If not for the folks at Loaves & Fishes, Charlotte would be much the worse for wear after the past couple of lean years. They have literally given food to everyone who’s come to them. Now, that may be a miracle (as the group’s name implies), but it’s more likely a testament to Loaves & Fishes’ intense involvement with the community, which came through whenever L&F needed it. Loaves & Fishes conducts food drives and runs 15 — count ’em, 15 — food pantries in the city, helped by a small army of volunteers. For all of Charlotte, here’s a big, BIG “Thanks!” www.loavesandfishes.org