Giving Back to Rowan County

 by Jennifer Nicholson  Rowan Public Library

When Mr. Fred Rogers from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, was young, he would often see or hear about events that would frighten him as a child.  His mother would always say, “Look for the helpers.  You will always find people who are helping.”   As the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma continue, many children might see or hear about events that frighten them.  Having children look for helpers is way to help calm fears and worries, but can also help teach children to give and help others in return. While families can help by donating to the American Red Cross and other organizations helping those affected by recent natural disasters, there are plenty of opportunities for families to help those here in Rowan County.

The Children and Teen’s Departments of the Rowan Public Library is thrilled to introduce a new program for children to learn how to give back to Rowan County, and for teens to earn volunteer hours needed for community service requirements for school and scholarships.  Give Back Saturday is a once month program where children and teens will be introduced to local charities and organizations, and can give back to the community through various crafts and projects, which RPL will donate to the charity of the month.  The first Give Back Saturday, will be at Headquarters (201 West Fisher Street, Salisbury) on Saturday, September 23rd from 10:00 am-11:00 am.  Staff from RPL and Meals on Wheels will be on hand as children and teens will be creating placemats for senior citizens and learning about the Meals on Wheels program. Children and teens of all ages are welcomed. For more information on Give Back Saturday, please call the Headquarters’ Children’s Departments at 704-216-8234.

There are many other ways that children and teens of Rowan County can give back to their community.  Recycling at home or reading to a neighbor are some simple ways that even young children can help.  Volunteering or donating to local organizations like Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary of Rowan County or to a local assisted living center are ways that older children can help, or for families to do together. 

For teens, the Salisbury Youth Council provides teens with the opportunity to help create a more positive community, by building leadership skills and team work, while creating service projects to help various community events such as Friday Night Out and Movies in the Park.  The Salisbury Youth Council is open to any teens who live in Rowan County and are current 9-12th graders.  For more information on the Salisbury Youth Council or to apply, please visit: http://www.salisburync.gov/Government/BoardsCommissions/Pages/Salisbury-Youth-Council.aspx

Helping and giving back opportunities are not only available for children and teens of Rowan County, there are many great ways for adults and families to help.  The Friends of the Rowan Public Library is an organization that helps support the Rowan Public Library, by providing funding for various programs such as concerts, storytelling festivals, and RPL’s Summer Reading Programs.  Families and adults can join the Friends of the Rowan Public Library by visiting https://www.rowancountync.gov/772/Friends-of-the-Library, or can help by participating in the Friend’s Annual Book Sale.  Preview sale starts on Friday, October 27th for Friends members’ only, public sale starts on Saturday, October 28th and running until Monday, October 30th.  Individuals and families can become members of the Friends for a small annual fee.  For more information regarding the Friends of the Rowan Public Library, please visit their website or call your local branch location.

Having children look for helpers and becoming helpers themselves can be a way to help children cope with recent current events.  There are many ways for families, children, and teens, to give back to Rowan County, and to gain new awareness of their community.  For more information on organizations listed here, please visit their website, or you can call any RPL location for additional information regarding RPL programs and Friends of the Rowan Public Library.