INDIAN TRAIL, N.C. — Common Heart is taking every step to help those in need.
The nonprofit's latest effort includes a Hunger Walk aimed at serving the entire community. Common Heart makes it their mission to feed hungry families throughout our community. A big assist is their annual Hunger Walk at Crooked Creek Park on March 3.
Beyond the walk, volunteers spend their time filling up boxes to help serve families in need.
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Emmett Ballard has been a volunteer with Common Heart for years and understands both sides of the issue. Ballard describes his work with the nonprofit as “an opportunity for neighbors to help neighbors.”
Emmett Ballard understands the weight behind each meal, not only for his work as a volunteer but also as a receiver. He's a personal trainer who, years ago, had to use our food pantries to feed his family after his business closed and he was without a job.
“Without their hand up, I just felt like there was so much pressure because of the lack of funds coming in," Ballard said.
Now, Ballard and his family give back by helping others every month. Ballard is a Cupboard Ally volunteer delivering groceries and encouragement to local families.
Kara Lopp, the Community Engagement Leader with Common Heart, shares why this year’s walk is so critical.
“Just the awareness, the fact that you don't always see, you know, what's going on in the community unless you really ask," Lopp said about the event.
Volunteers like Ballard hope the walk is a chance to further connect and make a difference for several families.
“[It's] giving us an opportunity to serve ... not only to be served but to serve others."
The 2024 Common Heart Hunger Walk is March 3 at Crooked Creek Park in Indian Trail. Register or donate here.
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.