New Ways to Feed the Need

These are exciting times for Loaves & Fishes as we have found some new ways to do old things.  Our big fundraising event of the past few years “Feed the Need” has gone from a dinner/dance/auction in our warehouse to a multi-media appeal for support.  This year, instead of attending an event, we are inviting you to enjoy your time however you want. But we still need your help. You can help us meet the growing need by making a donation through our website at https://loavesandfishes.org/feedtheneed-nonevent.htm or by calling us at (704)523-4333. 

We are also excited to be the beneficiary of a brand new social media event called a “Tweelay.”  This virtual race for charity’s goal is 10,000 tweets for $10,000 in 10,000 minutes. You will definitely be hearing more about this between now and the kick-off  October 19^th.  In the meantime, visit http://www.embracecharlotte.org/countdown/ for more information.

On top of all this we are extending our reach to feed the need in the Mint Hill area with the opening of our 19^th pantry at Wilson Grove Baptist Church. The new pantry opened last week and served 8 families on their first Saturday morning!   

But the most exciting change for us is the introduction of a new model of serving the hungry called “Client Choice”.  For the first time our clients will be able to enter a pantry and choose the food they take home.  Several of our pantries have already started using the new model and volunteers and clients are equally excited about it. The responses of the clients say it all – “I know what vegetables my kids will eat.”  “Thank you for giving me the dignity to make choices for my family.”  “I am so thrilled to know we will be able to use everything Loaves & Fishes has provided.”

I have just marked my 23^rd anniversary with Loaves & Fishes.  I am sometimes asked “How do you stay in the same job for so long?” My answer has always been, “It’s not the same job it was 23 years ago.” And that has never been truer than today.