What's Happening at Outreach​​
Did you know ...
​Outreach is building a supportive, transitional housing neighborhood? The first two houses are built and ready for move in early August. Click here to learn more!
"I want to thank Outreach for helping my family out. Because if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have food for my six year old son. I just wanted to thank y'all from the bottom of my heart."                            ~ Outreach client
Outreach COVID update - reopen building beginning August 2​​
Effective Monday, August 2, Outreach plans to reopen our building to clients and guests. As we prepare to reopen, we have a few enhancements to announce:
  • We have reduced our paperwork process for clients coming to shop in the pantry, with a goal to make it as quick and easy as possible to pick up food.
  • Each week, through Labor Day, we will feature Summer Spotlight food items that will be included when clients come in for their monthly shop or to pick up commodities; these Items of the Week will be announced via client text message, on our website and on our Facebook page.
  • We will continue to offer call in / curbside service to clients who prefer this practice.
  • Masks continue to be optional inside the building for everyone who is fully vaccinated. If you have not been vaccinated, masks are recommended. Masks are required inside intake rooms. We request that you bring your own, but have masks and hand sanitizer available.
Pantry Summer Spotlight: Item of the Week

​For the remainder of the summer, Outreach will feature a Summer Spotlight each week. These summertime treats will be available when you're picking up commodities or doing your monthly pantry shop.

Week of July 26: "Yogi's Picnic" - sub sandwiches with all the fixins & chips
Outreach is here to Help -​ 
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit countless Polk County families and individuals hard in many different ways. Thanks to the generosity of individual donors, churches, businesses and foundations (Polk County Community Foundation, Dogwood Health Trust, Duke Energy Foundation, Western NC Bridge Foundation), Outreach is in a great position to help. Whether you're one of our regular clients or someone who has recently fallen on hard times, give us a call if you need assistance with food, paying rent/mortgage or utility bills.
Outreach
134 White Drive, Columbus
828-894-2988
"The food pantry is a blessing to me and my four little girls. We have had our lives turned upside down and I am very thankful for everyone's help. I hope to eventually be in a place where I will be able to start helping others, like others have helped me. Thank you so much!"            ~ Outreach client
Are you Ready to Make Critical Changes and Improve your Life?​
Outreach is now accepting applications to Life Works, our self-sufficiency program that focuses on helping you achieve goals related to:
  • employment
  • education
  • money management
  • transportation
  • childcare
  • housing
  • building life skills

To learn more, contact Client Services Manager, Michelle Reedy (michelle.reedy@tboutreach.org or 828-894-2988) or click to visit the Life Works section on our website.
It takes a village ...
At Outreach, we have over 7000 visits each year from Polk County neighbors requesting assistance with food, financial assistance (rent & mortgage, utilities, medical and dental) and special programs for children (Feed-a-Kid, School Supplies and Holiday) and veterans.  Without the help of our generous community, we could not provide this level of assistance to those in need. We're all in this together and at Outreach, we're grateful for all you do to help our community. Thank you!
Our friends with Unity in the Community held their annual food drive for Outreach this spring. It's always a fun time when this group gets together!
Thank you Green Creek Hounds for your generous donation - 514 pounds of food to stock our pantry shelves!
Puuurfect Bark donated pet supplies for four-legged family members.
Stephanie Justice and daughter Charlotte started "Meals on Me" where restaurant patrons can donate money toward gift cards to be distributed to Outreach clients.
The Youth at Holy Cross shop for the Outreach pantry at Lidl every quarter. 
"When things get tight (as they always do being a single mother of two), it's great to have this wonderful, dependable place to come to, to help keep our heads above water! Thank you!"      ~ Outreach client
Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday:
9:00AM - 12:00PM
1:00 - 4:00PM
Friday: 9:00AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
​
Upcoming Events
6/21: Summer Feed-a-Kid program begins
6/28: Begin accepting rental applications for Outreach houses
7/19 - 23: Pantry Spotlight Item of the Week - "Rise & Shine" Jimmy Dean sausage biscuits & hash browns
7/26 - 30: Pantry Spotlight Item of the Week - "Yogi's Picnic" sub sandwiches with all the fixins & chips
9/25: Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce's "Feed the Foothills" Harmon Field Music Festival & Poker Run
11/13: Tryon Half Marathon (Harmon Field)
3/12/22: Empty Bowls (Parker-Binns Vineyard)
​
Monthly Wish List
Food Focus: pancake mix & syrup, pork & beans, mayonnaise, canned tuna, tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches
Non-Food Focus:  laundry detergent, ziploc bags (all sizes), toothbrushes & toothpaste, hand soap, cleaning supplies

Newsletter

​Annual Report
Did you know.... Outreach now has a texting service to communicate with our clients? This service is used to send important Outreach news and updates on programs and special events. It's simple to register - text 21000, type Outreach in the message and press send.
​Check out our video about how Thermal Belt Outreach has changed the lives of many and touched the hearts of our community. ​
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​​        Outreach
           134 White Drive
           P.O. Box 834
           Columbus, NC 28722
           828.894.2988
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