Young professionals give thanks by helping those in need

Every day, thousands in the community are left struggling to survive. Some go without food, while others live without sufficient clothing or shelter from the elements.

With the holidays in full swing, young professionals from the Charlotte area are helping to ease the pain of those in need by participating in the United Way Young Leaders' Week to help fight hunger.

From Nov. 7-14, the group of 74 young professional volunteers supported seven agencies, dedicated more than 160 hours of time and served about 1,000 people. In a week's time, the volunteers also donated 580 pounds of food to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.

The goal of the weeklong service project was to generate awareness about the issue of hunger.

Organizations that benefited included the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope, Crisis Assistance Ministry, The Relatives, Florence Crittenton Services, the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, the Friendship Gardens and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.

In your backyard:

• There are 106,865 individuals living at or below the poverty level. This represents 12 percent of the population.

• There are 6,129 individuals 65 years and older living at or below the poverty level. This represents 8 percent of the older adult population.

• There are 37,057 children living at or below the poverty level. This represents 16 percent of the child population.

Source: Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina

How you can help:
Visit www.secondharvestmetrolina.org.