THE DISH

The Official Newsletter of Angels & Sparrows

August 2025

 

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

  • Cultivating Community
  • Mission Moment
  • Summer Bag Lunches
  • College Tours
  • Taste of Charlotte
  • Upcoming Events

Cultivating Community

Homegrown Goodness Behind the Table

Behind our Community Table, something powerful is taking root—24 vibrant garden beds now in full production, cultivating not just fresh organic food, but opportunity and equity. These gardens help us make delicious meals and increase access to nutritious produce for the families we serve, making healthy meals more affordable and attainable.


By transforming underused space into flourishing plots, we’re nourishing both body and spirit—because everyone deserves the dignity of wholesome food grown with care. It’s just one more way we’re working to build a healthier, more resilient community from the ground up.


If your backyard is bursting with more cucumbers, tomatoes, or other fresh veggies than you can eat, consider sharing the harvest with us! Homegrown produce is a powerful gift—rich in both nutrients and care—and we’ll gladly put it to good use feeding our neighbors. Every handful contributes to a healthier, more nourished community.


Drop-offs can be made directly at the Community Table, and we’ll make sure your garden’s abundance becomes someone else’s blessing!

Mission Moment: A Summer of Possibilities

It started with an innocent question: “Are you excited for summer?” A Pathway scholar quietly replied, “No.” When asked why, she explained that during the first week of school, teachers ask students to write about something fun they did over summer break—but she never has anything to write about. Her family doesn’t go on vacation or visit places like Carowinds, so summer often feels like a season of 'missing out'.


That moment stayed with us. It was a powerful reminder that summer isn’t joyful for every child—and that access to enriching experiences can shape a child’s sense of belonging, confidence, and joy.


This year, thanks to the support of our community, 58 Pathway school-age scholars are attending summer camps across Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, and Charlotte. From dance and science to art and outdoor exploration, these camps offer more than just fun—they’re building memories that last a lifetime.


We know that transportation can be a major barrier for families, so we work closely to match children with camps that are logistically feasible.


This summer, we also partnered with a Girl Scout Troop, who hosted a beach towel and sunscreen drive to ensure every camper had the essentials. Families received gas gift cards to help with travel—removing a key obstacle to participation.


Camp locations include the Town of Huntersville, UNC Charlotte, Freedom Schools at Davidson College, Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, and the Town of Cornelius. These experiences are made possible by the generosity of supporters like you!



Thank you for helping our kids write a new kind of summer story—one filled with joy, discovery, and hope.

Summer Service is in Full Swing

Tackling Summer Food Insecurity

While our Pathway Program may be on summer break, the Resource Center is bustling with activity! On June 11th, our center transformed into Summer Bag Lunch Central as community members and businesses began delivering bag lunches for distribution to area students.


Throughout June and July, we successfully distributed more than 8,000 bag lunches to hungry students in our community. This incredible effort wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of our volunteers and donors.


Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this start of our summer initiative a success. Your kindness and dedication are making a real difference in the lives of local families.


It’s Not Too Late to Make a Summer Impact!


We’re currently distributing up to 290 bag lunches every weekday, and we still have many volunteer openings throughout August. Your time and support can help ensure students receive the nourishment they need to start the school year strong. Take a moment to review the program details and sign up today—your involvement makes a real difference!


Stepping Onto Campus, Stepping Into Possibility

Pathway Teens Tour Area Schools

Thanks to our inspiring partnership with The Academy of Goal Achievers (TAOGA), Pathway Program teens recently took a meaningful step toward their futures—with campus visits to Wofford College and the University of South Carolina Upstate.


These college tours weren’t just about seeing classrooms and dorms; they were about sparking dreams and envisioning what’s possible. For many of our students, it was their first time stepping foot on a college campus. Walking the grounds, asking questions, and connecting with college mentors gave them a deeper sense of what’s ahead—and fueled the belief that they belong there.


At Angels & Sparrows, we know that exposure is a powerful tool. By introducing teens to real college environments early on, we help remove uncertainty and replace it with clarity, confidence, and goals they can work toward. Through experiences like this, the Pathway Program continues to break down barriers and build up futures.


Because when our teens can see it—they can believe it! And with your support, we can show them what's possible.

Taste of Charlotte

Cheers to You—Taste of Charlotte Was a Hit!

What an incredible weekend! Thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of our amazing volunteers, Angels & Sparrows had a standout presence at this year’s Taste of Charlotte. For three sun-soaked days, our team kept the drinks flowing, greeted festivalgoers with smiles, and brought our mission to life through community connection.


We’re deeply grateful to everyone who gave their time and energy to make this event a success. Because of your commitment, not only did we show up in full force—we also earned $1,200 from booth sales to directly support our programs.


Thank you for showing up, showing heart, and making a difference. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Upcoming Events

August

19 Full Plate Fundraiser Launch - more details coming soon!

22 Last Day of Summer Bag Lunch Program


October

10 Applause For a Cause at Heist Brewery & Barrel Arts, 6 p.m.

13 Golf Tournament at Skybrook Golf Club, 9 a.m. Shotgun Start


November

27 Thanksgiving 5k at Fleet Feet Birkdale 7 a.m.

Don't Miss Your Taste of Community

 

Get Your Cookbook Today

Our brand-new Angels & Sparrows Cookbook is filled with heartwarming recipes from the volunteers, staff, and supporters who make our mission possible. Every page tells a story of community, comfort, and connection. By purchasing a copy, you’re not just getting delicious dishes—you’re nourishing hope.

All proceeds support our programs, so dig in for a good cause!

Angels & Sparrows | P.O. Box 315, Huntersville, NC 28070-0315 | 704-918-0122