By April Turner
The sun overslept that day. A threat of rain sat in the sky, like it was watching and waiting. Mr. Rick said, “What you think about setting the boxes out on the sidewalk, just in case it rains?”
“Really, we can leave some in the truck too, so we can have room to see all of the sizes,” I answered.
We both side-eyed the bullying sky again. “Yep. Just in case.”
No time to worry over rain. The volunteers were here. The people had already started lining up. The partners were setting up. The Urban League of Central Carolinas would, once again, be there too. On mission. All in. Ready to serve. Rain or shine.
It was finally time for Winter Fest. The parking lot of ULCC’s Digital Innovation Center in East Town Market was bustling with people from all over the world. Africa, Central America, Asheville and several points in between. The energy for this day was super-charged from before the beginning. Every email, phone call or coffee conversation bounced with hopeful anticipation of this day.
As the festival tents and tables were filled with resources, health tools and information, the lines steadily grew longer. Faces familiar and new showed up for this special event. School social workers showed up for their students. Faith leaders showed up for their convalescent seniors. Mothers insisted for their sons. Dads advocated for their daughters. They came for help getting ready for the winter and preparing for the cold. Several also came to guard against the flu. And to boost resistance to COVID– the scourge still lingering in the crevices of the community.
The village showed up in the form of volunteers, partners and health care providers. Macy’s Gives and Soles4Souls donated 400 brand new coats and 1000 pairs of Bombas socks. ULCC and a loving team of volunteers distributed them to Winter Fest attendees and East Charlotte neighbor organizations.
Vision To Learn came to provide free eye exams. Thirty people received the free eye care they needed and five will receive free glasses. Mecklenburg County Public Health came through in the clutch, along with Aetna/CVS to provide information and vaccinations against COVID and the flu.
“Are the mask mandates about to come back?” Not today. 33 people got vaccinated. 425 free masks distributed. 200 free COVID test kits given.
All of it counts. Every coat. Every shot. Every pair of warm socks. Every eye screening bringing clear vision. All of it counts. Put it All-IN and it all adds up to a safer, healthier community this winter, ready and strengthened for the new year.
“The day turned out real nice, didn’t it?” Mr. Rick said.
I smiled and nodded my head in grateful agreement.
“It sure did. All weather is good weather.”
