Lend a Hand in Leland is a community-wide day of service initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and volunteerism within our beloved Town. We're dedicated to bringing together a diverse group of individuals, families, and organizations to make a positive impact in our community through various volunteer projects and activities.
Our next Lend a Hand in Leland will take place on Saturday, March 22 from 8 to 11 a.m. and feature five meaningful volunteer opportunities in partnership with local organizations. Learn more about each project by clicking the green tabs below.
Join Cape Fear River Watch to clean a Leland area watershed.
Saturday, March 22, 8-11 a.m.
All participants will start at the Leland Cultural Arts Center at 8 a.m., where they will check in, meet with their groups, and enjoy light refreshments before departing for their project sites.
Project location: TBA closer to event
All ages are welcome. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Cape Fear River Watch will supply all necessary equipment such as pickers, gloves, safety vests, bags, and bug spray.
Closed-toe shoes are required on site. Long pants are suggested. Please bring water.
Cape Fear River Watch is an environmental nonprofit based in Wilmington, but its work encompasses the whole Cape Fear River Basin from the headwaters to the mouth and everywhere in between. The mission of Cape Fear River Watch is to protect and improve the water quality of the Cape Fear River Basin for all people through education, advocacy, and action.
Assist Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity in building its first community in Leland, with tasks varying by stage of construction.
Saturday, March 22, 8-11 a.m.
All participants will start at the Leland Cultural Arts Center at 8 a.m., where they will check in, meet with their groups, and enjoy light refreshments before departing for their project sites.
Project location: Highland Hills Drive
As part of its affordable housing mission, Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity will be constructing 10 new homes off Highland Hills Drive in the Fuller Court Neighborhood. For Lend a Hand in Leland, Habitat will host a build day at this location. A build day consists of volunteering on the construction site and can include tasks such as framing, window and door installation, applying exterior siding, interior trim work, flooring, cabinet installation, and site cleanup.
More project details will be shared closer to the event.
Participants must be at least 16 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All skill and labor levels are welcome.
Proper construction site clothing with closed-toe footwear is required.
Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1993 and is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International.
We believe that safe and decent shelter should be a fundamental human right. Our goal and mission is to end substandard housing. People from all walks of life are invited to work together with us to help build houses for those families in need. Our homeowners include young families with small children, single parents and those with disabilities.
Our homes are built with volunteer labor, tax deductible donations, and proceeds from our ReStore retail locations. Homeowners invest a substantial amount of time and sweat equity into building their own homes. The house is then sold to the partner family with a below market interest rate. Money collected from partner family mortgage repayments is used to help finance the construction of future Habitat homes.
Volunteers will join We Live Here to pick up roadside trash in the Westgate District.
Saturday, March 22, 8-11 a.m.
All participants will start at the Leland Cultural Arts Center at 8 a.m., where they will check in, meet with their groups, and enjoy light refreshments before departing for their project sites.
Project location: Westgate District (Gateway Boulevard and Ploof Road)
Join We Live Here to pick up roadside trash in the Westgate District, focusing on Gateway Boulevard and Ploof Road. Our goal is to pick up the entirety of Gateway Boulevard, Ploof Road, and Westgate Drive. We will then analyze this trash for trends and are happy to make the data available to anyone committed to addressing the problem.
More project details will be shared closer to the event.
Participants of all ages are welcome. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
We Live Here will provide all necessary equipment.
We Live Here is a group of highly social, purpose-centered people in Leland working together to make sure the place we live is a place we love.
Join We Live Here to plant trees in Leland to beautify the community, improve the environment, and enhance walkability.
Saturday, March 22, 8-11 a.m.
All participants will start at the Leland Cultural Arts Center at 8 a.m., where they will check in, meet with their groups, and enjoy light refreshments before departing for their project sites.
Project location: TBA closer to event
In October, volunteers planted eight Brandywine Maples along Gateway Boulevard. To further enhance and beautify this area, We Live Here, in partnership with Lowe's Home Improvement, plans to plant additional trees along the same stretch of road.
Participants should expect some lifting and repositioning of trees, as well as potential digging to prepare the necessary holes.
Participants of all ages are welcome. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
All necessary equipment will be provided.
We Live Here is a group of highly social, purpose-centered people in Leland working together to make sure the place we live is a place we love.
Lace up your walking shoes and join AARP on a Walk Audit to explore and improve neighborhood walkability.
Saturday, March 22, 8-11 a.m.
All participants will start at the Leland Cultural Arts Center at 8 a.m., where they will check in, meet with their groups, and enjoy light refreshments before departing for their project sites.
Project location: TBA closer to event
During the walk audit, AARP will educate residents on design elements that enhance safety and empower community members to advocate for positive changes. Participants will be encouraged to observe and document their thoughts on accessibility and pedestrian usage throughout the walk. This valuable feedback will be shared with the Town to help inform and guide future projects, ensuring a more pedestrian-friendly community.
Leland has made significant progress in becoming a more walkable and accessible community, proudly joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities. A key priority for the Town is to enhance pedestrian connectivity for residents. Despite the growing number of homes within walking distance of the commercial center, pedestrian pathways remain underutilized as an alternative to motor vehicles, presenting an opportunity for greater community engagement and usage.
More project details will be shared closer to the event.
Participants of all ages are welcome. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Participants will be required to wear reflective vests and attend a safety briefing prior to the Walk Audit. Volunteers with diverse mobility needs are encouraged to participate.
AARP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people as they age, promoting independence and well-being.
About Lend a Hand in Leland
Lend a Hand in Leland strives to foster a strong sense of community ownership and pride by connecting residents with local volunteer opportunities through collective days of service. We aim to empower individuals to make a positive impact, enriching the fabric of our Town and enhancing the quality of life for all.
- To encourage ownership and a sense of pride in residents through volunteerism.
- To provide opportunities for residents to participate in reoccurring days of community service.
- To engage residents and community groups in a variety of diverse projects.
- To work together to strive for a Leland where the spirit of service thrives year-round.
- Engage residents of all ages and backgrounds in meaningful volunteer activities that address local needs and promote community well-being.
- Forge strong partnerships with local non-profit and governmental organizations, businesses, institutions, and community groups to expand volunteer opportunities and maximize collective impact.
- Ensure that volunteer opportunities are accessible and inclusive to all residents, regardless of socio-economic status, abilities, or backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and unity within the community.
If you'd like to learn more about Lend a Hand in Leland or how to get you or your organization involved, please email us at lendahand@townofleland.com.
