Contributor: Jamie Richardson
1CAN is hosting their Inaugural Gala on June 22 at the Laureate Center in Kannapolis and is inviting everyone in our community to attend.
What Is 1CAN?
Founded by Sheryl Kluge in 2019, 1CAN is a volunteer-run organization with the idea of providing a location where people can easily access nonperishable food items without having to fill out forms or qualify.
🥫 Their mission is to provide assistance to individuals and families experiencing hunger in Cabarrus County.
🥫 They do this by collecting and distributing canned goods and other non-perishable food items to those in need.
🚒 With the help of Concord’s Fire Chief Ray Allen, the first Blessing Box was installed at Fire Station 5 in Concord, NC.
Due to the need being larger than anticipated, 4 more Blessing Boxes were installed in Cabarrus County by the end of the year.
Filling a Need During COVID-19
With the onset of the pandemic in 2020, the need for assistance skyrocketed. That year, 1CAN received its 501c3 status and continued to grow, eventually having 8 Blessing Boxes in Cabarrus County.
They have been supported by local government agencies, businesses, and community partners, such as churches, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, the YMCA, and pageant queens, who have volunteered their time and resources to help 1CAN’s mission.
Ways to Get Involved
1CAN invites you to take part in their numerous family-friendly volunteer opportunities, such as:
- Participating in packing events
- Warehouse assistance
- Shopping
- Joining a committee
- Becoming a Blessing box Keeper
- Making hygiene bags
- Holding a food drive
- Collecting items for the Snack Pack Program
- Holding a Facebook Fundraiser
- Dropping off items to any of the boxes
- Applying to join the Board
- Making a monetary donation
- Making cards for food bags
✨ Attend the Gala ✨
As for their Inaugural Gala, 1CAN hopes you can make join them for this evening of celebration.
When: June 22, 2023 | 6:30-10:00pm
Where: Laureate Center, Kannapolis, NC
With the purchase of your ticket, you will enjoy:
- Welcome reception with wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres
- Dinner provided by Grate Catering Co.
- A program and volunteer recognition
- Silent auction
- Wine pull
- 50/50 raffle drawing
🎟️ You can buy tickets or become a sponsor HERE.
All proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction go directly to support 1CAN’s work.
As 1CAN continues to meet the ever growing need for food assistance, it is a prime example of the power of community and the importance of helping those in need. With Sheryl’s leadership and the dedication of countless volunteers, 1CAN is making a real difference in the fight against hunger in Cabarrus County.
Follow them on Facebook to see how you can get involved.
Planning to visit? Tell ’em Cabarrus Weekly sent ya!
