As someone who has been in the hospitality industry for her whole life, Paige Williams, the co-owner of Great Harvest Bread Company in Cary, saw an opportunity to serve more than just her customers.

For years, Great Harvest has donated its day-old breads to Dorcas Ministries and fed volunteers there. But with so many businesses closed and people out of work, Williams and her husband, Tom, increased their charitable efforts and encouraged their customers to give back as well.

Great Harvest has donated their day-old bread to Dorcas Ministries for years. During the pandemic, their efforts have increased to donate both baked goods and produce.

“We have to come together,” Williams said. “There’s just no way not to.”

When a customer buys a loaf of Honey Whole Wheat bread to donate to the Dorcas Food Pantry, the bakery will donate a second loaf to multiply the giving.

So far, over 900 loaves have been donated to the nonprofit.

“We’ve had an amazing response to that,” Williams said. “Our Cary community is just amazing.”

The couple also used their own money to donate 490 pounds of fresh fruit and salad supplies to Dorcas.

“I’m in an industry that people do live paycheck to paycheck,” Williams said. “So, I know first-hand what the need is like. If I am being blessed, I need to pass that on.”

When restaurants closed their dining areas, she launched online ordering, and the essential business continued baking its breads and cookies, as it has for the last 13 years. Customers can order online and pick up their goodies curbside six days a week.

Great Harvest’s Eldercare Box includes a half pound of Louisville Chicken Salad, a half loaf of Honey Whole Wheat Bread and a dessert for two.

“It’s still going to be a long haul before the economic recovery of our community and country, so I had the foresight to go ahead and add that right away,” Williams said of the online ordering.

The store is also offering an Eldercare Box, which Williams encourages customers to purchase and drop off at an older person’s home for them to enjoy.

“I challenge all of us to think outside the box. How can we help a neighbor in need?”

Great Harvest has also had a customer buy 100 cookies to give to UNC Hospital’s emergency room workers.

“It’s not paying their bills, but it’s lifting their spirits. It’s the little things,” Williams said. “I feel like if you’re able to give, give and let’s be creative and do that.”