The Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated 1CAN with a ribbon cutting at its new location in downtown Concord. The milestone highlighted the nonprofit’s continued efforts to address food insecurity and support individuals and families throughout Cabarrus County.
Founded by Sheryl Kluge, 1CAN began as a community service project in 2019 and has grown into a volunteer-driven nonprofit working to make food more accessible to those who need it.
From One Blessing Box to a Countywide Mission
1CAN began in 2019 as Cabarrus Blessing Boxes. After months of searching for the right location, founder Sheryl Kluge received approval from Concord Fire Chief Ray Allen to install the first box at Fire Station 5 in Concord. Officer Chris Carpenter built the original Blessing Box, creating a place where community members could access nonperishable food without filling out forms or meeting eligibility requirements.
The idea was simple: anyone who needed food could take what they needed to feed their family.
Within months, the need exceeded expectations, and the organization expanded to four Blessing Boxes by the end of 2019. When the COVID-19 pandemic increased food insecurity for local families in 2020, three additional boxes were added throughout Cabarrus County.
Recognizing the growing need and the importance of sustaining these efforts, Kluge established 1CAN Inc. as an official nonprofit in August 2020. The organization received its 501(c)(3) status that year.
Fighting Food Insecurity Through Community Support
Today, 1CAN works to reduce hunger in Cabarrus County through three primary programs: its network of 11 Blessing Boxes, Meals on Wheels, and snack bag programs.
The Blessing Boxes provide access to nonperishable food for individuals and families without requiring applications or qualifications. The organization has also worked with Cabarrus County residents to provide food and hygiene kits, helping address additional household needs.
At the heart of 1CAN’s mission is the belief that community members should have access to essential resources when they need them, with dignity and without unnecessary barriers.
Powered by Volunteers and Community Partners
1CAN is a 100% volunteer organization, relying on community members, businesses, churches, and local organizations to help carry out its mission.
Throughout its growth, the nonprofit has received support from partners including One Life Church, Sojourner Church, and CK Select Real Estate, which have contributed through food drives, congregational challenges, and monetary and in-kind donations.
The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, the YMCA, and local and national pageant queens have also volunteered their time to build Blessing Boxes, organize food drives, and complete projects that support the organization’s work.
These partnerships demonstrate how individuals and organizations can come together to address a shared community need.
Building Connections in Downtown Concord
For 1CAN, the new downtown Concord location represents another step in its ongoing commitment to serving Cabarrus County.
Founder Sheryl Kluge brings more than 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry to her work with the organization. Although nonprofit leadership was a new field for her, her community service project has developed into a sustained effort to help local families access food and essential supplies.
Through its Chamber membership, 1CAN hopes to strengthen its connection to the Cabarrus community, build relationships with local businesses and organizations, and participate in events that foster collaboration.
The Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce congratulates 1CAN on its new downtown Concord location and celebrates the volunteers, partners, and community members who help make its mission possible. Through its continued work to reduce hunger, 1CAN demonstrates the power of community service and the difference neighbors can make when they work together.
