Give Big Holiday Food Drive
Coming Together to Care for Our Neighbors
Each year, as the holiday season approaches, West Carolina pauses to focus on something bigger than ourselves. Before the rush of celebrations and end-of-year demands, our team and our customers rally around a shared purpose: making sure that families across our communities have access to the food they need.
What began years ago as a simple effort has grown into one of the most meaningful traditions. And each year, the generosity of our employees, customers, and partners reminds us what is possible when a community decides to show up for one another.
This year was no exception. Across every West Carolina location – and Upcountry Fiber, our upstate partnership with Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative – our community collected nearly six tons of food. That’s six tons of hope, stability, and relief for families working hard to make ends meet.
Understanding Community Needs
The need in our region is real, and it shifts with each passing year. For many families, unexpected challenges can quickly turn daily routines into uncertainty.
Last year, Hurricane Helene left lasting impacts on our hometowns, damaging infrastructure and straining community resources. This year brought an entirely different challenge: the temporary suspension of SNAP benefits. Overnight, families who depend on these benefits found themselves without support.
“Our numbers quickly increased here in McCormick. The suspension of SNAP took a hard hit on our folks,” says Mary Davidson, Helping Hands director. “It was overwhelming for us – and for our budget.”
Across the region, food banks saw similar spikes in need.
“UCMAC’s numbers did increase before Thanksgiving,” says Mike Shirley, director over UCMAC. “Overall, our numbers aren’t near as high as they were during COVID, but this year brought its own challenges.”
Even after the SNAP crisis eased, one truth remained: the need never goes away. Families continue to face rising food costs, unexpected hardships, and difficult choices no one should have to face.
Impact of West Carolina’s Food Drive
When our team pulled into local food banks to deliver the collected items, the reactions were immediate – wide eyes, disbelief, and heartfelt gratitude.
“This donation is huge. Not only did it help our budget, but all of the different food items we don’t typically get were such a welcome surprise,” says Mary Davidson.
Food banks often operate on tight budgets with limited options. Receiving such a large and diverse donation means shelves stay stocked longer, households receive more varied meals, and organizations can redirect funds to other urgent needs.
“The truck load speaks for itself,” Mike says with a smile. “It’s full of everything we need to provide for our community. We couldn’t do what we do without our churches and partners like West Carolina.”
For everyone involved, it’s a powerful reminder that every can, bag, and box collected truly matters. Together, we aren’t just stocking shelves – we’re strengthening communities.
A Community That Shows Up
One of the most special parts of this drive is the way people choose to serve beyond donating food. Volunteers pour their time, energy, and hearts into what they do.
“There are always volunteer opportunities. We’re in need of some guys to help unload trucks,” Mary Davidson says. “Some of my volunteers have passed the heavy lifting age.”
At the Food Bank of the Lakelands, the needs look a little different but are just as vital. “There are always volunteer opportunities to sort donations and help serve on Saturdays in our community kitchen,” says Andrea White, Executive Director.
Volunteer support requires a willingness to get involved. Reach out to your local food bank to learn how you can lend a hand.
The Motivation That Moves Us Forward
For the volunteers who serve every day, the work is more than a responsibility – it’s a calling shaped by the people they meet and the stories they witness.
Mary Davidson, who has seen firsthand how support transforms lives, shared what keeps her motivated: “The clients keep me coming back. I have made personal relationships with everyone and they’re so appreciative of everything that we do.”
Andrea White feels that same sense of purpose – not just in her role, but in the broader mission of hunger relief.
“I am inspired to serve as Executive Director because I believe every person deserves consistent access to healthy, dignified food. Leading the food bank allows me to turn compassion into action – bringing people, resources, and partnership together to strengthen families and build a more food-secure community,” says Andrea White.
Volunteers don’t just show up to complete tasks – they show up to lift others, build relationships, and ensure no neighbor goes hungry.
The Heart Behind It All
At its core, the Give Big Holiday Food Drive isn’t about numbers – though we celebrate those victories. It’s about what those numbers represent.
A pantry shelf that won’t sit empty.
A family who can breathe a little easier.
A community reminded that it is strongest when it stands together.
This year, West Carolina not only collected nearly six tons of food – we witnessed close to 1,000 individuals step forward to make it possible. Employees, customers, partners, and volunteers all choosing to show up for our neighbors.
“As I look at what our community accomplished through this food drive, I’m reminded that the most meaningful gifts come from an others-first mindset,” said Chris Townson, CEO of West Carolina. “Seeing nearly a thousand people come together to shine a light on others’ hardships fills me with hope for our communities and gratitude for the people we serve.”
This is what community looks like.
This is what the holidays are all about.
And this is who West Carolina strives to be.