COURTLAND
The Social Services Department in Southampton County was able to provide for 392 families this past Thanksgiving, and the Food Lion in Franklin served as a generous supplier to that number.

A couple of weeks ago, store manager Katrina Goff and several employees loaded 57 cases of food to the department’s food pantry. This was the beginning of a new partnership between the county agency and the grocery store chain, which had sent a letter of outreach.

Goff said the donation is part of Food Lion’s “commitment to end hunger.” She added that the company anticipates it will serve 500,000,000 people by 2020.

At the time of the contribution, Human Services Assistant Jean Stephenson told everyone that the department had served 322 families on the 2013 holiday, and that so far 250 families were on a list for help this year.

“I’m not sure where the food will come from, but I have faith it’s going to come,” Stephenson said. “We’re just thankful.”

Her hope was rewarded, not only through Food Lion, but also through the regional Mayflower promotion that collects canned goods for the Food Bank.

“You are helping a family. You are making a big difference,” Stephenson said to the Food Lion employees.

The pantry needs to be filled again, and for anyone who would like to contribute, contact Stephenson at 653-3080, extension 3121.