Hurricane Helene | Donations for Hunger Relief Day at the NC State Fair go to Western NC

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — On Thursday, fairgoers can give back and enjoy a free day at the NC State Fair when they bring six non-perishable food items as part of Hunger Relief Day.

“I brought ravioli and canned chicken,” said David Cloer of Willow Spring. “It was one of the things they really needed and I just wanted to try to help in the best way I could.”

The annual event began at the NC State Fair in 1993 and since then, fairgoers have donated more than 6 million pounds of food to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and its affiliates.

This year, donations will go to Western North Carolina to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

“I brought cans of corn, I brought spinach. White beans, lima beans,” said Beverly Roberson.

Roberson was one of hundreds of people who took the opportunity to help.

“It feels good,” Roberson said. “I was happy to be a part of it and do this.”

Organizers said canned goods were valued, but the following products were in demand in the immediate aftermath of a storm, when families often lack regular access to electricity and fuel for cooking.

“We’re looking for crackers, granola bars, peanut butter and jelly,” Jennifer Caslin said.

There are trucks at most of the fairgrounds gates where volunteers will collect your donation and load it onto trucks that will be sent to western North Carolina.

“People are excited to come out and donate and give back,” Caslin said. “I think it’s a win-win situation. Obviously we want to support the western part of the state as best we can right now. They will need help for a very long time.”