Norm Conti has been volunteering at the Western Wake Crisis Ministry since 2001 after an illness threatened his life. After his recovery, he decided it was time to give back to the community.

"Our economy is going through some rough times and some people are going through hard times," Conti said.

He bags thousands of pounds of food per year at the ministry and this year there was even more people who needed a helping hand. Director of the ministry Rebecca Spell said families can receive food every 30 days. And from now until the New Year, they will serve over 1,200 families.

"It takes about 100,000 pounds of food to feed those families and we really need the community support in an ongoing way," Spell said.

The ministry needs more donations and volunteers than ever because their numbers have increased over 30 families per month.

Dwight Allen has been turning to the ministry for years and he said they provide more than just food and financial assistance.

"They are giving people hope and it means a lot to me and I hope to one day be able to return the favor," Allen said.

Spell agrees the ministry changes lives.

"It really is helping our neighbors in need, many times it is people we know in the community," Spell said.

As for Conti, he said he will continue to aid the ministry and encourage others to do the same.

Related Links

1. Western Wake Crisis Ministry