JONESVILLE — The Potter’s Storehouse has a large supply of food and other necessities on hand for its upcoming distribution event, which will mark the program’s fourth anniversary.
Pastor Don Moore described the past year as “the best of times and the worst of times” for The Potter’s Storehouse (TPS).
Best of times
Although the road has been rocky at times, the food distribution program has achieved its primary goal.
“We have been able to provide food for every family every time we have had a distribution,” Moore said.
The program has also expanded this year, and Moore expects it to continue to do so. Two new distribution partners have been added — Pastor Neil Keisler and Trinity Baptist Church as well as the Rev. Keith Morrison and First Presbyterian Church in Union.
“We hope to add two more churches soon,” Moore said.
In addition to the church partnerships, TPS partners with the Town of Carlisle for a monthly distribution coordinated by Mayor Mary Ferguson Glenn.
Volunteers also contribute to much of TPS’s success. One volunteer in particular — Mike Albee — delivers food to around 50 families twice each month using his own vehicle and fuel.
Moore also announced more good news in the way of TPS program needs being met.
“Thanks to our friends at First Presbyterian and many churches and individuals, we now have our box truck and it is in service,” Moore said.
The truck will allow Moore to pick up food for TPS more frequently.
“We are on track to serve well over 50,000 people food this year, which indeed makes for the best of times,” he added.
Worst of times
“We are really struggling financially,” Moore said.
The total donations so far this year — including money raised to purchase the box truck — equal less than $15,000.
“This is a lot of money, but our essential expenses are great,” Moore said.
Moore explained that the TPS power bill averages $850 per month ($10,200 per year), and the bill for Second Harvest Food Bank averages $500 per month ($6,000 per year).
“Just these two items exceed our current donations,” Moore said. “We also have to pay insurance, phone, tape to make boxes, maintenance on freezers, propane for our lift truck, and truck rental, which will now be less since we have a box truck for local runs. Just last week, we made four trips to Spartanburg and one to Union in our box truck, using over $100 in fuel in one day.”
Moore said TPS sincerely needs the assistance of churches, clubs, businesses and individuals who are willing to help keep the program in service.
Anyone who is interested in donating, volunteering or receiving more information about The Potter’s Storehouse can call Pastor Don at (864) 680-3465.
Staff Writer Derik Vanderford can be reached at 864-427-1234, ext. 29, or by email at dvanderford@heartlandpublications.com.
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