Observances and celebrations to remember the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will abound across the country this weekend and on Monday, the official national holiday which honors the slain civil rights leader.
Joseph Brodie, co-founder and leader of Carolina United for Change, Inc. wants to take it a step further this year with a service project to collect donations for area homeless shelters.
Brodie spoke Wednesday with John C. Rose on TownTalk to share information about his fledgling organization and its role in the community.
The nonprofit’s goals fall right in line with King’s philosophy – to be a unifying force in the community, end racial discrimination, feed the hungry, reduce poverty and improve education for all.
Brodie encouraged individuals to help Carolina United for Change by donating items that can be used at the various homeless shelters. Volunteers will be collecting items near the traffic circle between Perry Memorial Library and the police department between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Monday, Brodie said.
Some needed items include Clorox, disinfectant spray and other cleaning supplies for use at the shelters, as well as toiletry items for those who are spending nights in the shelters.
“We appreciate any help from anybody,” Brodie said.
The Vance County shelters that will receive donations from the service project include Lifeline Ministries, which currently has 30 women and a dozen children, as well as the ARC men’s shelter and the Community Partners for Hope men’s shelter. A shelter in Granville County is on the list to receive donations.
The organization was only incorporated in June 2022, but already has established a scholarship at Vance-Granville Community College, and Brodie said he hopes to gain a bigger foothold in the community.
“Right now, we’re just trying to get the people to be aware that they do have an organization in the area – we’re out there doing the footwork,” he said.
He said plans are being made to have an awards ceremony in the future to shine the spotlight on individuals who have gone “above and beyond” to make a difference in the community.
This is not a one-man show, and Brodie credits his executive board and others for coalescing and spreading the word about Carolina United for Change.
“It’s all about awareness,” Brodie said, adding that he wants people to “realize we are here and we are here to stay.”
Contact Brodie at 252.762.3364 to learn more or to volunteer to help with Monday’s service project.
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