On any given Tuesday evening, between 700 and 1,500 struggling families arrive to The Outeach Center.

MORGANTON, N.C.– For struggling families in Morganton, N.C., Tuesday is one of the most important nights of the week.

In a town that has been hit hard by the economy, lost their textile and furniture industries, and now has a staggering unemployment rate of 14 percent, Tuesday nights are the only reason many of these families have food on their table.

On any given Tuesday evening, between 700 and 1,500 struggling families arrive to The Outeach Center and receive shopping carts full of free groceries such as canned goods, fresh produce and other supplies.

“We have elderly people that come and need assistance but we also have people who’ve been working all their lives and suddenly find themselves without a job,” said Holly Johnson, Executive Director Outreach Center.

“Many have never had to ask for anything in their lives and they come so humbly saying, ‘I need help.’ We try to make sure people who come leave with more dignity than they had when they came in.”

A volunteer helps a recipient load groceries into her car.

Operation Blessing helps support The Center by providing anywhere from 60-75 percent of the food items that are given to these families.

“If it wasn’t for this, I don’t know what I’d do…because I don’t have the money to buy it,” said Naomi, an elderly widow who lives on a fixed income.

Her daughter Mary, who is diabetic and unable to work, is also grateful for The Center’s help.

Her husband lost his job several months ago, and now they are barely able to afford the medication she needs, let alone food for their family.

“I thank the Lord for this place, because I don’t know what I’d do if it wasn’t here,” Mary said. “There are a lot of people here that don’t have food and I’m thankful for what little we get because it really helps.”

As a partner with Operation Blessing, your continued support helps provide food and supplies to The Outreach Center, one of 5,200 partnering agencies with OBI who are helping to provide timely relief to hungry families in America.

To help more families in need, click here. For every $25 we receive, we can provide one family with groceries for a month!

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Every day, Operation Blessing brings nutritious food and essential supplies to thousands facing hunger and poverty in America and around the world. With your help, we can continue to impact lives and give hope to those who need it most. Consider making an online donation today.

 

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