New 2023 dates for St. John’s Mobile Food Pantry

Cherryville Area Ministry, who is a partner with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, recently noted upcoming 2023 new dates for their Mobile Food Pantry.

St. John’s Lutheran Church, of Cherryville, will be hosting the Mobile Pantry in the Dixie Street Parking Lot on the following dates: April 3, May 1, June 5, and July 3 (this date is pending).

Organizers said food supplies distribution starts at 10 a.m. on the listed days and goes on as long as supplies last.

The truck will arrive by 9 a.m. for set up. Churches who will have volunteers coming to assist have been asked that all volunteers please arrive by 9 a.m.

There is a $500 transportation fee that goes to Second Harvest that is paid by the partner agency or the hosting organization. As you may notice there has been an increase for the transportation fee. The increase is due to the supply/ demand issue that Second Harvest is currently experiencing. They are not receiving as much donated food as they have in the past. So in order to fill the trailers, they are having to purchase food. This, in return, has increased the cost to host a mobile pantry.

Churches or organizations who would like to host or co-host one of the four mobile pantries please let organizers know. We can split the cost among churches/organizations if needed.

Second Harvest provides

12 pallets of food items to be distributed that day. This will feed around 250 people. The truck should arrive around an hour before distribution so volunteers can set up.

This is a community event and volunteers are from various churches and organizations. Please consider volunteering for this outreach ministry.

For more information, please call Barbara at Cherryville Area Ministry, Barbara McDaniel or Kim Eaker for more details on how you can help by volunteering or to help sponsor the transportation fee.

Please let your church members or your organization know about this outreach ministry and that we would love for them to be part of this.

For more information about these dates and how to go about getting food from the MFP, or to volunteer, please call Ms. Barbara McDaniel at (704) 435-9264; Ms. Kim Eaker at (704) 472-6901; or Ms. Barbara (CAM) at (704) 435-3816.

Shriver said this year’s race is presented by Piedmont Lithium, adding, “It’s spring and a great time to get outside. We are excited to get back together and challenge you to run or walk through the rolling hills of Cherryville!”

As it has always done in the past, this year’s race will begin and end at the First Presbyterian Church of Cherryville, which is located on the corner of Academy and Mountain Streets (107 W. Academy St.), before heading northeast towards Cherryville Elementary School. Shriver said they runners “…will celebrate together at the finish line with music and snacks!”

The race is slated to be held on Saturday, April 29, starting with the 9 a.m. 1-Mile Bubble Run, followed by the 10 a.m. 5K Walk/Run. It goes without saying this is a dog-friendly event, noted Ms. Shriver, who added, “Dogs are welcome! Bring your pup and let them get in on the exercise and fun! Dogs must be kept on a fixed-length leash. The first dog to cross the finish line will receive a Top Dog tag!”

There is a fee associated with the race which is as follows: 5K participants – $25; and Bubble Run participants – $15. All must register by April 14 to get their race tee-shirt, said Shriver.

As for the 1-Mile Bubble Run, Shriver noted, “We are adding some BUBBLE-RIFIC fun to the 1-mile race! Come out with your kiddos – both young and young at heart – and run through bubbles at the beginning and end of the race! Bring some bubbles with you! We would love to add as many bubbles and smiles to the race as possible.”

So far as awards are concerned, Shriver noted trophies will be given to the top male and female runners and medals will be given to the top three males and females ages 9 and under, and in 10-year increments, for all registered for a timed race. First dog to finish gets a “Top Dog” tag.

All Cherryville Family YMCA proceeds from the race will benefit the Cherryville Family YMCA Annual Giving Campaign which provides access to ‘Y’ programs and services for individuals in need of financial assistance as well as sustaining the ‘Y’ in Cherryville. Shriver said the ‘Y’ is passionate about community and what being part of a small group can do for your spirit.

To learn more about the YMCA’s Cherry Blossom 5K and Bubble Run sponsorship opportunities, or for more information or to sponsor, please contact Molly D’Avria at mdavria@gastonymca.org.

The Cherryville Family YMCA, located at 215 N. Mountain St., in Cherryville, is a non-profit organization committed to helping you live a balanced, healthy life in spirit, mind and body. The new 5,700 square foot Mountain Street location offers accessible multi-space parking lot, spacious restrooms and showers, community coffee area and attached group exercise space to bring the YMCA mission to life. You can call them at (704) 445-9622.