Nourishing Neighbors: How Share the Table is Fighting Hunger with Compassion & Dignity 

April 24, 2025 by Drew Smith
Drew Smith (Left), Director of Communications for Copiers Plus, presents a big check to Share the Table, Inc. Executive Director, Dawn Ellis, and volunteers Pam Jonah, Maggie Parrish, and Audrey Clark at their Hampstead, NC Headquarters. 

Located in Hampstead, Share the Table stands out as a beacon of community care and support for individuals throughout eastern North Carolina. The organization provides food and fellowship to over 1,500 people in Pender and Onslow Counties each week through a no-barriers, client-choice food pantry, a weekend backpack program for school children, and free weekly community meals. Their drive and compassion made them a perfect fit for our 40 Years of Caring campaign, and we are honored to donate $500 to help them continue carrying out their mission! 

What Share the Table Does 

Unlike traditional food pantries, Share the Table operates with a client-choice model. That means individuals and families can select the food that best suits their dietary needs and preferences — preserving dignity and minimizing waste. Alongside non-perishable goods, the pantry prioritizes healthy options like fresh produce, meats, and dairy products. 

Their major initiatives include: 

  • Food Pantry: Weekly grocery shopping for those in need — no questions asked. 
  • MUNCH Backpack Program: Nutritious food for local students to take home over the weekends and during the summer months. 
  • Sunday Community Meals: A warm, welcoming dinner for anyone hungry or lonely — no eligibility requirements. 

These programs are more than services — they are lifelines, and they create opportunities for connection, support, and hope. 

Impact in Action 

The numbers speak volumes. In just one year, Share the Table saw a 31% increase in people served, distributing over 620,000 pounds of food — the equivalent of 522,000 meals. Volunteers, over 100 strong each week, not only distribute food but also build relationships with those they serve, offering a friendly face and a listening ear. 

Board member, volunteer, and nominator Carla Citarelli shared a recent experience: 

“I had the pleasure of serving a Sunday meal. It was very inspiring to see how grateful the people are for this service. The organization is welcoming to everyone in need.” 

Why They Matter 

Pat Fontana, a North Topsail Beach business owner who also nominated Share the Table for recognition, put it best: 

“The staff and volunteers at Share the Table are truly dedicated to helping their neighbors. There are no barriers for an individual seeking supplemental food, household items, or information about living a healthier life." 

The emotional impact is just as powerful. One of the organization’s neighbors described the experience, saying, “I don’t feel that safe in the world until I come to Share the Table. I don’t have to prove myself and I feel genuinely welcome. I calm down when I am here — a place to be a part of — and I am deeply grateful.” 

The Power of a $500 Donation 

With food prices continuing to rise — especially for fresh meats, fruits, and dairy — supporting Share the Table’s mission has never been more important. Copiers Plus and Kyocera’s $500 donation will directly fund the purchase of healthy, fresh food to stock the shelves of this designated Healthy Food Pantry. 

And for some, that makes all the difference. “Share the Table has helped my family tremendously in a time of need,” explained one recipient. “The Sunday meals, as well as the grocery shopping, help us get through the week. The volunteers are so kind and helpful.” 

How You Can Help 

Want to make a difference? Here’s how: 

  • Donate funds to help them buy fresh, nutritious groceries. 
  • Drop off food or hygiene products — every item helps a neighbor. 
  • Volunteer your time to support weekly distributions or community meals. 

Share the Table is proving that with care, community, and a little help from generous supporters, no one has to go hungry.  

Follow their Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages for updates on their work. You can also visit www.sharethetablenc.com to learn more or make a donation today. 


Copiers Plus & Kyocera: Celebrating 40 Years of Community Commitment 

Since our start in 1985, Copiers Plus has proudly partnered with Kyocera to help North Carolina businesses and organizations streamline operations through innovative office technology solutions. From document management to printer and copier leasing, our goal is to empower productivity and support success across the state—with service that goes the extra mile. 

This strong sense of service has been part of the Copiers Plus DNA from the beginning. Through the 40 Years of Caring initiative, we’re expanding that mission—highlighting and supporting nonprofit organizations that are making a real difference in communities across North Carolina. 

Over the coming months, we’ll be spotlighting each of the 40 selected organizations right here on our blog. Stay tuned to learn more about their inspiring work and how you can get involved in supporting their efforts. 

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