Find best places for family and kids in Wake Forest

By donating to any Goodwill Community Foundation (GCF) Donation Center & Store®, you help further our mission of 'Creating opportunities for a better life.' Your donations support employment initiatives in our region through GCF's 41 donation centers and stores. GCF also provides grants to Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina® (GIENC®), helping us offer fair wages and benefits to employees. We accept a wide range of donated items, from clothing and small appliances to household goods and furniture. Visit our website to find the nearest donation center.

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Check out your nearest location for story times and other fun events. Visit our websites and Facebook pages for more details and updates on activities for the whole family.

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Destroy All Guitars (DAG) is a premier collective of boutique guitar builders and amp manufacturers, brought together by music industry expert Cliff Cultreri. DAG offers exclusive instruments, custom commissions, and expert sales service without extra costs. Each instrument is crafted by talented builders and available at the manufacturer’s direct price. DAG is dedicated to providing an exceptional buying experience with personal attention and support.

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Balcazar Bakery brings a diverse array of baked goods to Raleigh, inspired by flavors from Colombia, Mexico, Central America, and Europe. Our cakes, breads, and pastries are crafted with love and tradition from all over the world.

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Cinnabon on wheels brings the irresistible taste of fresh, hot cinnamon rolls right to your neighborhood! Whether at local events or for private bookings, our food truck serves up the world’s most famous cinnamon rolls—perfectly gooey and utterly delicious.

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Sweet Cherry Bakery is a family-owned business offering custom cakes, cupcakes, and other sweet treats for every occasion. Serving the Raleigh area, we bake from scratch using only the finest ingredients. We specialize in custom designs, gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free options, ensuring every celebration is as sweet as it is memorable.

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Sweet Nostalgia Cotton Candy brings a touch of magic to any occasion with our gourmet cotton candy creations. Our whimsical, nostalgic flavors are perfect for weddings, birthdays, and community events. Add a burst of sweetness and fun to your celebration with our handcrafted cotton candy.

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Parish Athletics is about bringing people together through sports, where friends play with friends in a community-focused environment. Our offerings include a variety of seasonal sports such as soccer, T-ball, flag football, and cheerleading, as well as summer camps and wrestling programs. Join us for a fun and engaging sporting experience at one of our multiple locations.

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N Zone Sports offers a recreational youth basketball league designed to build skills and foster a love for the game. With a focus on fun and learning, players will practice key fundamentals like dribbling, passing, and defense. Games are played with an emphasis on sportsmanship and player development, and each player is guaranteed playtime. The season includes an exciting championship week and individual awards for participants.

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The Recreation Division at Zebulon Parks and Recreation offers basketball, soccer, cheerleading, and flag football programs for young athletes. Our focus is on teaching sportsmanship, teamwork, and healthy competition while helping athletes build positive character traits. Through age-appropriate team play, kids gain valuable skills that foster personal growth and strengthen relationships with teammates. Find a location near you and get involved in one of our exciting programs.

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Knightdale Dragons Pop Warner Football & Cheer/Dance is a proud member of the national Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. We offer non-competitive cheer and dance for younger athletes, as well as competitive teams for older participants. Our teams practice at Good Hope Church and participate in both local and national events, fostering teamwork, spirit, and community involvement.

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Kidokinetics is designed to introduce children to a variety of sports and fitness activities, helping them develop motor skills and an active lifestyle. Our program fosters teamwork, sportsmanship, and confidence through fun, engaging activities such as soccer, basketball, and obstacle courses. We work with children ages 12 months to 12 years, ensuring every child enjoys physical activity in a supportive and inclusive environment.

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Gridiron Football is a leading organization for youth flag, flex, and 7v7 football, rapidly expanding across the country. Offering cutting-edge technology and an unmatched game day experience, Gridiron Football is reshaping youth sports for the next generation.

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The Raleigh Cú Chulainn Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is a dynamic sports and cultural organization based in North Carolina's Triangle area. We participate in Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie, competing in the Southeast Division of the USGAA.

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The Front & Back 9 Junior Golf Academy is dedicated to teaching young golfers the essential skills of the game while promoting character development. Our program helps kids ages 6-17 learn the technical, mental, and strategic aspects of golf, preparing them to become well-rounded individuals both on and off the course.

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The Tarheel Junior Golf Tour offers competitive tournaments for young golfers aiming to sharpen their skills and pursue collegiate golf. Since 2008, we’ve hosted nationally ranked events at top courses, helping junior golfers from across the country prepare for future success in the sport.

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Our mobile programs bring the exciting sports of Tennis and Golf directly to your school! Designed for children ages 3-11, our enrichment activities include age-appropriate equipment, experienced coaches, and weekly skill development. Tennis Time offers a fun, safety-focused curriculum for preschool and elementary students, teaching fundamental skills like strokes, footwork, and sportsmanship. Classes are tailored to both daycare and school environments, and our certified coaches use kid-friendly equipment for an engaging experience, indoors or outdoors. We're also available for birthday parties and community events!

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Our mobile personal training service brings customized 30-minute workouts directly to you, whether at home or your business. We focus on helping you reach your fitness goals, whether it's losing body fat, building muscle, or improving cardiovascular health. Our personal trainers work with you to create a workout plan that fits your lifestyle and delivers measurable results in a convenient and time-efficient manner.

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RAHYZ CARY FITNESS specializes in Parkour, Freerunning, and Tricking classes for all skill levels. Our facility also offers Ninpo Bugei Martial Arts, self-defense training, open gym sessions, private lessons, and weight loss workouts. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our trainers will help you grow through exciting, challenging classes that build strength, confidence, and agility. Contact us for more information on our programs, including camps and space rentals!

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The Hurricanes' First Goal program, funded by the NHL and NHLPA, introduces kids ages 5-9 to the world of hockey. This program provides brand new equipment, six weeks of instructional on-ice sessions, and even tickets to a future Hurricanes game. It’s an excellent starting point for young players to develop basic skills and a love for the game. We highly recommend completing a Learn to Skate program before beginning First Goal to help your child get the most out of their hockey experience.

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The Polar Hurricanes House League offers youth hockey players the opportunity to develop skills in a competitive but supportive environment. With divisions for kids aged 6 to 14, and even higher levels for older teens, players progress through a system that builds teamwork and athleticism. The league also offers private lessons to help players improve their technique and overall game performance. Various locations in the Triangle area ensure that families can easily find a league to join.

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The Carolina Junior Hurricanes (RYHA) is a nonprofit youth hockey organization that provides players aged 5-18 with the resources and coaching to reach their full potential. Founded in 1987, RYHA has helped many players advance to higher levels, including NHL drafts. Our programs include Tier II and Tier I travel teams, along with girls-only teams. With a focus on skill development and competitive play, we remain a premier organization for young hockey players in the Carolinas.

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Buckhorn Farms offers horse boarding, training, and riding lessons in Holly Springs, NC, with a focus on all riding disciplines. With on-site owners and personalized attention, we ensure that both horse and rider receive the best care. Whether you're new to riding or an experienced equestrian, Buckhorn Farms provides a welcoming environment for learning and growth.

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Founded in 1998, 919 Lacrosse Association has been offering exceptional lacrosse camps and leagues for players of all levels from K-12. With experienced coaches and a focus on skill development, 919 Lacrosse provides a competitive yet supportive environment for players to grow, from beginners to elite athletes.

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Crazy Runners provides a structured running program designed to help kids build athleticism and coordination. Whether your child is preparing for another sport or just wants to improve their fitness, our program teaches the fundamentals of running, proper form, and aerobic conditioning. We offer classes for children ages 3-14, with opportunities to compete in local running events. Our focus is on fun, goal-setting, and personal growth.

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Soccer Shots is a dynamic children's soccer program that focuses on character development. Our experienced coaches provide age-appropriate, curriculum-based coaching that helps kids develop physical skills and life lessons. We work with children in schools, childcare centers, and public locations, making soccer fun and educational for kids of all ages.

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The Raleigh Walkers program is dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities who are interested in walking for fitness or competition. Whether you're looking to improve your health or engage in competitive walking, our program offers a welcoming community for all participants.

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Track Xplosion is a premier track club in the Triangle area, committed to fostering strong values, integrity, and excellence through the sport of Track & Field. Our dedicated team of volunteer coaches, including former collegiate athletes, USA Track and Field certified coaches, and even an Olympic medalist, work tirelessly to mentor young athletes ages 4-18. Based in Raleigh, NC, we also serve surrounding communities, providing a supportive environment for youth development and success in track and field.

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Triangle Run Smart Training offers year-round group run training in the Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, and Southern Pines areas of North Carolina. Our mission is to support runners of all ages and abilities, helping them improve in the sport across various distances. We offer expert coaching, engaging group sessions, and educational seminars to enhance runners’ knowledge. Our current programs cater to adults ranging from beginners to seasoned marathoners, and youth programs that include play-based running activities for younger kids up to the 5K distance.

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Athletic Club Raleigh was founded to address the gaps in traditional soccer training by combining diverse expertise from three co-owners with a passion for the game. We offer top-tier training through membership programs for all ages, genders, and skill levels. Our services include technical soccer training, pick-up sessions, sports performance training, nutrition counseling, and college recruiting support. In addition to our training programs, we host pop-up events to unite our club and foster a sense of community. With the goal of assembling a competitive team for UPSL and a second team for statewide leagues, we’re excited to support the local soccer talent.

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Abilities Tennis Association of NC (ATANC) provides free, year-round tennis programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities. With a mission to enhance the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of participants, ATANC offers clinics, tournaments, and Play Days across the state. We partner with the USTA, local tennis associations, and recreational departments to provide accessible tennis opportunities for individuals of all skill levels.

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Challenger's Flag Football and Cheer Program provides a unique and inclusive sports environment for youth with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Since 2009, we have been serving the Triangle area, offering a supportive space where participants can join a team, feel a sense of belonging, and experience success in a fun, safe setting.

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Try Tennis is an ideal program for beginner players who have no prior tennis experience. For just $40, your child receives 6 hours of group instruction, a new tennis racquet, and a Try Tennis towel. After Try Tennis, players can advance to Try Play, a fun follow-up program where they learn how to play matches and tie-breaks. Try Play is perfect for those who are ready to compete but still need guided instruction. The Abilities Tennis Association of North Carolina offers tennis programs to individuals with intellectual disabilities across the state, free of charge, and provides opportunities for all skill levels.

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The Virtual Model UN Institute Summer Camp offers a unique online experience for students interested in global diplomacy, international relations, and public speaking. This virtual camp allows participants to simulate the United Nations, representing different countries, debating current global issues, and learning negotiation and leadership skills. Open to students of various skill levels, the program is designed to enhance critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.

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Care.com offers a platform to find tutors for a variety of subjects. Whether you're looking for academic tutoring, language lessons, or assistance with test preparation, you can search for tutors based on your specific needs. The site allows you to filter options by location, expertise, availability, and pricing. It provides a comprehensive, convenient way for parents and students to connect with qualified tutors for one-on-one lessons, helping students improve academically in a personalized and flexible setting.

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UPchieve is a nonprofit organization that provides free, 24/7 online tutoring and college counseling. It connects students with certified tutors for personalized, one-on-one support in over 15 subjects, including Math, Science, English, SAT/ACT prep, and College Applications. The platform is designed to be easily accessible, allowing students to get help whenever they need it, without any cost. UPchieve aims to democratize access to academic support, ensuring that all students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, have the opportunity to succeed academically and reach their college goals.

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