We can never have enough do-gooders. 

If the world is a machine, the people who volunteer, contribute, and generally show up are the ones who keep it running. The world thrives with the people who don’t just stay in their lane, people who say, “this might not be my responsibility but I’m going to do it anyway.” 

So in that spirit, Cardinal & Pine’s team and its readers are shouting out some of our favorite nonprofits, charities, and causes in NC. 

The holidays are an especially important time for giving back. We can get you started on holiday do-gooding right here. 

And, in case you missed it, here are 7 big reasons why giving back is more important than ever in NC this year. 

This is not an exhaustive list. There’s too much good in NC to fit in one email. But I hope you check out some of these and show them your love.

Have a cause you want to shout out? Write us, and we’ll publish them next week at Cardinal & Pine. 

(Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC)

Groceries are on a roller coaster that just keeps ticking up, up, up. 

NC is blessed, however, with a network of regional food banks that can help you, regardless of whether you’re on the Outer Banks or sniffing the Great Smokies.

From the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC to the MANNA Food Bank out west, these folks do an often thankless job providing the most basic of needs. 

(Siembra NC)

This organization has emerged as an especially potent force in the last year. 

It advocates for NC’s immigrant community, offering education and training on wage theft and immigration policing. Their work educating locals about ICE and Border Patrol has been especially pivotal during the immigration crackdown of 2025. 

There’s no reason to think the need is going anywhere, so these folks will continue to be called upon. 

(Shutterstock)

Cardinal & Pine reader Bobbi Hague points out that this nonprofit pharmacy program was crucial in western NC in the days after Helene. 

“The organization was front and center for the people in Western NC after Helene hit,” says Hague. “I can’t say enough good things about this group of people. To me, it’s the best kept secret.”

The program provides free over-the-counter medicine and helps with prescription medicines. Their mobile unit makes them ready to travel, too.

(Hidden Voices)

Funny thing about people:

You can quote them numbers all day long, but until you give them a personal, human anecdote, they don’t get it.

In other words, stories matter. 

This Orange County-based nonprofit, Hidden Voices, was recommended by Cardinal & Pine reader Ann Moss Joyner. The group partners with underrepresented communities to make art, documentaries, plays, and more that celebrate diverse voices. 

Recently, they partnered in the production of “A Good Boy,” a musical giving voice to the families of inmates on death row. 

The landscape for local news is shifting fast. At Cardinal & Pine, our commitment to you—and to North Carolina—hasn’t changed.

Our end-of-year fundraising drive runs through Dec. 16, and your support keeps this work strong.

Your contribution helps us shine a light on the decisions, debates, and leaders shaping North Carolina’s future. We can’t do this work without you.

(Restored Souls)

As this Wilmington nonprofit points out, there are more than 200 kids in the foster system in the area with fewer than 80 foster parents to care for them.

Restored Souls, which was recommended by Cardinal & Pine reader (and pediatrician) Kelly McConnell, provides support and resources to families with vulnerable children. 

That includes foster families, children with special needs, and more. They also “aim to prevent caretaker burnout by encouraging hope and restoring joy.” Their services include overnight “respite” experiences to parents and families for free. 

(Street Dog Coalition)

Cardinal & Pine editor and contributor Brook Bolen brought us this nationwide program, which also has an Asheville clinic. 

And what an idea it is. 

The Street Dog Coalition provides free veterinary care to pets of people experiencing homelessness. It’s not just for the pups. The organization has worked with thousands of dogs and cats to provide veterinary care and spay and neuter services. 

Whoever you give to this year, I promise it’ll make you feel good.

I’m grateful you’re reading Cardinal & Pine. Happy giving season, NC. 

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Billy Ball. I’m an NC native and journalist. I tend to lean left on opinion, but I lean no way on facts. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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