July 2014| Common Heart

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   It has been such an amazing two months at Common Heart! Busy does not begin to describe it. And thankful does not begin to express how I feel toward our friends, supporters, volunteers and donors that have made some big changes possible!

   We went right from a great golf tournament in May to moving Common Things Thrift Store to their new location. What a Herculean task!  It took an amazing number of people to get us out of half the store by May 31st and run the smaller store until June 23 while we prepared the new space for our opening on July 4th!

    Also on July 4th, we hosted the 2nd annual Common Heart Firecracker Run in Lake Park. I participated as an Ambassador this year raising donations to feed hungry families in our community.  A perfect day, and again, an amazing group of runners, volunteers and sponsors!

    Again this year we are humbled and grateful to be partnering with Feed the Children and Speedway Children's Charities in distributing two tractor trailers of food to hungry families. This year, the distribution is Tuesday, Aug. 12. This is always a great bonus to many of the families we serve each month and others in need throughout the community.

    As I look down the road just a few months into September, we still have a lot before us. As Common Things gets settled, it is time to turn our attention to the expansion of Common Cupboard and the preparation of The Commonplace community center. We will finally have a home for our free tax service and insurance counseling as we create new space for community services in what was the old thrift store. 

   None of this would be possible without an amazing group of friends in the community who support this work financially and with their time and talents! I just want to say, "thank you!"

   Thank you for being part of this "small revolution of kindness!"
 
Or mail your check to:
Common Heart
P.O. BOX 2761
Indian Trail, NC 28079
With one common heart,
Keith Signature

Keith Adams
Executive Director
Common Heart

 


Help us 'Feed the Children' Aug. 12
   We're thrilled to announce that Common Heart will once again partner with the national Feed the Children organization and Speedway Children's Charities to deliver food for 800 local families in need!         
   Two tractor-trailers stocked with food will be distributed between 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12 in the Indian Trail Food Lion parking lot.
   We'll need at least 60 volunteers that day as well as about a dozen people before then to work behind the scenes making phone calls, sending letters and planning for the big day.

   All volunteers must be at least 13 years old.
   Get more details and sign-up here

We've MOVED!     
    Office and Common Things Thrift Store now located
at 321 Indian Trail Road North
    
   Thanks to a group of very dedicated volunteers, our move just a few blocks away is complete!
   Common Heart's administrative office and Common Things Thrift Store are now located at 321 Indian Trail Road North.  
   We'd like to thank the following local businesses who very generously donated their time and talents: A Fresh Look, ARC Electric Company, Purcell Construction, Mecklenburg Paint Company, Park Sterling Bank and Team Epic. We're also grateful for Mill Grove United Methodist Church and Southbrook Community Church which both sent groups of volunteers to help.  
   Please take a moment to send a quick email or make a phone call to tell them how much you appreciate their support of Common Heart!    
  Reminder: The Common Cupboard food pantry will expand at 116 Business Park Drive. We do need help to make this expansion happen.
If you can help, please call Keith Adams at 704-458-3744 or email keith@thecommonplace.org.    
Come see our newly expanded thrift store at
321 Indian Trail Road North!
We're open Wed-Fri.10-6 and Sat. 10-3.
Donations welcome!


Help our neighbors sign up
for health insurance

   Did you know that Common Heart operates the only federally Certified Application Counselor Center in Union County?        
   Thanks to several dedicated volunteers, Common Heart was able to help more than 50 local families or individuals sign up online for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.   
    Though the spring enrollment deadline has passed, we're gearing up for fall sign-ups. We need a few more people to become trained volunteers to serve residents in this way. All meetings are by appointment only and you can set your own schedule! Free training is provided. 
 
Can you help?  
   For more information about this volunteer opportunity, call Keith Adams at 704-218-9060 or email volunteer@thecommonplace.org.
In This Issue
Quick Links
Common Heart Website
Common Heart- Facebook

Firecracker Run results!
    We had a BLAST at this year's Firecracker Run & Kids Dash!
    We couldn't have asked for better weather or participants and are very excited to report the event raised $5,000! That's more than double the amount raised at our February Hearts in Motion race and enough to feed 250 local families in need!
   And many, many thanks to our volunteer medic for the day, Jeremy Shimberg. The Monroe resident is owner of Icon Lawn Maintenance and is a paramedic and firefighter with the Mint Hill Volunteer Fire Department who also volunteered during our February Hearts in Motion race. We are so thankful to have his help to keep all our participants safe and healthy!
   Check out race results and more photos here.




FEED THE CHILDREN PLANNING &
FOOD DISTRIBUTION  
TUES., AUG 12
SIGN UP ONLINE

CUPBOARD ASSISTANT MANAGER
ONE DAY A WEEK

HELP AT THRIFT STORE
ONE DAY A WEEK

MAKE NEW FRIENDS DELIVER GROCERIES

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HELP NEIGHBORS ACCESS 
HEALTH INSURANCE
EMAIL

Meet our Board of Directors
Introducing Ulunda Baker
      Did you know that Common Heart has a volunteer Board of Directors?                                  The board is in charge of making many decisions for the nonprofit, including the recent decision to move Common Things and offices into a new space. Board members are tasked with not only keeping staff accountable, but must plan for the future of Common Heart.                             

  Each month we're introducing you to

Ulunda Baker 

these community servants and this month's it's Ulunda Baker's turn.                   

   Ulunda serves as the Special Events & Public Relations Advocate for Common Heart.

   She has a background in supply chain management and has worked in city government, the private sector and the utility industry. During her career, she has been very active in community outreach programs and mentoring.

   After a successful 10+ years in her profession, Ulunda is now the CEO & Founder of UBsmart, Inc. a local business which provides business consulting services, training and career coaching. Her organization specializes in start-ups and small to medium-sized businesses helping them with all areas of growth and development. UBsmart also offers career coaching to individuals and graduating students.

   Ulunda lives in Matthews with her husband, Richard, and their three young sons. She attends Elevation Church. When she's not helping Common Heart, you can find her coaching little league basketball for Legacy Sports or volunteering with SCORE of Charlotte.

   You can reach Ulunda by emailing ulunda.baker@thecommonplace.org.

  

    Want to help as a board committee  

team member? 

    We're still looking for folks to serve on various committee teams including special events, fundraising and finance. Whether you have experience or just a willingness to learn, we need you!

    These board committee teams are vital for Common Heart's development. All you need is some time and a heart for helping our neighbors in need.

    For more information, call Keith Adams at 704-218-9060 or email keith@thecommonplace.org.

 

Special Coupon
$2 OFF
Purchase of $10 or more with this coupon.
 321 Indian Trail Rd North, Indian Trail.
Expires 8/15/14. Only one coupon per customer.
Common Heart |704-218-9060 | http://TheCommonplace.org
321 Indian Trail Road North
P.O. Box 2761
Indian Trail, NC 28079

July 2014 | Common Heart


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