As summer heats up and school cafeterias close their doors, one Tuscaloosa organization is making sure local families don’t go hungry. New Heights center has been busy preparing for a surge in summer food demand — and a dedicated group of volunteers has been right there to help make it happen.

According to The Tuscaloosa News, volunteers recently gathered at New Heights to pack food for distribution, rolling up their sleeves to help neighbors in need during one of the most challenging seasons for food-insecure families. The effort comes as the center placed what was described as a “massive” order to stock up for the expected increase in demand now that students are out of school.

New Heights serves as a vital community resource in Tuscaloosa, and the combination of proactive planning and hands-on volunteer support reflects the kind of neighbor-helping-neighbor spirit that makes the community strong. With kids no longer receiving school meals five days a week, organizations like New Heights fill a critical gap — and the volunteers who show up to pack and distribute that food are the backbone of the effort.

If you’d like to get involved or learn more about how to support New Heights this summer, keep an eye on local community boards and the center’s announcements for upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Sources: The Tuscaloosa News, The Tuscaloosa News