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Second Harvest Food Bank needs your vote!

Second Harvest Food Bank needs your vote!

Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina is hoping the public can help them click their way to a grant from Walmart by voting for them in the "Fighting Hunger Together" initiative.

This initiative is a national campaign where money is awarded to programs that get the most votes for their innovative and effective programs that help alleviate child hunger. The public will decide what organization will receive the grants through a voting campaign at www.facebook.com/walmart that includes more than 300 different hunger relief organizations from across the country.

The more votes a Feeding America food bank or partner agency gets, the better chances they have of winning the money.

The campaign kicked off April 1, and ends 11:59 pm ET on April 30.

BI-LO hosts 4th Annual "Feed the Love" campaign to help needy families and their pets

BI-LO hosts 4th Annual "Feed the Love" campaign to help needy families and their pets

BI-LO is committed to helping the community and its customers receive the resources they need to care for the ones they love during tough financial times. BI-LO’s care extends beyond the reach of just individuals and family members to also include beloved household pets.

Beginning today Tuesday, April 9, and lasting until Tuesday, April 30, BI-LO will host its fourth annual PAWS “Feed the Love” campaign. “Feed the Love” is a pet food drive in which food donations go to local-area food banks for families in need to be able to provide food for the four-legged members of their families.

Shoppers can purchase a $5 bag of pet food with the MY BI-LO BONUSCARD, and the food will be picked up by or delivered to the store’s food bank partner.

“Hunger Has a Cure” Campaign to benefit Feeding America and its local food banks

“Hunger Has a Cure” Campaign to benefit Feeding America and its local food banks

Food Lion launches its “Hunger Has a Cure” campaign Wednesday to support Feeding America and its network of local food banks. The two-week campaign, which allows customers to donate in $1 or $3 increments at the register, runs through April 16, and will help feed local families in need.

“We know that it’s difficult for some families to provide food during the summer, especially since it’s a time when food donations typically drop while hunger needs increase,” said Sherrii Webb, manager of community relations for Food Lion. “Funds raised through this two-week ‘Hunger Has a Cure’ campaign will provide critical food assistance for local families in need.”

USO of NC names Jeff Byers as Ambassador

USO of NC names Jeff Byers as Ambassador

The USO of NC, the leading organization responsible for lifting the spirits of troops and their families in North Carolina announced Thursday that Jeff Byers, a center for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League, as their ambassador.

“As a child I remember looking up to soldiers with admiration, thinking of how honorable they were for their service to our country,” said Byers. “I've never lost the appreciation for their sacrifice and am grateful I can finally give back through the USO of NC. It's an honor to be part of such a selfless organization, and serve our troops for all they've given to protect our nation and our freedoms.”

Byers entered the NFL in 2010 and signed with the Carolinas Panthers in 2011.

Local man graduates basic training at Fort Jackson

Local man graduates basic training at Fort Jackson

Army Reserve Pvt. Alan Josey has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

Josey is the son of Ricky and Linda Josey of Dunlap Gate Road, Statesville.

He is a 2011 graduate of North Iredell High School, Olin.

Volunteers needed for Fire & Life Safety Bowl

Volunteers needed for Fire & Life Safety Bowl

American Heart Association celebrates National Wear Red Day

American Heart Association celebrates National Wear Red Day

The American Heart Association (AHA) is inviting the public to show its support on National Wear Day.

The Association's 'Go Red for Women' program celebrates the energy, passion and combined power that women possess to wipe out heart disease and stroke, through education and action.

According to the AHA, the death rate for women has dropped in the last ten years. Furthermore, awareness has gone up from 22% to well over 50%.

Those who wish to show their support can wear red on Friday, February 1.

Donations are also encouraged, and can be made through the Association's website.

For more information on the Go Red for Women program, call 800-242-8721.