August 6, 2024

Bare pantry shelves as our biggest month arrives

“I’ve never seen the shelves so empty.” That was the reaction from one of our pantry warehouse volunteers last week. It’s true — summer is TOUGH! Historically, the need for groceries goes up and donations go down and that’s definitely what we’re seeing right now! As we enter the final […]
July 29, 2024

‘I’m drowning … we need help, please!’

We got a Facebook message from “Mary” last week with a sentiment that too many parents in our community are facing this summer. “I’m a single Mom of 2 barely making ends meet. Now that the kids are out of school they eat ALL DAY,” she said. “I’m drowning trying to […]
July 25, 2024

FREE school supply giveaway at Aug. 13 Community Resource Fair

We’re proud to be a Thrive Union North Carolina member and are so excited about this event! PLEASE SHARE to help spread the word! Community Resource Fair & FREE school supply giveaway Tuesday, Aug. 13 10am-1pm Union Co. Human Services Agency 2330 Concord Ave., Monroe NC 28110
July 25, 2024

Getting Ahead graduation Aug. 1

Our next Getting Ahead graduation is Aug. 1 at Central UMC in Monroe and YOU’RE INVITED!! Please join us for dinner and help us celebrate these hard-working neighbors who put in a lot of long hours assessing our community’s conditions and building resources to begin their own transitions out of […]
July 15, 2024

No job. No food. This is summer hunger.

No job. No food. This is summer hunger. Your online gift gets help on the way: Donate.CommonHeart.org Remember … Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation! Cindy is a single mom. A friend encouraged her to come to one of our food pantries after hearing about her struggles being unemployed and caring […]
July 8, 2024

‘I just can’t keep up’ Kids snacks are a big need this summer!

“My grandkids are eating everything in my fridge – I just can’t keep up.” A local grandmother, “Debra,” told us recently. Sound familiar??? With the increase in the need for help to keep kids fed this summer, our kids snack area really needs a boost! Our biggest needs for kids […]
July 2, 2024

Christmas in July?! It can be with your donation!

I remember visiting families during the summer when I used to regularly deliver groceries on Saturdays. Those kids used to wait for me. When I would bring cupcakes or SpaghettiOs, they would dance. I remember one of the kids I served called me Santa and told me that when I visited […]
June 26, 2024

‘Truly, truly thankful’

After Carl Blakeley was diagnosed with a terminal illness more than 2 years ago, he thought his life was over. He even contemplated suicide several times.  “My work ceased. Everything about me ceased after that diagnosis,” he said. “I was struggling for a year with no money, no resources, all […]
June 25, 2024

‘Do you really give away food?’

“We’re struggling — bad.” That’s what “Lilly” told us this week when she stopped by to see if what she saw online was true. “Do you really give away food to people who need it? For FREE?” Yep! We sure do, thanks to amazing donors like YOU! It’s rough out […]
June 17, 2024

Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation!

“I hardly have any food left.”  “Samantha,” single mother of two elementary age children.  Can you feel the frustration, the heart ache, the worry, the fear that this mother came to us with?  It was a challenge for her to come through our door and ask for help. It’s been […]