POLLOCKSVILLE, N.C. - Duke Energy Foundation has awarded a $25,000 Capacity Building grant to The Filling Station to support food distribution operations and the organization's expanded warehouse serving families across Jones County.
The grant was recognized during a check presentation July 30, 2026, at The Filling Station, located along Main Street in Pollocksville. The support is part of Duke Energy Foundation's $1 million investment in nearly 50 North Carolina nonprofits working to expand food access, housing stability, senior services and utility assistance.
The Filling Station serves more than 1,400 registered households and brings together farmers, churches, businesses, volunteers and nonprofit partners to support local residents. On distribution days, volunteers gather early to sort produce, pack boxes and load vehicles for families across the county.
Duke Energy Corporation's New Bern Operations Center also supported two volunteer days at The Filling Station, with employees working alongside community volunteers to pack food boxes and help load vehicles.
"Duke Energy Foundation's work is rooted in a simple belief: when our customers and communities need support, we must show up in meaningful, practical ways," said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's North Carolina president, in Duke Energy's statewide announcement. "These grants help trusted nonprofits meet people where they are - with food, housing support, home repairs, health resources and the local care that keeps communities strong."
Under the leadership of Executive Director, Mary Ann LeRay, The Filling Station has become a community hub where local partners work together to meet practical needs.
Lauren Wargo, Duke Energy's district manager for government and community relations, has worked with the organization on several campus projects.
"We are honored to be chosen to receive this capacity-building grant from Duke Energy. Their team has assisted us on several projects on campus, including the new warehouse, which was recently built to expand the capacity to serve clients who need it most. This is a company with heart," said LeRay. "A special thank you to Lauren Wargo.”
The $25,000 Capacity Building grant will help The Filling Station strengthen the systems, space and volunteer-supported operations needed to serve more local families. Duke Energy Foundation's capacity-building grants are designed to help community organizations modernize technology, expand food distribution networks, coordinate volunteers, improve service delivery and build long-term organizational strength.
"Along Main Street in Pollocksville, volunteers gather at sunrise to prepare for food distribution days at The Filling Station. Produce is sorted, boxes are packed, and warehouse doors open for an effort that reaches families across Jones County," said Lauren Wargo of Duke Energy.
According to Duke Energy, the company and its Foundation have invested more than $34.6 million since 2016 to support nonprofit programs that help North Carolinians meet essential needs, along with more than $31 million in utility-bill assistance through Share the Light Fund and Share the Warmth agencies.
More information about Duke Energy's statewide nonprofit investment is available at https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-surpasses-65-million-in-north-carolina-customer-assistance-with-new-1-million-investment-in-nonprofits.
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Photo credit: Filling Station
Contact
Mary Ann LeRay
Executive Director
The Filling Station
252-224-1127/fsdirector@fillingstation1075.com
Jeremy LeRay
NBWD Media | PR
newbernwebdesign.com
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