Operation Arresting Hunger hosting fundraiser at Culver’s on Monday

WARNER ROBINS — Your dinner plans on Monday could feed a family on Thanksgiving, thanks to an upcoming fundraiser held by Operation Arresting Hunger.

On June 16, the organization will collaborate with Culver’s for a Share Night. From 5 to 8 p.m., deputies from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office will be present at the restaurant delivering orders, cleaning tables, and assisting staff and customers as needed.

A portion of sales from that night will be donated to Operation Arresting Hunger.

Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Kevin Taylor said the idea originated from contacting Culver’s, which informed the organization about Share Night and offered them the chance to participate. Taylor was thankful that businesses, even widespread chains like Culver’s, have a heart for their local community.

“It means a lot for people like the owners of Culver’s to allow their managers to host things like this. It just shows what kind of generous heart they have,” he said.

Taylor, a founding member of Operation Arresting Hunger, said the organization was established around 10 years ago when he and other deputies began discussing their desire to help their county.

“We wanted to make a difference in the community and help citizens out by reaching out and feeding them for the holidays and taking care of their kids at Christmas,” he said.

Operation Arresting Hunger primarily aims to provide meals during Thanksgiving and gifts for Christmas to families in need through merchandise sales, a yearly car wash, sponsorships, and other fundraisers.

Over the years, the organization has grown from a small group of founding members to a large team of volunteers and a dedicated board of directors. Initially, they were thrilled to raise a few hundred dollars from their first annual car wash. Last year brought in over $4,000.

In their first year, Operation Arresting Hunger provided Thanksgiving meals to 20 families, making a difference that has now grown significantly thanks to increased community support.

“Now we’re feeding over 1,100 people a year and providing Christmas gifts to as many kids as possible,” Taylor said. “It means a lot to me to see it keep growing, and the community having our back and coming out to the events and participating in fundraisers.”

Taylor mentioned many families chosen for assistance learn about the organization through word of mouth, so supporting the organization can have a positive impact on someone known to the supporter.

“By coming out and getting their car washed or purchasing the item from us, they’re potentially helping their neighbor or a family member who is not acknowledging that he or she is needing a helping hand through the holidays,” he explained.

Taylor said Share Night is an extension of the way deputies serve their communities daily.

“We will go out and do whatever is necessary to try to be a beacon of hope for our community, and [Monday] that’s coming out and waiting on tables and cleaning them,” he said. “Our everyday job is to serve and protect the community, and we would do everything for them, anything that we can do to make their lives easier.”

Culver’s is located at 780 State Route 96, Warner Robins.

To support the cause any time of year, contact the Sheriff’s Office at (478) 542-2125 and ask for Taylor, Lt. Veronica Edens, or an Operation Arresting Hunger board member. The organization also takes donations via Cash App: $ArrestingHunger.

Stay up to date with Operation Arresting Hunger on its Facebook page.