Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Community Comes Together to Feed 175 Local Students and Families

Sometimes the most meaningful ideas start with one simple question: How can we help?

With schools closed for several days due to winter weather, many students were suddenly without the two reliable meals they normally receive each day at school. For some families, that can make a tough week even tougher.

That’s when SRO Finnis with the Statesville Police Department noticed the need and shared an idea to help. She connected with SPD Community Resource Coordinator Nakayla Griffin and SHS Social Worker Maria, and together they began reaching out to local churches and community partners. A few phone calls quickly turned into something incredible.

• South River Baptist Church prepared hot meals and snack bags

• Fairview Baptist Church packed food bags

• Front Street Baptist Church provided food bags

As word spread, community members stepped up on their own, donating money to help purchase even more food and stretch the effort further.

With support from SPD School Resource Officers and teachers at Northview Academy, meals were distributed directly to students and families who needed them most.

By the end of the day, 175 people had received meals – helping ensure these families didn’t go hungry.

One idea turned into action.
A few phone calls turned into partners.
And partners turned into a community showing up for each other.

This is what “Where it all comes together” looks like in action.

We are grateful to our SRO team, Nakayla, our school partners, our church partners, and the many residents who stepped up to care for their neighbors.

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