Can't Come to Spirit Night on October 15th? Here Are 7 Ways You Can Still Help Feed Hungry Children in Fayetteville

How can I help feed hungry children if I can’t attend Spirit Night?

You can still support children facing food insecurity by donating, volunteering, organizing a small food drive, or sharing trusted local resources. Your time, a gift of any size, or a message to your neighbors can help strengthen food insecurity programs for kids in Fayetteville.

Spirit Night is one way to bring people together around a shared goal: helping feed children in our community. If you can’t join us in person, you still have plenty of meaningful ways to take part. Choose the option that fits your schedule and resources. Every caring action helps build a stronger circle of support for children and families.

Why does child food insecurity need community support?

Child food insecurity means a child’s access to enough food is not consistent or reliable. Community donations and volunteer support can help organizations connect families with meals and food resources.

Food insecurity can affect families for many reasons, including unexpected bills, changing work hours, or housing costs. It isn’t a sign that a parent doesn’t care. It’s a challenge that can touch households across a community, and one that neighbors, organizations, and local businesses can help address.

Friends & Allies Inc. is committed to feeding hungry children and supporting vulnerable neighbors. Our wider mission also includes safe shelter and housing assistance for people escaping domestic violence, legal advocacy, and support for families and veterans. Spirit Night is centered on children’s food needs, while community support helps sustain our broader work.

What are 7 ways I can help from home or in my neighborhood?

Pick one of these seven options: give directly, volunteer, collect food, host a small fundraiser, share event details, connect families with resources, or invite a local group to partner. Start with the action that feels easiest. You don’t have to do everything to make a difference.

1. Can I donate directly to support the mission?

Yes. You can make a gift through the Friends & Allies Inc. donation page. If you want your gift to support children’s food needs, contact us to ask how donations support our work.

A donation is a simple way to contribute even if you can’t attend Spirit Night. Choose an amount that works for you, and give securely through the organization’s official page. A modest gift can join with others to help sustain community programs.

2. How can I volunteer if I can’t make it on October 15?

Contact Friends & Allies Inc. and ask about upcoming volunteer opportunities related to meal support or community programs. Volunteer needs and schedules can vary, so check before making plans.

You might also explore local volunteer opportunities through Fayetteville Urban Ministry, which lists ways to support its programs. Read the current instructions and ask about any application or screening requirements before you go.

If your availability is limited, ask whether there are occasional shifts or one-time projects. A few hours sorting supplies or helping with a community effort can be useful.

3. Can I organize a small food drive?

Yes, but contact the organization receiving the food first to confirm what items it accepts and when to drop them off. That helps make sure your collection is safe, useful, and easy to distribute.

Invite a few neighbors, coworkers, or friends to contribute unopened, shelf-stable items. Before you announce a list, check current needs with the recipient. Food preferences, storage capacity, and donation procedures can change.

For local options, you can ask Fayetteville Urban Ministry about donations or check the Catholic Charities Fayetteville and Newton Grove regions for current ways to help.

4. Could my workplace, church, or club host a mini fundraiser?

Yes. Ask your group to choose a clear goal, decide how funds will be collected, and share exactly which organization will receive the proceeds. A small workplace challenge or community collection can make giving feel easy and welcoming.

Keep it simple. Invite people to contribute what they can, and share the official Friends & Allies Inc. donation link rather than collecting money through an unverified account. If your group wants to explore a partnership, contact us first so we can discuss the best next step.

5. How can I help by sharing Spirit Night?

Share the event details with someone who may be able to attend. A personal text, email, or social post can help the invitation reach another family.

Keep the key information together so people know how to participate:

• When: Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

• Where: Urban Air Fayetteville, 2051 Skibo Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28314

• What to buy: The $29.99 Unlimited Play Pass at the front desk

• What to say: “Spirit Night” at the time of purchase

• Donation: 20% of proceeds donated back to Friends & Allies Inc.

• Please note: Urban Air socks are not included

You can share the event details on our website. That makes it easier for others to check the information directly.

6. How can I help a family find a food bank near me or food pantry near me?

Share reliable local directories and encourage families to confirm current hours and requirements before visiting. The Cumberland County community resources guide and Second Harvest Food Bank’s food finder can help people look for food support nearby.

If you’re sharing a resource, include the link and suggest calling ahead to ask about eligibility, appointments, identification, and available services. You can also encourage caregivers to ask a school counselor or school staff member about meal programs and other food insecurity programs for kids.

A kind, private offer to help someone find information can make asking for support feel less overwhelming. Let families decide what help they want, and respect their privacy.

7. How can a local business or community group partner with us?

Start by contacting Friends & Allies Inc. to discuss a practical way your group can support children and families. A business might share the event, host a collection, offer volunteer time, or make a donation.

Keep the focus clear. Tell people who benefits, where contributions go, and how they can take part. If you’re organizing a collection or fundraiser, confirm details with us first so the plan matches current needs and procedures.

What should I do first if I want to help?

Choose one action, take the next small step, and invite someone to join you. You might donate today, ask about volunteering, or forward the event link to a friend. It doesn’t need to be complicated.

Here’s a quick plan:

1. Pick your option: donate, volunteer, collect food, fundraise, share, connect families with resources, or explore a partnership.

2. Check the details: confirm donation methods, accepted food items, schedules, or volunteer requirements with the organization.

3. Take action: use the official links and contact information below.

4. Tell someone: share a trusted resource or invite a neighbor to help.

Can I still join Spirit Night if my plans change?

Yes. Join us Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Urban Air Fayetteville. Purchase the $29.99 Unlimited Play Pass at the front desk and say “Spirit Night” when you pay. Twenty percent of proceeds will be donated back to Friends & Allies Inc. Urban Air socks are not included.

The park is at 2051 Skibo Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28314. For questions about the venue, call (910) 218-0502. Bring your family, invite a friend, and enjoy an evening of play while supporting our community mission.

If you can’t attend, please choose one of the seven ways to help, or simply share this invitation with someone who can.

How can I contact Friends & Allies Inc.?

Reach out to ask about giving, volunteering, or supporting children and families in Fayetteville. We’re glad to hear from neighbors who want to help.

Friends & Allies Inc. Address: 6380 Cliffdale Rd #25202, Fayetteville, NC 28314 Email:info@friendsandalliesinc.com Phone:614-706-1352 Website:friendsandalliesinc.com

Frequently asked questions about helping children facing food insecurity

What if I can’t attend Spirit Night?

You can still donate, ask about volunteer opportunities, organize a food drive after checking accepted items, share event details, connect families with trusted resources, or invite a community group to partner.

How do I make sure my Spirit Night purchase supports Friends & Allies Inc.?

At the Urban Air Fayetteville front desk, buy the $29.99 Unlimited Play Pass and mention “Spirit Night” at the time of purchase. Twenty percent of proceeds will be donated back to Friends & Allies Inc. Socks are not included.

Where can I find food pantry information in Fayetteville?

Start with the Cumberland County community resources guide or Second Harvest Food Bank’s food finder. Call ahead to confirm current hours and requirements.

How do I learn about volunteer opportunities?

Contact Friends & Allies Inc. to ask about current opportunities. You can also review the volunteer information from Fayetteville Urban Ministry and follow its current instructions.