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600 volunteers expected to pack 175,000 meals at June 20 WNC hunger relief event.NEWLAND — Twenty months after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, community leaders, volunteers and nonprofit partners will gather in Avery County to address a challenge that continues long after the storm's floodwaters receded: hunger.No Child Hungry, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending childhood hunger, will host "Hope for the High Country: Part II" on Saturday, June 20, at First Baptist Church in Newland.The large-scale meal-packing event will bring together approximately 600 volunteers with a goal of packing up to 175,000 meals for families across Avery County and neighboring communities.The event is presented by No Child Hungry with flagship supporter Queen City Homestore and in partnership with the Avery County Long-Term Recovery Group, Grandfather Community Foundation, Feeding Avery Families, Wee Kirk Presbyterian Church, All Saints Linville and Chapel by the Lake.Volunteers will participate in three meal-packing shifts beginning at 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m.and 1:30 p.m.Organizers expect to reach the 100,000-meal milestone during the afternoon shift.While Hurricane Helene is no longer making headlines, many High Country families continue to face food insecurity.According to Feeding Avery Families, approximately 3,000 Avery County residents — including as many as 1,000 children — experience food insecurity each year.The challenge becomes even more pronounced during the summer months when school meal programs are unavailable to many children."As former Child Nutrition Director for Avery County Schools, I know how many local families rely on school meals — in 2024, our free and reduced meal rate was around 58%," said Tammy Woodie, executive director of the Avery County Long-Term Recovery Group."When school lets out, that safety net thins, and family food budgets stretch thinner still.The meals packed at this event, distributed through Feeding Avery Families, are essential.No child in our community should go without food." The June event builds on the success of the original Hope for the High Country initiative launched in 2024 in response to Hurricane Helene.What began as an emergency disaster-relief effort quickly became one of the region's largest volunteer mobilizations.During the inaugural event, volunteers packed more than 500,000 meals, 10,000 hygiene kits and 3,000 snack bags for families affected by the storm.Distribution efforts continued for months, delivering food, supplies and toys to communities throughout North Carolina and South Carolina.Mike Whitaker, chief operating officer of No Child Hungry and event captain for Hope for the High Country, said the overwhelming community response demonstrated the resilience and generosity that define Western North Carolina."In 2024, more than 2,600 neighbors — strangers in the morning and family by the end of the day — came together to help people they would never meet," Whitaker said."That spirit of service remains just as important today.The recovery is not over for many families, and this event is an opportunity for people across the region to come together once again and make a meaningful difference." A key force behind both events has been Queen City Homestore and the Player family, whose support helped mobilize resources and volunteers throughout the Helene recovery effort.In recognition of their leadership, Queen City Homestore owners Roddey Player Sr., Kate Player and Roddey Player Jr.received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award in March 2025.The honor recognized the family's extensive volunteer efforts following Hurricane Helene, including relief work that continued even as one of the company's own stores sustained flood damage."Presenting the Presidential Volunteer Service Award to the Player family was a privilege," said William Lowry, founder and president of No Child Hungry."Even while dealing with challenges affecting their own business, they focused on helping their neighbors and strengthening communities across Western North Carolina." Roddey Player Sr., president and CEO of Queen City Homestore, said the upcoming event reflects the company's longstanding commitment to serving communities beyond the showroom floor."Hope for the High Country: Part II is another opportunity to stand alongside our neighbors and help meet a very real need," Player said."The recognition our family received belongs to the thousands of volunteers, nonprofit partners and community members who answered the call to help." Founded in 2012, No Child Hungry has distributed more than 70 million meals nationwide through partnerships with businesses, churches, schools and civic organizations.In addition to its year-round feeding programs, the nonprofit has become a significant disaster-response partner, mobilizing volunteers and resources in communities affected by hurricanes, floods and other emergencies.Headquartered in Apopka, Florida, with additional facilities in Atlanta and Phoenix, No Child Hungry has earned a perfect 100 out of 100 score and a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for financial stewardship and organizational effectiveness.Founded in 1952 by Woody Player, Queen City Homestore has grown into the largest independent appliance retailer in the Carolinas and remains deeply involved in charitable and community-service initiatives throughout the region.Organizers say Hope for the High Country: Part II is about more than packing meals.It is an opportunity for residents, businesses, churches and civic organizations to continue supporting communities still recovering from one of the most destructive natural disasters in North Carolina history.Event Details - Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026 - Location: First Baptist Church (160 Cranberry Street, Newland, NC 28657) Volunteer Shifts: 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m.Community members interested in volunteering, donating or supporting the effort can learn more at NoChildHungry.net or contact Mike Whitaker at (770) 695-662 and [email protected].