LUMBERTON — Hot, ready-to-eat meals will be shared with the community on Thanksgiving Day at Bill Sapp Recreation Center in Lumberton.
The meals, which will be provided by the United Way of Robeson County, will be served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Individuals may pick up meals, or eat at the center.
Hunger is a problem in Robeson County. According to the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation’s 2018 county health rankings for North Carolina, 29,250 people — 22 percent of the county’s population — lack adequate access to food.
United Way officials believe that everyone deserves a hot meal on Thanksgiving Day, but the agency plans to deliver more than just food. The United in Thanks event also gives the agency an opportunity to share information about more than 70 local resources for health and human service needs. The agency’s efforts will provide all who attend a healthy meal, company and hope by connecting residents to resources that can make a difference.
In 2017, United Way partnered with Operation Turkey in Fayetteville to bring hot meals to Robeson County. This year, agency leaders made the decision to prepare and serve the meals right here at home, and United in Thanks was created.
“Come join us as we share hot meals and friendly smiles with individuals who are experiencing economic hardships, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities,” said Lekeesha Robinson, Community Impact director for United Way.
This event will rely heavily on volunteers who will help prepare food in the days leading up to the event, assist in handing out meals the day of the event, and deliver meals to individuals with mobility issues.
Donations of food and paper products are encouraged to help provide the meals and volunteers may choose from shifts on Nov. 21 and Nov. 22 to help prepare and serve. Visit volunteer.unitedwayrobeson.org to sign up for volunteer opportunities.
As in 2017, local organizations may pre-order meals for the homebound. To donate food items, volunteer or pre-order meals, contact Robinson at 910-739-4249 or lrobinson@unitedwayrobeson.org.
“At United Way, we are grateful to serve Robeson County. On this day set aside to give thanks, we invite the community to share a smile, share a hot meal and make a difference to others. Our united efforts can change hopelessness to hope on Thanksgiving Day. United, we can make a difference,” said JoAnne Branch, United Way of Robeson County.