CHARLOTTE, N.C.-- Charlotte's Urban Ministry Center kept its record intact and did not miss serving a free lunch to the homeless and hungry on Friday.
Thursday heavy rain brought down the roof on the small building that serves as the pantry where the food supplies are stored.
The collapse forced the closing of the main building where the food is prepared and served.
But, for those who showed up at the Center Friday, there was still a meal.
"Everybody has rallied around really, really well,' said Executive Director Dale Mullenix.
The Red Cross was there to provide water and tents to shelter those who now had to eat outside in the mid-day sun.
Other local organizations donated food and bread so sandwiches and chips could be served.
"In fact, there is enough food to last into next week," said Mullenix. "We know we will have enough for everybody to be served for those days. In the meantime, hopefully, we'll get our stuff back running and we'll start serving meals ourselves," he added.
It may have only been a sandwich, but for Kevin Burns who waited in the long line, it was a meal.
"There are a lot of people in need that can just come to a spot and eat. I think it is very wonderful," Burns said.
The Ministry Center has never missed serving a lunch time meal since it opened in 1994, including during the winter ice storm of 2002.
