SAVANNAH, Ga. - Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division extended a helping hand to their local community by volunteering at America's Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, a food bank in Savannah, Georgia, Feb. 20 and 26.
America's Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia distributed 12 million pounds of food last year to support government food programs, seniors and children who are at risk for hunger, according to Katrina Walters, volunteer coordinator at America's Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia. The Soldiers of HHC did their part to contribute to the distribution.
"We're more than just going to the field, we're more than being deployed, we're still citizens and we're still members of the community," said Master Sgt. Jason Hunt, noncommissioned officer in charge of Intelligence Operations, 2nd IBCT, and organizer of the event. "Today we were emergency food box packers."
America's Second Harvest relies heavily on volunteers to accomplish its mission, in this case, preparing food for those who may not have enough in their pantry to make it through the next pay check.
"I like to make a change in the world one activity at a time," said Pfc. Ferchon McCurry, an information technology specialist with HHC. "I felt like this could make a difference in my community locally."
On Feb. 20, HHC Soldiers spent their Saturday morning assisting the food bank, which was established in 1981 and serves 21 Coastal Georgia counties. On Feb. 26, 33 additional volunteers were able to pack 460 boxes, nearly half of the facility's quota for the next week.
"The best part about today was seeing the smiles on the Soldiers' faces and seeing them want to pack faster and want to pack more," Hunt said. "I think it became a challenge for all of us."
Hunt said he plans to make this a regular volunteer opportunity for his company and emphasized the importance of the relationship of service members to their communities.
"I think it's important for Soldiers to remember that we're looked to as examples, and for Soldiers to get that sense of pride that they are giving back to the community. It's a personal accomplishment," Hunt said. "Everybody had fun, motivated each other and just worked hard."
"I was excited that I could take a little time out of my day to help somebody," McCurry added. "A small act of kindness can go a long way in the world."
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