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By Julia Burazer
For the Enterprise

Julie Lauwers found the perfect way to share love in her community.
Food.
“Some of us might wonder, ‘How can I show my neighbors and my community that I love them?’ One way is by reaching out and getting to know them and what better way than by sharing food together?”
President of Serving Our Neighbors (SON), Lauwers is among volunteers who pick up donations from Lowe’s Foods in Bermuda Run six days per week, from Publix three days per week and from Vernon’s Produce on Thursdays.
Starting with Fresh Hope, which began sharing food during the pandemic and evolved into Serving Our Neighbors in March 2023, it has always been about community.
“Serving Our Neighbors is just that: serving our neighbors,” she said. “This is our community and it’s ours to care for. No one chooses to need help with food and many have a hard time asking. However, as we always say, there is always plenty of food available and this is food that would otherwise go to waste, so we’re all helping our neighbors and helping to keep the landfill from being filled up with useful food. We are just the middle-men, so to speak.”
As one volunteer shared: “It’s not about us or the food, it is about building relationships.”
SON is flourishing due to community partnerships.
One of the highlights of 2024 was “Friendsgiving.” Turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, dressing and gravy were on the menu, plus two long tables of homemade desserts prepared by volunteers.
Volunteers served the plates to guests and then joined them at the tables.
“There was no us and them,” Lauwers said. “We were all one.
Tables were decorated, and salads and bread baskets adorned each table, creating what Lauwers called “a beautiful glimpse of God’s Kingdom at our first-ever Friendsgiving meal.”
Serving Our Neighbors partners include Oak Grove UMC, Grace Mission, Campfire Collective, and the Shoals Emerging Community which worked together to make it possible.
“Everyone ate their fill and there were even leftovers. Sorta like the time Jesus shared a meal with five loaves and two fish; all were filled, plus 12 baskets of leftovers were made up for those who could not attend.”
“My heart was full with the sound of conversation, laughter, and a little one saying, ‘This was the best meal I ever had.’ Yes, indeed,” said the Rev. Susan H. Ewing – United Methodist Emerging Community Pastor – Campfire Collective.
Another guest said she never expected to even be served – even the coffe. The afternoon was topped off with the tables playing Mad Libs, with laughter as each table shared their story.
Food sharing/ distributions are held every Sunday from 3-3:30 p.m. at Oak Grove United Methodist, off US 158 just east of Mocksville. Participants shop for the food they are interested in for their family, so there is choice involved and boxes are not pre-prepared.
When asked if there had been any changes since the Friendsgiving, board member,Sue Boggs said: “I feel there has been a change in atmosphere when we come together on Sunday afternoons to share food. Trust had been built by being a consistent presence each week, but having a sit-down meal around the table was a turning point. I believe there is now more interaction among the folks being served and those of us serving, with more eye contact, more smiles, and increased conversation.”
Another food distribution/sharing is at The Bridge Church, 197 Main St. in Cooleemee. SON pulls in with the mobile food pantry every Thursday evening and offers food from 5-5:30. Terry Thornett, a member of Hillsdale UMC and SON board, regularly brings his homemade soup which is especially appreciated on these cold winter days. One evening, over the holidays, Grace Mission and Campfire Collective served hot chocolate and had “treat bags” for everyone. This was a great opportunity to visit with many of our neighbors. Jan Denton, who leads the Cooleemee distribution, shared how much it meant to the people who came that evening.
There are so many organizations and businesses in the community who want to give back. SON was recently blessed to be the beneficiary of the proceeds from Saturday breakfast at First Presbyterian Church in Mocksville. Once a month they feature a different nonprofit to learn about the service organizations in the area.
Over the holidays was another time people shared.” One company contacted us and asked what kinds of foods were needed. Shelf stable items are in high demand, especially peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti sauce, canned soups, and tuna… For a month the employees of Funder collected canned goods for SON and delivered an SUV full of goodies.
“We are super excited to help the community and the mission of Serving Our Neighbors,” said Kara Rice HR coordinator for Funder by Genesis Products. With huge smiles, Kara and her mother Michelle Crowley delivered the bags and boxes just in time for Christmas.
One of the regular volunteers attends a church in Salisbury and the church is debt free. So, each quarter, they select charities for a donation and SON has gratefully been the recipient of two donations. Because SON is 95% volunteer, all donations go to supporting the work.
SON is serving approximately 325-400 neighbors per week. Recently, members of the Interact Club at Davie High School began volunteering. Four young people came to the Oak Grove distribution on Jan. 26 and helped with setup, carrying boxes for families, and cleanup.
President, Karina Arellano was enthusiastic: “Serving as president of the Interact Club has been an honor as I get to lead passionate leaders who are ready to give back. My members and I had an amazing time volunteering at Oak Grove, which yet again has let us give back and create bonds with our community members. ‘Service Above Self’ is more than a motto to us as it reminds us of the power of giving back to our community that supports us in any way they can.”
“SON is so grateful for the generosity of Davie County and beyond,” Lauwers said. “The relationships we are forming are so beautiful, from our grocery store employees who greet us with big smiles to donate food, to our tireless volunteers, to all the people we have the opportunity to interact with on a weekly basis. Our hearts are filled with gratitude.”
For information about Serving Our Neighbors, contact Alma at 336 707-0203 or Julia 336 413-2701.