The Greater Fayetteville Chamber's Military Affairs Council (MAC) is calling all community members to donate food, clothing, toiletries and more. 

Recognizing the current financial pressures faced by military families and the need for immediate, tangible support within the Fort Bragg community, MAC is hosting Operation Patriot Pantry, an installation food drive to support Fort Bragg soldiers and their families.

From 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, MAC will be in the Highland Shopping Center parking lot at 2800 Raeford Road in Fayetteville collecting donations of non-perishable food items to support those who serve our nation. 

“[We need] shelf stable goods, cereals, canned goods, and we do ask that if there are canned goods provided, if possible, provide the pop top ones, because not everybody has a can opener,” shared MAC Co-Chair Rob Patton. “ We need things that people need around the home, like toiletries, paper towels, things like glass cleaner, diapers, anything that a family would need that shelf stable are what we're looking for.” 

The team will be filling a truck donated by local moving company Two Men and a Truck  which will be taken to the Armed Services YMCA Fort Bragg to be donated to the Fort Bragg Food Pantry. 

"Our mission is to support our military community, and right now, the most impactful way we can do that is by providing essential resources to those facing financial strain," said retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Ferd Irizarry who also serves as the MAC’s chair. "While we look forward to future socials when conditions improve, our priority today is ensuring our soldiers and their families have the support they need."

The Greater Fayetteville Chamber and MAC encourages businesses and individuals across the region to contribute to this vital effort.

“Our service members and their families support us every day of the year and preserve our country's freedom,” Greater Fayetteville Chamber President/ CEO Nat Robertson said in a press release. “It's our turn to return that favor.”

MAC has parted with Blue Star Families who is sponsoring and who will be participating in the event. The goal is to fill the truck completely before or by 3:30 p.m.  Representatives will be available to assist with loading supplies. Learn more here.