One of the leading causes of hunger is location, because where people live matters. One’s location can affect access to nutritious food, which can act as another barrier for families already struggling to pay day-to-day bills. These areas are where low-income and low access to food overlap, with the most severely affected areas known as food deserts. Catholic Charities mobile food pantries are designed to reach these areas of low income and low access to… Read More
When someone becomes a volunteer at the Durham Community Food Pantry, their interests can define how they help. Bag and box creation, warehouse management, food distribution, neighbor intake, and mobile food pantry support are all roles that need to be filled, there is something for everyone. But for those who stay incredibly dedicated and consistent, there’s the option to step up and become a lead volunteer. Dominic, with his forklift operator license and go getter… Read More
As the fall festive weather blew into North Carolina, Catholic Charities brought seasonal cheer and purpose to the Tar River region. On Saturday, October 11, the Tar River Regional office celebrated their very first Oktoberfest: Beers, Brats, and Bingo, a fundraising event that combined celebration with service. More than 140 patrons gathered at St. Peter’s Spiritual Life Center in Greenville, raising over $23,500 in support of local food pantry services. The evening was filled with… Read More
Under bright skies and an unusual cool breeze for North Carolina’s typical August heat, nearly 200 golfers teed off at Cary’s Prestonwood Country Club for the 8th Annual Drive Out Hunger Golf Outing. The beautiful weather mirrored the spirit of the event. This worthy cause fueled Catholic Charities volunteers and golfers alike to enjoy the event from registration to reception. A photo opportunity, light breakfast, and beverages set the scene for the morning portion of… Read More
Every Tuesday and Thursday, as the sun rises over Durham, a volunteer named Veronica arrives at the Durham Community Food Pantry (DCFP), a place where volunteers like her create a warm haven for our neighbors in need amid difficult times. As families work through the process to receive assistance, our volunteers ensure that they are assisted in an efficient manner from start to finish. After the Volunteer Coordinator, Heather Wendeln, greets our neighbors, they move… Read More
Staff and volunteers at the Durham Community Food Pantry (DCFP) take great pride in the volunteer cultivated garden located at the back of the food pantry’s building. Ask Suzan Perry, Master Gardener and DCFP volunteer, about the garden’s origin, and watch her beaming smile as she talks about everything that is currently in season and almost ready to be harvested. Volunteer Coordinator Heather Wendeln shares, “Currently zucchini, cucumbers, squash, pole green beans, green peppers, and… Read More
In the town of Fair Bluff, North Carolina, the 4th Friday of every month brings something a little special to the community. On those Fridays, the Catholic Charities Cape Fear Regional Office hosts one of their Mobile Food Pantries, providing much-needed groceries and household staples to local families. Fair Bluff has not had a grocery store since experiencing back-to-back impacts from Hurricane Matthew (2016) and Hurricane Florence (2018), making nutritional groceries hard to acquire. However,… Read More
On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, a stretch of Lebanon Church Road in Clarendon, North Carolina, came alive with emotion as staff from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh, volunteers, and community members gathered to celebrate the Ward family’s long-awaited return home. After years of hardship caused by Hurricane Florence, the family’s new house was formally blessed in a heartfelt ceremony filled with prayers, tears, and joy. Jennifer and Koty Ward, along with their… Read More
This year, Earth Day falls at the beginning of National Volunteer Week, allowing Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh to reflect on the role our volunteers play in connecting with nature. Our mission of creating hope through community aid is done in a variety of ways, but on Earth Day, we’re highlighting how our Cape Fear and Tar River regional offices have done this through their creation of green spaces! In 2018, the Cape… Read More
On Friday, March 14th, 2025 the Fayetteville Marksmen prepared to face off against the Evansville Thunderbolts in an anticipated match for the local team. As part of showcasing wonderful nonprofits from the Fayetteville area, the Marksmen demonstrated their commitment to the community by partnering with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh. The initiative consisted of a portion of every ticket sold through a dedicated Catholic Charities link being donated to the agency. As the… Read More
