Cresswind Charlotte is an active adult community comprising over 400 homes situated on the border of Charlotte and Mint Hill, NC. While it is an adults-only community, Cresswind Charlotte demonstrates a strong commitment to children.
The Cresswind Pickleball Club members and CHS staff at the charity event in January of 2023.
The story began around this time last year when Children’s Home Society urgently needed volunteers to assist in processing gifts donated to the Hope for the Holidays toy drive. Answering the call was Cresswind resident Tammy Ortiz, who along her friend, Barbara Hestetune, tirelessly organized, sorted, and prepared toys for distribution to children served by our Foster Care to Permanency, Intensive Family Preservation, and Child-Focused Recruitment programs. This activity inspired the women to nominate Children’s Home Society as the beneficiary of the Cresswind Pickleball Club’s inaugural charity event. A dynamic committee of Cresswind residents meticulously planned, organized, and executed the event this past January, raising over $5,000 for children in need. The fundraiser was not only a huge success, but also a lot of fun!
In addition to raising funds, the pickleball event also raised awareness of Children’s Home Society and its ongoing need for various forms of support throughout the year. Other clubs within Cresswind took notice and offered their assistance. Cresswind Cares, the community service club, extended an invitation to Children’s Home Society to have an information table at their annual volunteer fair last May, aiming to recruit helpers for Hope for the Holidays. This year, thanks to the kind-hearted folks at Cresswind Charlotte, Children’s Home Society will not be in a pinch.
Angle Tree for Hope for the Holidays wish lists at Cresswind Charlotte Clubhouse.
In addition to volunteering, Cresswind Cares has also committed to sponsoring the wish lists of 20 children in care. Cresswind Cares committee members, Clare Willis and Deborah Knorr, spread the word throughout the entire community, inviting everyone to participate in this incredible opportunity to bring joy to children during the holidays. The Cresswind Cares committee decorated a Christmas tree with lists of items for residents to donate to make, brightening the holidays for children and teens throughout the Greater Charlotte Area.
Children’s Home Society is deeply grateful for groups like Cresswind Charlotte that are making a difference in the lives of children and families in North Carolina. When people share their resources of time, talent, and treasure with CHS, they help children find permanent, safe, and loving families – something every child deserves and needs, especially during the holidays.
If you are a part of a group, regardless of its size or type, please consider supporting our children and families throughout the year through our dedicated programs. CHS is always seeking partnerships with places of worship, businesses, civic groups, sororities and fraternities, alumni groups, neighborhood associations, book clubs, and any other organizations. There are numerous ways to support children and families throughout the year. Visit chsnc.org or contact philanthropy@chsnc.org to learn more.
