Veterans Day will be celebrated with a food drive/fundraiser at NC Works Career Center at 195 Sandy Avenue in Southern Pines from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 11.
Non-perishable food items, especially those with pop-tops are requested. Hygiene items, gift cards and monetary donations are also appreciated. Receipts for monetary donations will be given on the day of the event.
Volunteers for the day are asked to contact NC Works Veteran Representative Samuel Levinson at (910) 944-7697 or [email protected].
Donations can also be made online at https://foodbankcenc.org. Click “Donate Now.”
Supplemental food boxes are in more demand during cooler months and according to Levinson, one in three families with a veteran uses the food bank. This year, 1,500 boxes have already been given. Moore County has 9,500 veterans, not including reserve or National Guard.
The new coronavirus has increased needs. The elderly veterans along with their caretakers, and families with veterans who have been furloughed or laid off are especially vulnerable.
“Veterans have some special barriers,” Levinson said about employment, “20% are disabled, some are from the Vietnam era and the 18 to 24 age group has less experience.”
Levinson began the food bank program for veterans and their families last year when he learned “there was not a lot of help out there.” The food boxes are distributed on an as-needed basis.
Photo: NC Works Veteran Representative Samuel Levinson receives a donation earlier in the year. Contributed photo.
Article by Sandhills Sentinel Journalism Intern Stephanie M. Sellers.
