to wear to a job fair builds confidence prior to an interview. We are one of the most essential organizations in North Mecklenburg and South Iredell Counties.”

Lydia’s Loft also offers a Prom Closet, which opened in 2010 to minimize the costs of renting or purchasing formal wear. Here, prom-goers can choose from more than 1,000 gowns, jewelry, shoes and men’s tuxedoes. The Prom Closet is open from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, from March through May. Darlene O’Toole, who’s been volunteering for 18 years, finds joy in her service.

“It feeds my soul to help others,” she says. “We have a great team of volunteers and a generous community; it’s what keeps our doors open.”

With the holidays and colder weather fast approaching, Lydia’s Loft needs the following: blankets, children’s clothing (all sizes), men’s clothing (small and medium), new socks and underwear.

Lydia’s Loft volunteers: kind, caring people supporting our local communities

To learn more about Lydia’s Loft, including information on donating and volunteering, visit www.fbc-h.org/lydias/ or call 704.948.7797.

Fresh Beginnings

FOR A NEW YEAR:

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All of these items can be purchased at:

1. Picture Frames $19 and up 2. Pillows $39 and up 3. Real Touch Orchids $89 and up 4. Linen Chair and Ottoman $1699 5. Glass Top Chest $998 6. Cut Glass Bowl $169 7. Artichoke Candleholders set/2 $129 8. Framed Print Sets $199 and up

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