Editor’s note: News items for the “You Can Help” section may include poker runs, charitable fundraisers (charities must be registered 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 organizations), and volunteer opportunities. All items must be received by noon Friday to guarantee that it will run on the following Wednesday.

The Arc poinsettias

MONROE — The Arc of Union County is accepting orders for its annual holiday poinsettia sale. A 6-inch, red, white or pink poinsettia is $12, and the profits from the sale will benefit Union County residents with developmental disabilities. Single plants may be picked up at The Arc offices after Nov. 30; orders of 20 or more plants can be delivered.

“(Each) donation helps us to be able to continue the quality advocacy and programming for people with developmental disabilities in Union County,” Executive Director Melinda Plue said in a news release. “We have been hit hard by statewide budget cuts and a drop in our United Way funding, and we are committed to forging ahead and not looking back — but we need your help.”

Buyers must send their name, address, phone number and e-mail address, along with the quantity of poinsettias (please specify pink, red, or white). Orders with check (made payable to The Arc of Union County) should be mailed to The Arc of Union County, 1653-C Campus Park Drive, Monroe, NC 28112; to make an order with a credit card, please call 704-261-1550.

Soldier coin fundraiser

MONROE — Members of the Family Readiness Group are raising money to purchase unit coins for soldiers in the Bravo Battery 1st Battalion 113th Field Artillery.

These unit coins, also known as challenge coins among other names, identify their bearers as unit members.

Family members are expecting the cost of the coins to be between $3,500 and $4,000. They havee set up an account at the State Employees Credit Union under the name “Coins of Courage.” Anyone wishing to donate money can do so at any SECU. The unit would like to have the coins delivered for presentation while the unit is still deployed.

— Staff Writer Elisabeth Arriero

National Guard donations clarified

MONROE — Former members of the unit collected donations for Bravo 1-113th FA in an effort to show their support for this unit of the 1st Battalion 113th Field Artillery. The unit’s retirees collected approximately $3,795 in cash donations and transferred the money to gift cards for Walmart, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Kmart and Target. While this donation was greatly appreciated by the unit’s leadership, the use of gift cards is extremely difficult for the family readiness coordinator to manage and account for under the state-appointed bank account for the unit. Because of legal reasons, the unit will no longer be able to accept donations of this type where money was donated for the unit and an outside source transfers the money without the unit FRG leader’s knowledge. All checks and donations should be mailed to the North Carolina National Guard Bravo Battery FRG, Attn: Mrs. Deanna Pressley at P.O. Box 69, 700 Charles St., Monroe, NC 28112, or coordinated with Deanna Pressley at 704-283-5512.

Habitat for Humanity auctions

MONROE — Habitat for Humanity will have silent and live auctions Saturday to benefit its construction program.

“If we can help get families in better homes or a safe, affordable house, ... it helps break the poverty cycle,” Habitat development director Julie Perkins said.

Many Habitat homeowners paid high rent in unsafe neighborhoods or had dilapidating homes prior to their current living arrangements, Perkins said. Some lived with family in overcrowded apartments or homes.

Habitat director Mike Reece said each home costs about $75,000. Money raised from the auctions will go toward materials such as lumber, concrete and brick.

Habitat will complete 10 homes this year and hopes for 10 more next year, plus two more in Chesterfield County, S.C. Several of those are funded by the Habitat ReStore in Monroe. A second ReStore is planned for Cheraw, S.C.

In addition to ReStore revenue, Habitat receives funds from the United Way and individual mortgages. Habitat homeowners pay between $400 and $450 per month on a 20-year, interest-free mortgage.

The silent auction will include about 70 items; the live auction, around 15. Items include antiques, artwork, sports memorabilia, furniture and weekend trips.

Last year’s auctions were held in conjunction with a chili cookoff and raised about $15,000. There was no cookoff this year, but Reece hopes the auctions will bring in about $25,000. The agency already has $10,000 in sponsorships.

Free food and beverages will be available.

The auction will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Victorian Crow’s Nest, 1710 W. Franklin St.

— Staff Writer Tiffany Lane

Aquatics Center food drive

MONROE — In conjunction with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, the Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center is accepting nonperishable food items through Monday. People who donate 20 items or more can join the center for free. Members who donate 10 items or more can enter to win raffle prizes worth hundreds of dollars. For information, call 704-282-4680 or visit monroeaquaticsandfitnesscenter.com.

Operation Christmas Child

MONROE — Christmas is arriving early all over North Carolina, as local businesses, churches and homes prepare to serve as collection points for Operation Christmas Child.

Union County residents can pack shoe box gifts for children in more than 100 countries suffering from natural disaster, war, terrorism, disease, famine and poverty.

From the county, the shoe box gifts will be sorted and sent via sea containers, trucks, trains, airplanes, boats, camels, and even dog sleds to reach children around the world.

Local sites will accept shoe boxes from Nov. 16 to Nov. 23:

The Union Baptist Association, 1744 Williams Road, Monroe, is open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 17 and 18; 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 19 and 20; 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 21; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 22; and 99 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 23.

The Jesse Helms Center, 3910 U.S. Highway 74, Wingate will accept items in the parking lot from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 16-20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 21, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 22 and 7:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 23.

In Anson County, First Baptist Church Wadesboro, 309 Lee Ave., Wadesboro, will be open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. from Nov. 16 to 20; will be closed on Nov. 21, and will accept donations from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 22 and 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Nov. 23.

In 2008, Union County contributed 8,538 shoe box gifts to the Operation Christmas Child effort. This year, organizers hope to collect 15,000 boxes full of school supplies, toys, necessity items, hard candy and a letter of encouragement. Step-by-step instructions are available at www.samartianspurse.org.

Operation Christmas Child uses tracking technology that allows donors to “follow your box” to the destination country where it will be hand-delivered to a child in need. To register shoe box gifts and find out what country they are delivered to, use the EZ Give donation form found at www.samaritanspurse.org.

For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call 704-583-1463 or visit www.samaritanspurse.org.

CBC plans blood drives

MONROE — Community Blood Center of the Carolinas will have the following blood drives in November in Monroe:

• Nov. 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lakeview Baptist Church, 4602 Concord Highway.

• Nov. 22, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Union Square Cinema 8, 1911 Dickerson Blvd.; free movie ticket to all presenting donors.

• Nov. 29, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church, 503 Maurice St.

Donors must weigh a minimum of 120 pounds.

New Salem Elf Run

NEW SALEM — The New Salem Roadrunners will have their third annual Elf Run at the New Salem Elementary School track on Dec. 5. Registration for the family fun run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m.. Entry fee is a new unwrapped toy. The Roadrunners hope to raise money and toys for local families in need at Christmas.

Carolinas Medical Center-Union will conduct a health fair, Dwayne Carpenter will provide DJ service and Santa will pay a visit. Refreshments will be available and goody bags will be offered while supplies last.

Awards, including some for best elf costume and best Christmas spirit, will be presented at 10 a.m.

For information, call Beverly Little at 704-385-9430.