By Kimberly Paulk, SHARECharlotte.com, a free, easy and local website that makes it easy to learn about and engage with our local nonprofits.
One of the hardest things about bringing local nonprofits to you through this column is distilling what they do down to a few sentences. For many organizations, like Allegro Foundation…a Champion for Children’s Disabilities, that’s an impossible task. But I’m going to do it anyway, so please click through below and learn more about the important work these folks do!
Maybe the best way to explain Allegro is to tell the stories of their kids. It could be Lucas, who was never expected to walk but with Allegro’s help found himself navigating his way through the White House with other students as Allegro made history as the first organization of children with disabilities to perform there. Or it could be Sarah, who lives in a wheelchair with cerebral palsy but has gained the confidence and skills to become a published author with an inspirational book.
Simply put, Allegro Foundation is a champion for children with disabilities of any kind. They teach over 700 children each year with intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, orthopedic challenges (wheelchairs and walkers), Spina bifida, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, muscular dystrophy, visual and hearing impairments, children “at-risk”, and children with cancer.
Allegro instructors meet the kids were they are, literally and figuratively, throughout the Carolinas through 23 programs in CMS schools, summer camps and community outreach classes at locations such as Novant Health Rehabilitation. They focus on movement skills, but since each child faces unique challenges, they modify their approach accordingly. Along with movement education you may find instructors including mathematical and problem-solving concepts, literacy and social skills, and more. 
The second best way to get to know Allegro is through their video. But the very best way is to get to know them, and the kids, personally. Check out the volunteer opportunities and events below. As always, you can visit SHARE Charlotte for more information.
Teaching Assistants (great for ages 13 and up!) – Energetic teaching assistants needed to work with students in preparation for an upcoming presentation and at the annual Golf Invitational fundraiser at the Club at Longview.
Fence staining (great for a group!) – Enjoy a day outside staining the fence that surrounds Allegro’s office.
Storage unit cleanup (great for groups or families!) – Organize and inventory Allegro’s storage unit, which contains costumes, props, and accessories they use in presentations, performances and fundraisers.
6th Annual Allegro Golf Invitational – Play, volunteer or sponsor the 6th Annual Golf Invitational held at the Club at Longview on September 21, 2015.
