“Jones County—A Perfect 10”
By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
The Filling Station, located at 221 Main Street in Pollocksville, NC, first opened its doors in 2017 in order to assist with filling the unmet needs for residents of Jones County in the areas of nutrition, education and connection. The building was originally utilized as a propane company, and so the aptly named “Filling Station” came into service to the community once again, in an entirely different capacity.
The Food Pantry began their mission on September 6, 2018, merely one week before Florence devastated East North Carolina. Under the most dire of circumstances, the Pantry transformed into a disaster relief center and volunteers and donors assisted over 10,000 people in overcoming the crisis.
Since then, the Filling Station has continued providing support to Jones County. Programs include a drive-thru Food Pantry on Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00am, and a Commodity Box for Seniors Program. To apply for these programs, please call
252-224-1127 or email info@fillingstation1075.com. They also offer a program for children, Story Time with Mrs. Knight each Monday morning (available online at https://fillingstation1075.com/story-time).
“Jones County – A Perfect 10”
On Sunday, October 10th from 1:00pm – 6:00pm the Filling Station is having a fundraiser that combines a lovely opportunity to spend an afternoon enjoying country living in beautiful Jones County with generous support of a terrific community resource.
This fundraiser will offer activities at eight sites along a five mile stretch of 10 Mile Fork Road, conveniently located near Pollocksville, Trenton and River Bend. These sites include:
• Z.A.K.’S – Shop a unique country store and enjoy apple cider and ginger snaps.
• Hayride – Take a hayride along a country lane.
• Wallace Farms – Visit chickens, goats, donkeys, and cows.
• Cow Pie Bingo! Tickets $10.00
• Tree Farm – Walk the trails and learn about long leaf pines.
• Moosic – Relax and enjoy music, along with cows and calves.
• Things from Yesteryear – See a museum is full of vintage treasures.
• Kitty’s Korner Etc – Paint a ceramic souvenir to take home.
• Maps are available online: www.fillingstation1075.com.
• Rain date will be October 17.
Instead of selling tickets for the event, the Filling Station is requesting that individuals make donations in the form of cash or check in the donation boxes as they stop at each destination to enjoy the activities. Funds will be used to renovate a demonstration kitchen to teach nutrition and healthy living. Using the map, simply drive from one location to the next, which will be clearly marked with signage and antique cars. At each stop, there will be hosts, water and restroom facilities.
“People are often disconnected from rural life in today’s world,” says Karen Plaster, the Event Chair and a Board Member of the Filling Station. “I believe ‘Jones County – A Perfect 10’ will offer an opportunity to rediscover the simple joys of country living and support the Filling Station at the same time. We are grateful for our title sponsor, Carolina East Health System, and we hope people will follow our slogan and Do as much as you can – Donate as much as you can.”
