Second Annual Builders Club Clothing Drive with Lake Norman Charter

There is something incredibly full circle about returning to Lake Norman Charter School, not as a student this time, but as someone building something bigger alongside the next generation. Our second annual clothing drive with the Builders Club reminded me exactly why this work matters.

This year, we partnered again through Lyric’s Loft to organize a community-wide donation effort focused on gently used children’s clothing, shoes, and nonperishable snack foods. We distributed collection bags to students to take home, giving families about a month to go through closets, gather items, and be part of something meaningful. When we came back to collect, the response honestly exceeded expectations.

The donations were incredible. Bags filled with thoughtfully chosen clothes, shoes in great condition, and pantry items that will directly support children and families affected by autism and the ABA clinics we serve. You could tell these were not just items people wanted to get rid of. These were items people chose to give.

A huge part of making this happen was the support behind the scenes. Andrea Wofford, NC President of Donations, played a key role in helping coordinate and bring this drive to life. This would not have come together the same way without her. I am so grateful for her leadership and heart.

I also want to recognize Mrs. Gilbert and Mrs. Jones for their continued dedication to the middle school Builders Club. Their leadership is shaping students who care about their community and actually take action. It shows in every part of this drive. We will come back as many times as you will have us.

One of the most meaningful moments for me personally was getting to visit my 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Costenoble. She still has her legendary name rings, one for every student she has ever taught, each one made so she could make a point to connect with every individual student every single day. We went searching through them and found mine all the way back from 2010. Standing there, seeing my name still kept and remembered after all these years, was something I will never forget.

What stood out the most was not just the volume of donations, but the people behind them.

I met a new friend, Maverick, who truly made an impression on me. He and his mom, Cassi, went out of their way to gather so many donation bags that he quite literally could not carry them all to school himself. His mom even made a special trip to make sure everything got there. That kind of effort speaks volumes about the environment these students are being raised in and the values they are learning.

Another moment that stuck with me was meeting a sixth grader who shared that she now wants to start her own crochet nonprofit, with the goal of donating proceeds to help people experiencing homelessness. That is the ripple effect in real time. One act of service turning into another, and then another.

Seeing young students step up, take ownership, and genuinely care about supporting others is something you cannot teach from a textbook. It has to be experienced. And that is exactly what the Builders Club is doing.

This drive was not just about collecting clothes and food. It was about building empathy, leadership, and community. It was about showing students that they have the power to make a difference right now, not someday.

To Lake Norman Charter Builders Club, thank you for letting us be part of this again. And to every student and family who contributed, just know that what you gave is going to go much further than you think.