August 2017, The Filling Station opened its doors to the community with the mission to assist with filling unmet needs in the areas of Nutrition, Education, and Connection. We have experienced many successes this past year. Due to the excellent leadership of our Board of Directors, Food Pantry Director, and a New Executive Director, we have been able to build momentum as we move into our 5th year. The Food Pantry has grown to over 800-1000 households serving over 10,000 individuals due to the increased demand due to the Pandemic. Plans are unfolding for the development of a Teaching Kitchen for the county. The mission continues to flourish with a new partnership, Atlantic Dance Theatre, to offer Art and Dance Camp in our Garden Venue and grow food to be used in the new kitchen. None of this would be possible without the support of our church and corporate partnerships throughout Jones County and beyond.
How does the Giving Tuesday project benefit your nonprofit?
The Giving Tuesday project benefits our nonprofit in many ways. As a new nonprofit, it is a great platform to connect with all types of organizations for encouragement. The creativity and excitement about the missions of each nonprofit promote loving your neighbor as yourself. Our organization was founded in a town of 300 nestled in a county of 10,000 located in an area of 473 square miles. The Filling Station foundation is built on Psalm 107:5, “all those who were hungry and thirsty, their lives were ebbing away.”
We invite you to learn more and partner in serving the residents of Jones County. Donate HERE.
This is a story about how our mission impacted a REAL person during COVID-19.
“I’ve been coming to The Filling Station shortly after I lost my job last year. This pandemic was here for the long haul and things were looking very bleak for an older adult like me. To be honest, it took me a while to get the courage to come. It wasn’t until things really got rough for me, that I decided to accept help. The volunteers are amazing, friendly, and compassionate. This is a no judgement zone. I’ve made some friends and enjoy seeing the warm smiles as I drive up to have my vehicle loaded with healthy, generous portions of food. I usually pick up for myself and a neighbor ( who is a shut-in) and she enjoys her boxes of goodies as much as I do. I am now working again, but my time of being unemployed at the height of the pandemic has netted me quite some debt and I’m still trying to catch up with my bills. So I continue to come to The Filling Station for healthy, nutritious edibles. Thank you for your service and loving manner in which you do it.” Millie Belfort