GARNER, N.C. -- One by one, boxed lunches are being served to first responders for free, all thanks to Lorraine's Kitchen Food Truck in Garner.

“We’re very blessed that the community comes together and is willing to help us out, because we try to do as much as we can for them,” said Cameron Dupree, a firefighter for the Garner Fire Department. “We’re thankful they do stuff for us as well.”

Garner EMS, firefighters, and police officers all appreciate the recognition, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s extremely important,” said Lt. Mike McIver with the Garner Police Department. “Our folks have been through a lot over the last month, just like everyone else. But, to show this act of kindness, does go a long way.”

“It’s a morale booster,” explained Jason Deitch, the Battalion Chief for the Garner Fire Department. “Just to feed the people and let them know 'Hey we still think about you and we’re doing the best we can so where’s what we can do for you.'"

And the man behind this food truck? That would be Earl Anderson, a self-proclaimed jack-of-all-trades. He's barely visible during the lunchtime rush, but that's because he's the chef!

“All of our events were canceled for the year. Then we decided that we needed to give back to the community, because everything is on the negative side. We want to do something positive,” said Anderson. “So, we decided to feed the first responders, free of charge because they’re out there doing great work for us.”

This is a generous gesture that's not surprising to folks in Garner.

“Earl’s always been a man that gives back to the community,” said McIver. “He was a volunteer baseball coach back when I was a teenager.”

Some say he's a hero helping heroes. But, if you ask Earl, he's just doing his part.

“I don’t feel like I’m a hero,” explained Anderson. “I feel like I’m just doing my part to help everyone else that I can. I grew up, my mother and father raised me to help your neighbor whenever you can. So if I’m able to help, I’m going to help.”

If you look in the Garner community, help seems to be everywhere you look.

“The Garner community as a whole has always been one that comes together during times of adversity and this is no different,” said McIver.