Mast Store: Be a Sweetheart...Feed the Hungry
Someone special is usually on people’s minds as Valentine’s Day approaches.

In celebration of a relationship, gifts and cards are usually exchanged, and oftentimes a wonderful meal is enjoyed. But there are others on Valentine’s Day who may not be so lucky as to share a hot, nutritious meal with someone they love.

To help everyone have a meal, Mast General Store is partnering with the Hunger and Health Coalition to raise awareness of hunger in Watauga County with its sixth annual Be a Sweetheart...Feed the Hungry event on Feb. 14 and 15.According to the most recent reports, in December 2008, 129 new clients received assistance from the Hunger and Health Coalition. Of the 1,426 clients served in December, one third of them were younger than 18. Hunger assistance agencies throughout the country are seeing large increases in applications for assistance, and those applications are often outpacing their ability to provide help.

Fred Martin, vice president of the Mast General Store, commented, “Our Be a Sweetheart…Feed the Hungry event has helped provide food to the food banks serving our local communities at a time when donations are at a lower level. After the holidays, donations tend to wane, and in these challenging economic times, we need to help our neighbors whenever we can.”

This year, Mast Store will contribute $1 for each pound of candy purchased on Feb. 14 and 15.

This year’s Be a Sweetheart campaign also has two more components – a raffle for gift baskets and spare change collection. Raffle tickets will be for sale in each location for $1, with all proceeds going to the Hunger and Health Coalition.

“It is just amazing what these organizations can do with a dollar,” Martin said. “With the help of donations and several supermarkets and vendors, spare change can feed a person three hot, healthy meals. Any amount can help.”

In addition to staple foods, the Hunger and Health Coalition also “rescues” food from local restaurants to add variety to their typical fare. Like many non-profit organizations, the Hunger and Health Coalition relies on volunteers and donations for much of its success.

There are many opportunities to get involved on a personal or group level, as well as learning how to fight hunger in the community. For more information, visit www.hungercoalition.com.For more information on how to “Be a Sweetheart,” call the Hunger and Health Coalition at (828) 262-1628 or the Mast Store in Valle Crucis at (828) 963-6511 or in Boone at (828) 262-0000.