Grateful for Our Local Creatives
The last few weeks in Charlotte have been unbelievably hard for many of our neighbors, friends and family. Even so, we’ve seen incredible flashes of kindness, humanity and creativity from local nonprofits and everyday Charlotteans. As we round the corner into the final month of the year, we want to pause and say how thankful we are for Charlotte’s creative community and the countless ways you — yes, you, dear reader — show up. Your art, energy and compassion ripple through this city when we need it most. And we weren’t the only ones feeling grateful. On Instagram, we asked followers to share what they’re thankful for about the Queen City creative community. The responses were heartfelt and powerful. Before we share those, here are some nonprofits and creatives supporting our neighbors. Take a read, pass it on and spread the love this holiday season. SHOW UP — HOWEVER YOU CANLocal artists, nonprofits and organizations have stepped up throughout the last few weeks to aid community members, build networks and share resources. This is not an all-inclusive list, but here are a few places to check out, get involved and donate to. 
NOURISH UP
Location: 901 Carrier Drive
Website: nourishup.org
Instagram: @nourishupcltMore than 200,000 people in Mecklenburg County — families, kids, veterans and seniors — are living with food insecurity. Nourish Up works every day to lift up our neighbors by offering groceries and meals that are nourishing and delicious. From teaching cooking classes to delivering groceries and building corporate partnerships, Nourish Up offers ways to serve through volunteer shifts, meal prep, grocery delivery and even renting space for community gatherings. If you want to get involved, jump in by volunteering, sharing crucial info or donating (Giving Tuesday is Dec. 2). Click HERE for more information. 
ourBRIDGE FOR KIDS
Location: 3925 Willard Farrow Drive
Website: joinourbridge.org
Instagram: @ourbridgeforkidsCharlotte’s community is growing fast. CMS students represent 158 countries and speak 194 languages. One in three speaks another language at home, and more than 30,000 are learning English. ourBRIDGE for Kids helps newcomer families ease into life in Charlotte with culturally responsive after-school programs, family support and connections to essential resources. Their work helps students feel safe, welcome and ready to thrive. You can help by donating, volunteering or sharing their work. Click HERE to learn more.
Plus, local fashion brand F4mily Matters is supporting ourBRIDGE with shirt and crewneck sales this season. 
LA BODEGUITA
Location: 1824 Statesville Ave., Suite 106A
Website: labodeguitaclt.com
Instagram: @labodeguitacltLa Bodeguita is your neighborhood craft cafe — a cozy corner store for creativity. It’s a welcoming space for anyone exploring creativity as a tool for well-being, with offerings for both individuals and corporate groups. For $27, guests get 90 minutes of access to an expansive library of creative materials — beads, gems, stickers, papers and more — plus a menu of customizable projects. There are even coordinated and unique special events calendars for activities like centerpiece-making, garland-building and cake decorating. Along with attending events or renting the space, La Bodeguita is collecting craft supplies to build free holiday crafting kits for youth and families. A small donation can make someone’s season a little brighter. COMMUNITY SHOUT-OUTS
As we said above, we couldn’t finish this edition of The Biscuit without sharing community voices, too. Charlotteans showed up in our IG comments with heartfelt thanks for the artists, organizations, places and movements that make this city beautiful. Pam Imhof | Fiber Artist | IG: @theleftbrainedartist
“There are way too many people and organizations to name, but I found a community of people who love me and have been helping me heal. I’m grateful that they know my best isn’t always 100 percent from day to day and consistently meet me where I’m at with nothing but love, support and encouragement.” Sara Rich Merlo | Education Consultant | IG: @sara.merlo7
“Love how welcoming and affirming the community is! I have lived in cities all over the world and the best thing about Charlotte is how easy it has been to find my PEOPLE.” Rosie Molinary | Artist and Author | IG: @rosiemolinary
Editor’s note: Rosie shared the love in her comment, so we pulled out the folks she lifted up. “This is absolutely an incomplete list because the greater Charlotte art scene is so rich and generous!” No matter what this season brings, Charlotte’s creative community continues to shine — and we’re grateful to be in it with you. | The Biscuit is proudly sponsored by: |
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