Day #81: Give with MANNA FoodBank in Asheville, NC

Today we volunteered at MANNA FoodBank - an organization that collects, stores, warehouses and distributes food to accredited non-profits throughout 16 counties in Western North Carolina. They ship out over 8 million pounds each year. Their operation was clean and organized...a feat that not all non-profits have mastered.

After a tour of their two warehouses, our family joined a group of volunteers. We filled food boxes with an assortment of dry goods, cans, and bottles.

During our tour, Autumn McCarver (Community Outreach Coordinator) told us that their chief goal wasn't to give food away, but to bring awareness about hunger. We left feeling like the organization understood hunger in their community and had a vision to find a solution (not just treat the problem). This food bank is definitely making a difference in North Carolina - a state know for high rates of poverty.

Of Note - MANNA is a friendly place for volunteers of all ages. They even have footstools for kids to stand on so they can reach the workspaces. Our oldest daughter said today was one of her favorite places to volunteer.

After we finished, we were treated to lunch by a retired couple (John and Joan) who volunteer every week!

Our family spent 2011 traveling the USA in an RV, striving to intentionally "give every day" for the glory of God. We interviewed CEOs of nonprofits and served alongside over 40 organizations and churches.

Our Pledge

We hereby pledge:

- To spend intimate, quantity time with our family.
- To actively help the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the helpless.
- To value, protect, and advocate for children.
- To de-emphasize the importance of “stuff” in our lives.
- To bring publicity to good causes and good people.
- To live with intentionality, as if this year was our very last.
- To observe the needs in our country/community – and then do something about them.
- To give – every day.