Armstrong employees, Matt Lutz and Renee Uram donating collected food to Janine Kennedy and Sandra Curry of Alliance for Nonprofit Resources at the Butler County Food Bank.

Volunteering teaches responsibility, dependability and empathy — lessons Tara Hardsock wants to instill in her teenage son.

“Volunteering means giving back and offering my time — giving back without reward,” said Hardsock, product marketing coordinator for Armstrong.

Hardsock and her son recently volunteered for a second time and were among company employees who lent a hand Thursday at Katie's Kitchen, a free community meal, to raise awareness about National Hunger Action Month.

The national effort shines a monthlong light on the 40 million Americans facing hunger every day. Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, is celebrating its 40th anniversary and challenging the nation to take 40,000 actions during the month by volunteering, donating or posting on social media.

Armstrong — which provides high-speed internet, television and telephone services throughout the region — is taking on the challenge in a big way.

The company recently kicked off its second annual Avenge Hunger Month. Food donations can be dropped off at Armstrong's office, 660 S. Benbrook Road, throughout September.

This story is an exerpt. Pick up Tuesday's Butler Eagle for the full story.