Empty Bowls 2024 was a wonderful success to raise money for the fight against food insecurity in Polk County. It was a tremendous community effort and we extend our appreciation to everyone who purchased a ticket, the talented artists who made all the handcrafted bowls, the businesses who sponsored this event or made soup & bread, everyone who volunteered, Parker-Binns for donating their beautiful venue. We look forward to sharing photos from the event and profiles (that were delayed due to Hurricane Helene storm response) of the artists who created the beautiful bowls, later this week.
Looking for ways to help your community during this disaster? With the devestating damage to MANNA Food Bank, our primary source of food, Outreach is actively accepting monetary donations and collecting food and water to distribute to Polk County neighbors in need. The following items are at the top of our list -
We extend a giant ThAnK yOu to every single person who has come out to volunteer at Outreach this week! We are grateful for your time, energy and support of our wonderful Polk County community! Photos below capture a few of the many who have spent time with us this week -
Expressions of Gratitude for Grants & Foundation
Support
Thanks to the support of these generous foundations in 2023, Outreach was able add new programs and increase our support of the Polk County community in 2023 & 2024 -
Additionally, in 2023, PCCF awarded a $35,000 grant in support of food pantry initiatives in 2024. With the increase in food costs and client visits, this grant will enable Outreach to continue providing same-level support to Polk County residents.
Thanks to a matching grant from the Tryon Garden Club, Outreach was able to plant five cherry trees along the Hope Valley Lane, the road in our developing neighborhood, Horse Creek Village.
"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 Have you heard about our Life Works Program?
"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 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!
"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 |
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 18883663895, type Outreach in the message and press send.
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Outreach
134 White Drive
P.O. Box 834
Columbus, NC 28722
828.894.2988
134 White Drive
P.O. Box 834
Columbus, NC 28722
828.894.2988