To our partners, supporters and friends,
On Sunday evening, terrible storms struck communities served by Second Harvest Food Bank and our partner network. The destruction and damage in these communities is vast.
Schools have been closed, homes have made uninhabitable or even destroyed, and entire neighborhoods are without electricity. Many of the communities hit were already struggling economically.
As are all who are watching the daily reports, Second Harvest is deeply concerned about the well-being our neighbors and impacted communities. We want to help and we are doing so in a coordinated way, working with EMS, America Red Cross, and our on-the- ground partner programs. We are communicating with our partners in impacted areas to discern the specifics of what is needed in their local communities. We know from experience that in the early days after such devastation, water and ready-to- eat fruits are among the most needed items. As such, we are working with our strong and generous network of grocery retailers and manufacturers to obtain donations of these items and others for our partner network members.
Naturally, Second Harvest is receiving questions about whether we can receive donations of food or funds to support our network’s response efforts. At this time we are advising all who want to help to first consider supporting drives that are and will soon be underway in impacted areas. If getting to these areas is not possible, Second Harvest is receiving donations of food designated to help families impacted by the recent storms.
Recognizing that recovery from these most recent storms will be something that happens over the course of weeks, months and perhaps even longer, Second Harvest will be working to identify resources to respond to the on-going needs of families who may need assistance restocking home pantry items lost to the storms once power returns.
As a start to these efforts, we have decided that 100% of all proceeds from tickets sold today and tomorrow to Empty Bowls, one of our largest annual fundraisers taking place at Benton Convention Center tonight and tomorrow, will go to support our partner network’s ongoing response in areas impacted by the storms.
Thank you each for #feedingcommunity with us. May your table be set in abundance.
-The staff and volunteers at Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina
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