Food Sponsors Needed to Help Volunteers with Homeless Count in Cumberland County

The Cumberland County Community Development Department Office needs your help with feeding volunteers during its annual homeless county on Thursday, January 25, and Friday, January 26.

Each year, the Cumberland County Community Development Department conducts an annual count with a goal to determine the number of homeless individuals and families in Fayetteville and in Cumberland County.

The count is called the Point In Time Count. This 24-hour event will see volunteers canvassing our entire county with the goal of determining a census or the exact number of homeless. Once the count has been completed, those in the Cumberland County Community Development Department will know exactly who these people are, where and how do they live and what resources do they need.

Here is where you come in. Sponsors are needed to provide food for the volunteers during the census. If you can help, please call 910-323-6112 or for more information, click here.

Now, with the count taking place on January 25th and 26th, there is not enough time to train new volunteers. However, if you have an interest in volunteering, click here.

For those now aware of the Cumberland County Community Development Department, their goal is to hopefully, with the help of this community, eliminate homelessness in Cumberland County.

At one time, there were approximately 800 homeless children in the Cumberland County School system.  During the school day, these kids have a safe place to go, healthy food to eat and people to interact with.  When they leave school, that is another story.

For those that are in place to volunteer on January 25th and 26, please remember that you must sign the form NC-511 2024 Point in Time Homeless Count Confidentiality and Release of Liability Agreement.

Also in order to attempt to keep everyone safe and healthy, all volunteers must continue to use protective gear and must continue to safely distance at all times.

There can be a lot of pressure and expectations around Valentine’s Day. A great Valentine's Day can be great for a relationship: if handled well, it can take a budding relationship to the next level. Or it can reignite a relationship that is years, or even decades, old.

On the other hand, a poorly executed Valentine's Day can have significant drawbacks, casting a shadow on a relationship. Failing to invest time in planning a meaningful day or falling short of expectations can lead to feelings of disappointment and resentment.

Driver Research reveals that Valentine's Day is celebrated by as many as 52% of consumers. Approximately 224 million roses are grown exclusively for the holiday, and about 3 out of every 10 Americans end up accumulating credit card debt due to their Valentine's Day spending.

Some people set unrealistic expectations for Valentine’s Day, setting themselves up for potential disappointment. But it's important to realize the day is about celebrating love, not showing off.

Another common pitfall is assuming their partners can read their minds about what they want on Valentine’s Day. It’s better to be clear about your wishes to avoid disappointments.

While gifts are always appreciated, it's important to remember that the value lies in the thought and effort behind the gift, not the price tag. Social media can exacerbate this pressure, with people flaunting extravagant gifts and experiences. Every relationship is unique, and there's no need to compare your Valentine’s Day with others.

Additionally, love shouldn't be confined to a single day a year. Consistently expressing love and appreciation throughout the year can alleviate stress associated with Valentine’s Day. Simple, spontaneous gestures, such as leaving a heartfelt note or a surprise gift, can go a long way in making someone feel loved and appreciated.

If you've had a not-so-great Valentine’s Day, learn from it and avoid these common mistakes next time. Take a look at some of the common Valentine’s Day mistakes to steer clear of for a smoother and more enjoyable celebration.

Having no plans, even with good intentions, can make you seem inconsiderate and unmotivated. While it's tempting to resort to last-minute convenience-store flowers or a generic box of chocolates, your partner likely knows you're more creative. Avoid scrambling to find the perfect last-minute Valentine's Day gifts. Instead, have a plan in place, making your partner feel valued with the thought you put into it ahead of time.

Valentine's Day is a peak time for restaurants, spas, and getaways, so avoid waiting until the eleventh hour to snag your spot. Many places fill up weeks or even months before the big day. According to Taste of Home, it's wise to plan and secure a reservation five to six weeks in advance. Mark it on your calendar to avoid any slip-ups. If you realize you forgot, try calling around to see if any restaurants have last-minute openings, or opt for a cozy romantic dinner at home.

Surprises are great, but when you gift your partner chocolate and roses and they surprise you with a trip to Hawaii or a new car, it can be a bit awkward. Although it's uncommon to have such a huge difference in gift budgets, having a quick chat before Valentine's Day can be beneficial. Set some guidelines. Maybe agree on a small budget, like under $20, or consider pooling funds for a more extravagant joint experience.

People often make the mistake of organizing Valentine's Day based on their preferences rather than considering what their partner likes. Avoid overlooking your partner's wishes or desires for the day. If your significant other prefers a cozy night at home over a fancy dinner, make sure your plans align with their preferences.

Even if you're not a big fan of Valentine's Day, your partner might be a total romantic, so don't act like it's just any regular day. You don't have to pull off a huge, fancy gesture every time, but completely ignoring it can be hurtful. Making a little effort shows you care. Complaining about the day doesn't help either. Some people see Valentine’s Day as a bit commercial, but pointing that out or making excuses to ignore it might disappoint your partner. Griping about putting effort into the day can quickly spoil anything special you decide to do for them.