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This year marks 28 years of our annual Susan Coleman Castle of Cans! The campaign is held in conjunction with Hickory Octoberfest and benefits eight local agencies in Catawba County who serve our needy: The Corner Table in Newton, Assure Ministry (formerly ECCCM), Exodus Homes, Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry, The Family Care Center, Hickory Soup Kitchen, Salvation Army and Second Harvest Food Bank Hickory.

We know that the problem of hunger in Catawba County remains. There are 20,376 individuals living at or below poverty, 6,093 are children and 2,781 are seniors. Last year, Second Harvest Food Bank distributed over 4.4 million pounds to the agencies in Catawba County!

And while the need is still great, the cost of food has increased significantly, and we are still experiencing many supply-chain issues.

This year with your help we will continue to raise online funds as well as collect cans to help support these key agencies serving families in need in our community. Did you know that just $1 contribution provides approximately seven pounds of food? Any amount donated is welcome and can make a big difference in our area.

How to get started

If you would like to host an online Fund Drive, simply select “Join or Start a Team” (recommended for a company or large group drive) or “Start an Individual Fundraiser” to begin setting up your page. Once registered, you will have the ability to customize your fundraising page and share it via email and social media with the simple click of a button.

If you have any questions regarding the campaign please contact Campaign Coordinator Carleen Crawford at susancolemancastleofcans@gmail.com or 828-781-0845. For questions about setting up your page, please contact the Food & Fund Drive Coordinator, Megan Pierce, at mpierce@secondharvestmetrolina.org or 704-805-1749.

Let's work together to fight food insecurity and support our neighbors in need!

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Castle of Cans 2026

Castle of Cans 2026 Supporting our neighbors in need across 24 counties in North and South Carolina

Castle of Cans 2026

Castle of Cans 2026 Supporting our neighbors in need across 24 counties in North and South Carolina