FAMILY FOCUS: Local food bank treasures dedicated volunteers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When a big donation comes into Second Harvest Food Bank, it's all hands on deck to get the items sorted so they can get to those who need them.

They said their biggest donor is Walmart.

“We know that there's such a great need out there, and we're going to do everything we can to fill that need,” Walmart regional vice-president Kate Mora said.

Along with Walmart employees, Second Harvest has some other dedicated volunteers who sort donations.

Three days a week, nine volunteers with special needs join them with their individual coaches.

Kay Carter, CEO of Second Harvest, said their help is essential.

“They're sorting paper, and diapers and things like that today that we're lucky enough to get from a Walmart return center,” Carter said.

They mark through the barcodes on each item and then help get everything organized in the warehouse.

Carter said volunteers help the food bank stretch its resources, which means more help for those who need it.

“All of those dollars that we save with those volunteer hours, we can re-direct to feeding more people,” Carter said. “It just feels good to be able to help our neighbors and our community members.”

Cox Media Group