Do you love plants? Then you are perfect for the NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ program. Under the guidance and direction of Extension agents, individuals complete a 40-hour training program, pass an examination, and complete at least a 40-hour internship. The wealth of information you learn is immense and the skill set is rewarding. Visit Become a Volunteer on the NC State Extension website or contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension Center to learn how you can join the Extension Master Gardener program.

The Helping Hand Clinic which provides services to the uninsured and low-income residents of Lee County, desperately needs your help to keep the doors of the clinic open. Please consider donating now as an investment in the health of the community. The clinic is grateful for all the donations it has received, but the clinic’s circumstances are dire. Send checks to the Helping Hand Clinic at 507 North Steele Street Sanford 27330.

Highway to Healing is a group of volunteers who help Lee County cancer patients by driving them to and from cancer treatment appointments. Free transportation is provided to cancer patients so that they can attend doctor appointments or receive treatment. There is no cost to the patient for this service–Lee County people helping Lee County people. Call 919-774-8940 to schedule transportation.

Highway to Healing is a group of volunteers who help Lee County cancer patients by driving them to and from cancer treatment appointments. Are you interested in volunteering? Volunteers are asked to make one trip per month but may drive as often as their schedule allows. Volunteers pick their destinations and are compensated for gas through cooperation with local gas stations. Call 919-774-8940 to find out how you can help cancer patients in Lee County.

If you walk into the fellowship hall of Pocket Presbyterian Church between eight and noon on any given Tuesday, you’ll hear the whir of sewing machines. A small but dedicated group of women get together to sew every week. Using donated fabric, they sew garments for children in impoverished countries. The women’s operation takes over the whole room! If you are interested in joining the “Sewing Sisters Group” call Zelda at 919-776-3767.

Meals on Wheels of Sanford is designed to serve residents within the city limits who live alone or who are unable to go to the grocery store or are unable to cook for themselves. People who are recovering from surgery, handicapped or other physical limitations would also qualify. The meals are prepared at Central Carolina Hospital honoring special diet requests. Recipients are asked to pay what the hospital charges Meals on Wheels. If you are unable to pay this amount, the difference is subsidized with funds from volunteer donations.

All Lee County veterans are encouraged to house their military discharge papers in the Lee County Court House Register of Deeds’ vault. This service has been arranged by the Lee County Veterans Council.

For Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption to exist the organization must have a strong core of volunteers. CARA operates mostly with volunteers, relying on the commitment of dedicated animal lovers. If you would like to help, register as a volunteer via their website.

The Christian United Outreach Center of Lee County’s Food Pantry has seen an increase of clients, so continued donations of food items, financial support, volunteer service and prayers are requested. There is a list on their website of needed food pantry items.

The Moore Free & Charitable Clinic seeks to create a healthy community by providing health care to the uninsured. The organization is always looking for volunteers in the healthcare and administrative fields. The hours are flexible, and the personal fulfillment that comes from helping your neighbors is great! Check out their website for additional details about volunteering.

The Moore Humane Society’s mission is to ensure that all animals are treated with compassion and respect and to end euthanasia as a means of controlling pet overpopulation in the community. Private donations are the organizations only source of income and the ability to rescue homeless animals in need depends entirely on the compassion and generosity of members. Needed support will help save the lives of Moore animals.

The Bread Basket of Sanford is dedicated to serving the hungry in the surrounding community. The charitable organization cannot accept financial donations at its physical location. Mail your donation to P O Box 912 Sanford 27331.

At Habitat for Humanity, it is believed that everyone deserves a safe, decent, and affordable home. The goal is to work together to build homes and help families succeed in their homeownership journey. Volunteers are the lifeblood of Habitat for Humanity. There is work that continues beyond the construction site. Habitat volunteers are active at the office, they assist the ReStore staff, they serve on committees, and they are engaged in various community revitalization projects. Interested? Contact a local Habitat for Humanity affiliation.

Partnership for Children & Families believes that all children, youth, and families should thrive in safe, stable, and nurturing environments. One of their thirteen programs is The Happy Bottoms Bank which helps babies and women with necessities. If you are able to donate needed items, there are three donation sites – The Partnership office on Steele Street, Books at a Steal, and Lee County Library. A small gesture can bring a big change.

Are you looking for a volunteering opportunity? The American Red Cross needs volunteers. The most needed positions are Blood Donor Ambassador, Blood Transportation Specialist, Disaster Action Team, Shelter Services and Disaster Health Services Team. 90% of the Red Cross workforce are volunteers. Access their website to start your volunteer journey.

2023 Farmers Markets

Chatham County

The Pittsboro Farmers Market is open rain or shine all year every Thursday from 3 to 6 pm under the solar panels at The Plant on Lorax Lane.

Chatham Mills Farmers Market is located at Historic Chatham Mills in downtown Pittsboro. Open every Saturday morning now through October from 8 until noon. November through January, the market is open from 10 until 1. There is no market during February and March.

The Fearrington Farmers’ Market, located in Fearrington Village, is open every Tuesday from 4 to 6 now to November.

Harnett County

The Dunn Farmers Market is located on North Clinton Avenue and West Edgerton Street from 8 until 12 on Saturdays starting May 20th. Check out the market’s Facebook page for updates.

Lee County

The Sanford Farmers Market is open now through November 11th on Saturdays from 8:30 until noon at The Buggy Factory. Check out the market’s Facebook page for updates on vendors and the educational program taught by the Cooperative Extension staff.

Moore County

The Moore County Farmers Market has two markets each week. On Thursdays, the year-round market is located on Morganton Road from 9 to 1. Then on Saturdays, the market is on the corner of New York and Broad in Southern Pines from 8 until noon now through October 28th. Check out the market’s Facebook page for updates.

The Sandhills Farmers Market is located at Tufts Memorial Park twice a week through October 1st. Saturday hours are 10 until 1 and Wednesday hours are 3 until 6.

Randolph County

The Asheboro Downtown Farmers Market is located at 134 S. Church Street. The market is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 7 until 1 now through October 31st.

The Eastern Randolph Farmers Market, located at the Millstone Creek Orchards, is open every Saturday from 9 until 2 from May 6th through August. Check out the Facebook page for updates.

Richmond County

The Rockingham Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from 8 until 12 in the old Food King parking lot on East Washington Street starting on May 6th. Also, on Wednesdays, beginning May 10th from 3 to 6 in front of the Health Department and Dept. of Social Services building. Check out their Facebook page for updates.

Wake County

The Apex Farmers Market operates from 9 until noon on Saturdays now until December, then bi-weekly from December until March at Beaver Creek Crossing (1479 Beaver Creek Commons Drive, Apex).

Fuquay-Varina Growers Market is open Saturdays now through September 9th from 9 until 1 (April to June), 8 until noon (June through September). Rain or shine! Located at 121 N. Main Street in the Fuquay Varina Chamber of Commerce parking lot.

The Holly Springs Farmers Market is located on West Ballentine Street outside the Cultural Center. It’s open every Saturday from May through October from 8 until noon. Winter hours are 9 until noon. Check out their Facebook page for updates.

The State Farmers Market located on Agriculture Street in Raleigh is open year-round. The hours are 5 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday and 8 am to 5 pm on Sundays. Check out their Facebook page for updates.