CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- One by one, cars, SUVs and trucks pull up to the loading dock at Loaves and Fishes to pick up turkeys and chickens for delivery.
The vehicles belong to Time Warner employees, who took time during their lunch hour to deliver the items to area churches and other organizations that will help feed people in need over the holidays.
"Today we will deliver over 300 turkeys and 200 chickens to 18 pantries," said Beverly Howard, executive director of Loaves and Fishes.
Susan Miller said this was her first year to volunteer for the annual event. She said it's well worth missing a lunch.
"It helps those who are less fortunate than we are to help them have a joyful holiday," Miller said.
Wednesday's event comes on the same day Loaves and Fishes announced how much more its services are being used by people in need.
A recent study shows that from November 2008 to October 2009, Loaves and Fishes has seen a 20 percent increase in families served.
"Most of the people seeking assistance were because of loss of job or reduced hours at work," said Howard.
She also said that this year 32 percent of those who sought help from Loaves and Fishes did so for the first time.
Visit http://www.loavesandfishes.org/ for information on donating to Loaves and Fishes.
