On July 29, 2021, families from across the region popped their trunks while Charlotte Area Fund packed them. With the support of area partners, Charlotte Area Fund hosted The Big Pop Up, a food and supply giveaway for area families. The event was hosted in the parking lot at Park Expo Center, cars lined up as far as the eye could see. Boxes of diapers, water, food, cleaning products and other supplies were stacked and loaded by an army of volunteers.

More than 120 Charlotte Area Fund staff and volunteers loaded boxes of supplies into trunks, supplying more than 2,228 adults and children attendees with basic goods that would support families during the pandemic’s continued uncertainty. COVID testing and vaccines were also available for anyone interested, thanks to the support of partners across the area. Many local families are faced with mounting uncertainty and challenges, but Charlotte Area Fund President Nicholas Wharton wanted people to take away one simple message. “We are trying to create an experience where folks just know that there are others who care about them,” said Wharton.