Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort HERO (Harrah’s Employees Reaching Out) Program volunteered to test an onsite project for community partner Manna Food Bank. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Manna Food Bank have partenered since 2000 on events, sponsorships and volunteer opportunities, supporting the mission of ending hunger in Western North Carolina.
The 4,000 pounds of rice was delivered in bulk, ready for bagging into family-size servings. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort provided its events center banquet kitchen to host the rice-bagging event. HERO’s from all shifts took time before and after their shifts and on breaks to help pack rice.
“It’s exciting to bring a volunteer opportunity to our employees and make it convenient for them to help and allow those who may not have the time to travel to Asheville a chance to volunteer with MANNA,” said Harrah’s Cherokee Assistant General Manager, Norma Moss.
The rice was re-packed in two days, with 26 HERO’s volunteering a total of 41 hours.
“In addition to being a premier corporate supporter of MANNA, Harrah’s takes the initiative and encourages giving in their own community. Harrah’s leadership encourages a culture of volunteerism and their employees have responded with open hearts and ready hands. MANNA needed help with repackaging rice from bulk to smaller packages for distribution and Harrah’s employees stepped up. They worked day and night on their own time and repackaged 4,000 pounds of rice in just a few days. The community spirit of Harrah’s made that possible,” said Cindy Threlkeld, Executive Director of Manna Food Bank.
Once the rice leaves Harrah’s, it will be distributed to Manna’s partner agencies.
Manna Food Bank is a member of the Feeding America program and is a success story of grassroots organizing, with community involvement, staff, board and
volunteers working together. With 255 partner agencies in local communities Manna is able to distribute food to those in need. To learn more about Manna Food Bank programs or find event information, visit www.MANNAFoodbank.org
– Harrah’s Cherokee
