This year we involved a record number of volunteers and gathered more donations than ever. Many partners worked with us to make the event a reality: ProJet Aviation, Paramount Business Jets, Smokehouse Pilots, Leesburg Executive Airport, and Recycle Life. The plan was to deliver donations to four different locations in McDowell County.

At the first stop at Itmann Food Pantry in Pineville, I met Arnie and Kathie. We had a pleasant conversation, and I gave them a gift of over sixty boxes of food, clothes, and a check. Next, Father Binny welcomed us to St. Peter Catholic Church in Welch. We left him 60 boxes of food and a check to support his mission.

The third stop was the main event of this trip, Powhatan’s Sacred Heart Church. The team delivered 90 boxes of food, an additional 450 loaves of bread, fresh fruits, and over 100 bags of clothing and supplies. Seeing so many people come together over a common goal was inspiring. We enjoyed a day of good food and fellowship. The hope and joy in the air were palpable. We ended the beautiful day by dropping off 60 boxes of food and a check at St. Peter and Paul Catholic school in Oakhill.

Our trip to West Virginia resulted in 270 families receiving food for over two weeks. We also wrote 17 checks for $10,750 and delivered many boxes of supplies. The goal of our project is more than sharing food, supplies, and money. We want to allow residents to share their needs, ideas, and stories with the world. Each year, we turn our experience into a film to inspire people to do kindness and help find a long-term solution for McDowell.

The 2021 Food and Supplies Drive was a huge success, exceeding our expectations. It was an honor to serve the beautiful people of McDowell County once again.

Best You Best Me, would like to extend our deepest gratitude to PROJET AVIATION, SMOKEHOUSE PILOTS, LEESBURG EXECUTIVE AIRPORT (JYO), PARAMOUNT BUSINESS JETS and RECYCLE LIFE, and everyone who helped. It was a team effort, and we couldn’t have done it without everyone. You are all incredible!