The smell of turkey roasting, the sound of the football game playing in the background and the chatter of family that hasn’t gathered for many seasons, this time of year brings many warm memories. Like many places, some Hatteras Island residents have a hard time putting food on the table, especially this time of year as tourism slows. This year in particular saw residents suffering losses from Hurricane Matthew, many losing almost everything and working to rebuild their lives from the ground up. Local food pantries relying solely on donations, are working hard to successfully meet the demands of residents throughout the winter months.

In response to this need,  Surf or Sound Realty’s  offices in Avon and Salvo are  not only  serving as community collection  points  for the Hatteras Island  food drive  as they have done for many years, but this year they are upping the ante.  To  help encourage donations, Surf or Sound Realty has announced that it will donate $1 for every pound of food donations  received  at their offices  from November  21 through December 31,  up to  $500.  All donations will go directly to a Hatteras Island food bank to support the local residents.

“I’ve lived here for 18   years and I know how appreciative the community is  of  these donations. Many residents go unemployed through the winter and can use every bit of help they can get,” explains Marcia Laricos, Event Coordinator  and Assistant to the Property Manager  at Surf or Sound Realty.  “We are hoping that we receive more food donations this year by rallying for the cause.”

Monetary donations for the Hatteras Island Food Pantry can be made payable by check to United Methodist Men and mailed to Hatteras Island Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1591, Buxton, NC 27920. Monetary donations for Lifeboat Community Church can be dropped off at 27563 Highway 12 in Salvo, or by mailing checks to Lifeboat Community Church, P.O. Box 84, Salvo, NC 27972.