Murphy – It’s a shame everyone couldn’t go to the aptly named “Potty Party” on Thursday.
That’s when the Cherokee County Sharing Center Food Bank, based at First Baptist Church, celebrated Murphy receiving a $19,996 Hometown Grant from T-Mobile. Since making a five-year commitment to small towns with populations of 50,000 or less in April 2021, the cellular phone giant has awarded more than $12 million in funding to 275 communities in 46 states.
"We are flushing with excitement on being able to provide a comfort station for our volunteers and neighbors we serve through this food pantry – all thanks to the T-Mobile Hometown Grants program,” Sande Kimball, president of the Sharing Center Board of Directors, said before the program in the church’s fellowship hall. She was still excited during it.
“Thank you for coming and sharing in this exciting moment,” Kimball said with a smile, while recognizing everyone who helped bring the project to life.
The $19,996 will go toward revamping the Sharing Center’s new food pantry building, which includes adding restrooms and a large sink to wash produce, to continue providing nutritious groceries to families in need.
Ray Calles, retail store manager for T-Mobile out of Waynesville, and several workers were on hand to join the celebration. He opened by quoting 2 Corinthians 9:7 from the Bible: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
“I’m proud to be a part of this,” said Calles, who has been involved in awarding several grants across western North Carolina. “We’re glad to give money to the community and help people out.”
The winning grant application was written by Karen Borchers, retired executive director of the United Way of Cherokee & Clay Counties. The Sharing Center is one of only 25 recipients who received awards from 500 applications nationwide. And, yes, the food bank can apply again.
“We didn’t want to spend any of the money people give us for food on the facility,” said Steve Runyan, vice president of the board and project manager. “We were praying and hoping a grant would come in, and here it is.”
The Wally Avett Singers entertained the crowd, and refreshments were served before the “big check” presentation was held. A group of volunteers with the food bank and Shepherd of the Mountains Church have already helped frame out the restroom area before CJ’s Plumbing does the work.
Details: Visit t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants and fbcmurphync.org/sharing-center.