PINEVILLE, N.C. — Support was in full force for western North Carolina Saturday as 500,000 meals were packed to help those affected following Helene.
Organizations within the Charlotte are answering the call to action with relief efforts, gathering thousands of volunteers to pack meals and comfort for those hit the hardest by the storm.
Both No Child Hungry and Queen City Audio Video & Appliances teamed up to pack the meals and gathered more than 2,000 volunteers. Roddey Player, the President and CEO at Queen City Audio, shared the call to help with WCNC Charlotte.
“We want to do that we can to serve them and help them recover," he said, speaking of the victims hit by Helene.
Each meal packed with more than food but also high spirits. Mike Whitaker, Chief Operating Officer for No Child Hungry, said, “We've got to get there, and we've got to help these families.”
“This effort really is all about community,” Whitaker added. “We've got a delivery schedule and we're running routes -- and we're going to take these in as needed.”
Everyone who showed up Saturday made it their mission to serve those in need in the North Carolina High Country. Jaci Leitgeb brought over 50 volunteers to help at the meal-packing event. She told WCNC Charlotte it was an easy choice for them to step up.
“For me and our group to take a couple hours out of our day and put these kits together, that's the least we can do," she said. “We absolutely are changing lives."
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.