WHITEVILLE, NC – As spring begins to bloom across the Tar Heel State, a wave of community-led gratitude is sweeping through North Carolina’s small towns. This March, local Masonic lodges and food ministries are setting the table for those who serve, launching a series of “Spirit of Service” events designed to honor veterans and first responders through fellowship and the humble comfort of a pancake breakfast.
The movement reached a peak this past weekend as three regional lodges—Lebanon Lodge #207 of Chadbourn, Chadbourn Lodge #190, and Tabor Lodge #593—joined forces for a massive community breakfast at 124 Pecan Street in Whiteville. The event, which organizers described as a “morning of appreciation,” saw hundreds of local veterans, law enforcement officers, and EMS personnel gather with their families to share a meal provided at no cost to the honored guests.
A foundation of gratitude
“These men and women protect our communities every day, often without a ‘thank you,'” said one event organizer from Lebanon Lodge. “We wanted to create a family-friendly space where they can feel the genuine gratitude of the neighbors they serve.”
The initiative reflects a broader trend of “Spirit of Service” activities across the state. In Franklin, the Holly Springs community hosted its own Easter-themed pancake breakfast on March 21 at the Cat Creek Road community building, with proceeds dedicated to local infrastructure projects including a community well. Meanwhile, in Harnett County, veterans gathered for a specialized resource breakfast on March 23, where local officials like Assistant Veterans Services Director Amy Noel worked to connect former service members with essential medical and burial benefits.
Addressing the need for support
The celebratory breakfasts come at a time of increased focus on the well-being of North Carolina’s heroes. Recently, the Second Annual First Responder Mental Health and Wellness Summit in Buncombe County brought together firefighters and EMTs to break the stigma surrounding the emotional toll of their work. Programs like these, paired with grassroots events, are building a robust support network that “meets veterans where they are,” as noted by N.C. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette.
Strengthening the safety net
Beyond the breakfast tables, North Carolina’s “Spirit of Service” is manifesting in a surge of volunteerism at local food ministries. The Lake Waccamaw Food Ministry reported a significant uptick in community participation for its March bagging and distribution days, ensuring that local families—including those of veterans in transition—have access to fresh groceries and pantry staples.
Similar efforts are unfolding in Raleigh and Zebulon, where the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina has been hosting “Pop-Up Markets” throughout March to combat food insecurity. These events often feature “Community Connect” segments that link shoppers with long-term resources, further strengthening the local safety net.
As March draws to a close, the success of these events serves as a poignant reminder of the power of local action. Whether it’s a stack of pancakes in Whiteville or a volunteer shift in Lake Waccamaw, North Carolinians are proving that the best way to honor a hero is to serve them right back.
