LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Around 40 businesses groups, community organizations, unions and elected officials packed more than 1,500 hams and side items for the military and families in need. 

Terrance T. May Sr. is one of those volunteers unpacking boxes at the 13th Annual Boxes of Love. He said his neighbor as a child inspired him to volunteer. 

“My mom was 16 when she had me, so I saw the struggle that we had," May said. "And it just helps me to want to help in the community. Our next-door neighbor told my mom she would help my mom to raise me and nurture me."

He said he hopes events like this will help others see the impact they can have. 

“[I] hope that people in our community see how the love and action and coming together helps us to build each other and help those [whp are] left less fortunate," May said. 

Around 19% of Kentucky households are considered "food insecure" or "very low food secure," according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

“The holidays are no exception," said Adria Johnson, president of Metro United Way. "In fact, I think it’s probably when people maybe even feel it more pronounced because they’re not able to celebrate in the same ways that so many of us take for granted." 

The boxes were filled and loaded into the truck, and volunteers headed off to deliver the meals to 31 different organizations, including schools and churches.

May said this event shows anyone can give back to the community. 

“No matter our background, our ethnicity, everybody could share love and everybody could be giving," he said. "You don’t even have money; you don’t you have to have money to give. All you have to do is have a pair of hands and a will in mind." 

Throughout the event’s 13 years, Boxes of Love has provided food to about 70,000 people.