Our Story
1CAN began in 2019 as Cabarrus Blessing Boxes. After months of seeking the ideal location, Founder Sheryl Kluge obtained approval from Concord’s Fire Chief Ray Allen. The first Blessing Box was built by Officer Chris Carpenter and installed at Fire Station 5 in Concord, NC.
Sheryl's desire was to provide a place where anyone could go to obtain nonperishable food items 1without having to fill out forms or qualify. They could just simply go to the box and take what they needed to feed their family. Within a few months it was clear that the need was larger than anticipated and more boxes were needed. By the end of 2019 there were a total of 4 Blessing Boxes in Cabarrus County.
In 2020 because of the Pandemic, families affected by food insecurity skyrocketed, and another 3 boxes were added in other areas within Cabarrus County. Sheryl realized to continue assisting families in need, Cabarrus Blessing Boxes needed to become an official nonprofit. in August of 2020. 1CAN Inc. was founded and received its 501c3 status.
1CAN has also worked with residents of Cabarrus County to supply food and hygiene kits. Businesses and local government agencies approved and supported building more boxes. Community partners, such as; One Life Church, Sojourner Church & CK Select Real estate hosted food drives, launched congregational challenges, and provided various in-kind and monetary donations to help further the mission of 1CAN. Organizations such as The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, the YMCA, and Local & National Pageant Queens, served the community by volunteering with 1CAN to build boxes, host food drives, and complete needed projects.
Today 1CAN has 8 Blessing Boxes and provides 3 Programs to assist those in need. 1CAN remains a 100% volunteer organization.
Our Founder
Sheryl Kluge is a native Yankee from the Hudson valley area of N.Y. and moved to SC in 2007 and relocated To Concord in 2016 with her company to open the Homewood Suites by Hilton. Sheryl has worked in the hospitality industry for over 35 years.
Sheryl has 2 grown sons and 4 amazing Grandsons and 1 Beautiful granddaughter.
Our Board of Directors
Faith Yarborough
Stephanie Greb
Kevin Perry
Chad Westbrook
Sponsors
Sponsors
