Stephen Stimac

17th September

Saluda Outfitters presents Outreach’s 2025 Empty Bowls Fundraiser on Friday, October 10 from 4–7 PM at Parker-Binns Vineyard.

What is Empty Bowls?

It started in 1990 as a high school art project in Michigan - students made ceramic bowls, served a simple meal of soup and bread and invited guests to keep the bowl as a reminder of all the “empty bowls” at mealtime around the world. That simple idea grew into an international movement to raise awareness and funds to fight hunger.

Here in Polk County, Empty Bowls is our chance to come together over soup, bread and community - all while raising funds for local families in need.

Thank You, Potters & Glazers

Behind every Empty Bowls event is the generosity and talent of our local artists. The bowls are a piece of the community, handcrafted and donated by these talented local artists throughout the year.

Potters: Susan McDade, Meghan Bernard, Doug Dacey, Dee Lassiter, Austin Burns, Ann Gleason, and Roe Sprouls - generously share their craft, creating bowls that carry both beauty and purpose.

Glazers: April Mink, Red DuMonde, Barbara Sholl, Jess Lorey, and Roe Sprouls - finish many of the pieces with color and shine, completing the process with care.

Along with your handcrafted bowl, you’ll enjoy soup samples from seven local restaurants, live music by The Clover Pickers, an exciting-new popup market to explore, and the chance to support Outreach’s mission to fight hunger in Polk County.

Tickets: $25 in advance | $30 at the door (If available)

Thank You to Our Empty Bowls Sponsors!

Saluda Outfitters, Artistry Above, Ashworth Financial, Back Alley Boutique & Bud Bar, Columbus Service Center, First Baptist Church of Tryon, HomeTrust Bank, Isabell Builders LLC, Mountain Sky Builders, Park Crossing Apartments, Parker-Binns Vineyard, Sean T Gaul Inc., SkyTop Custom Cabinets, Mainstreet Insurance Group, WoodmanLife, and Walker, Wallace & Emerson Realty. 

Volunteering Since: 2024

Fun Fact:  Beyond his regular shifts in our front office, Steve also picks up and delivers backpack snacks to Polk County High School and Early College each Thursday during the school year.

Steve has been a dedicated and caring volunteer for nearly two years. A familiar and friendly face on our Thursday afternoon crew, he brightens the day of everyone he meets.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities by visiting our website - www.tboutreach.org - or contact our Volunteer and Events Coordinator, Alyssa Davidson, at alyssa.davidson@tboutreach.org or (828) 894-2988.

Thank You, Community Action Opportunities

For their support of our Life Works program. We are looking forward to expanding our partnership with CAO to include a home repair program in the 4th quarter of this year.

Thank You, Tryon United Methodist Men

For your generous support of our Holiday, Backpack Snacks, and School Supplies Programs!

Run, Walk, or Race for Outreach

Ashworth Financial presents the 13th Annual Run for Outreach — Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Tryon International.

This year, Outreach is looking forward to hosting the race at Tryon International, a premier equestrian venue spanning 1,600 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Runners can expect crisp fall temperatures and a scenic course that winds through riverside paths, stables, and horse country — offering a truly unique off-road experience.

Races begin at 8:00 AM and include:

• The Tryon Half-Marathon (13.1 miles)

• The Fall for the Foothills 5K

All races are meant to be enjoyed! Dress up in costumes, run solo or with a group — family, friends, co-workers, church members - the more the merrier - all are welcome. Whether you’re chasing a new PR or walking the 5K with friends, every step helps Outreach support families in Polk County.

Save the Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025 — Tryon International

The Backpack Snacks program has hit the ground running this 2025–2026 school year! In partnership with Polk County Schools, Outreach provides child-friendly, ready-to-eat snack bags for students who may not have enough to eat at home over the weekend.

The number of students served has been steadily increasing - now at a record 310 bags weekly across all seven Polk County schools. 

When clients visit Outreach, they are welcomed to “shop” our pantry like a small grocery store — free of charge. Guided by volunteers, they can choose from fresh produce, meats, breads, dairy, eggs, shelf-stable foods, personal care items and household essentials. Our team is always available to answer questions and offer a helping hand.

Clients come monthly for a Household Full-Shop, providing 21-28 meals each. An additional 4-5 meals are available through our EATS program each week while supplies last.

Meals scale with family size so every household receives what they need. Altogether, that means 41-48 meals each month.

Thank you to all local farmers, churches and individuals who help us keep our pantry shelves full - we are grateful for every can, every vegetable, every carton of milk that you contribute.

We thank MANNA FoodBank for their valuable partnership and Dogwood Health Trust for their compassionate generosity for covering MANNA's food expense this year.

We are grateful to our local Food Lion and Dollar General stores for their regular contributions to our food pantry that help feed so many.  Your donations make this possible - we could not do it without you.

Each month we highlight specific or seasonal items Outreach is collecting to meet the needs of our guests. Donations can be dropped off at Outreach (134 White Drive, Columbus NC). Current featured needs are:

Thanksgiving & Holiday Cheer:

The holidays are a time for community, and Outreach is here to make sure every family, child, and senior in Polk County feels the joy of the season. Our annual Holiday Program provides Holiday Meal Bundles for both Thanksgiving and Christmas - along with gifts & gift cards for children (ages 0-18) and senior citizens. Families and individuals can register to receive both meal bundles to ensure tables are full this season.

There Are Many Opportunities to Get Involved:

Thanksgiving Program:
Every November, Outreach distributes Holiday Meal Bundles filled with a turkey and ham, plus ingredients and recipes for favorite side dishes.

• We are collecting Turkeys & Hams from October 20 through November 6 to help make these meals possible

Christmas Program:
Our Christmas Gift Program provides toys and gift cards for children (ages 0–18) and senior citizens. Holiday Meal Bundles will also be distributed throughout December - this year with a Grinch-themed twist, complete with “Roast Beast” as the centerpiece of the meal.

• We will be collecting food, toys and gift card donations November 1 through December 1.

Please deliver all food, gifts, and gift card donations to 134 White Drive, Columbus, NC 28722.

For more information on highly requested toys and food donation ideas, visit us at www.tboutreach.org

Outreach Holiday Program 2025

Food Focus:

Seasonal Fresh Fruits & Vegetables, Boxed Cereals, Bagged Salad Mixes​, Canned Soups & Chilis, Beef Stew, Canned Vegetables​, Canned Fruit, Milk, Butter, Mayo, Ketchup, Sugar, Flour, Rice, Spaghetti Sauce, Pasta, Canned Pasta (Chef Boyardee, SpaghettiOs), Crackers (Club, Saltines)

Non-Food Focus:

Laundry Detergent, Ziplock Bags (All Sizes), Dish Soap, Toothbrushes & Thoothpaste, Diapers (Large Sizes - 4 & Up), Baby Wipes, Dog & Cat Food

Have you checked out our website recently? Be sure to visit and stay up to date on everything happening at Outreach!