Stephen Stimac

31st October

In response to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits being suspended due to the government shutdown — Outreach has developed the 21-Meals contingency plan to ensure Polk County households continue to have access to 21 meals each week.

This year’s Empty Bowls Fundraiser was a success from start to finish. Every ticket purchased, donation made and volunteer hour given helped Outreach continue its mission to fight hunger in Polk County.

Guests gathered at Parker-Binns Vineyard to enjoy beautiful handcrafted bowls, soups donated by local restaurants and live music by The Clover Pickers among the vines. The new Local Art & Pottery Pop-Up Market was a success, giving guests the chance to meet local artists and purchase their work.

We’re grateful to our volunteers, who kept everything running smoothly and to the artists, potters and restaurants who contributed their time and talents.

Volunteering Since: 2017

Fun Fact:  For nearly nine years, Joanie has been a valued part of our volunteer family. Each Thursday morning, she brings kindness and compassion to the pantry. Her dedication and genuine care shine through in the way she serves our community, and we are so grateful for the impact she makes.

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, First Baptist Church of Tryon

for once again choosing Outreach as one of the organizations supported during your annual Grace It Forward Day.

We’re so grateful that you continue to include us in this day of service.

Your team generously volunteered time to chop, stack, and organize firewood — making sure our wood shed is ready for the cold months ahead. Efforts like yours help keep Polk County families safe and warm all winter long.

Finally, thank you to Parker-Binns Vineyard for donating their venue and hosting Empty Bowls for the past nine years.

We look forward to celebrating our 10th Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser in October 2026.

Thank You to Our Generous Empty Bowls Event Sponsors!

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

Thank You to all who contributed their time and talents to this year's Empty Bowls.

The Volunteers who donated their time:

Thank You, Polk County Commnuty Foundation.

for awarding Outreach the Seasonal Assistance and Cheer Grant of $3,000 in support of our 2025 Holiday Program.

• Logan Byrd
• Taylor Painter
• Alan Breach
• Lynn Coombs 
• Becky Jones
• Bill Sullivan 
• Patty Mathias 
• Marc Berman 
• Elena Greve

The Restaurants who donated soup:

• Saluda Outfitters
• Iron Key Brewing Company
• Campagna
• Southside Smokehouse
• Legends Grille
• Green River Plantation House
• Green River Eddy's Tap Room & Grill

& Martha's Bakery for donating bread.

• Barbara Smith
• Jody Miller
• Maryann Festa 
• Rick Festa 
• Patra Sullivan 
• Abbie Lewis 
• Paige White 
• Theresa Thompson 
• Kathy Byrd

Thank You, Tryon Presbeterian Women

for choosing Outreach as one of the organizations you supported through your tea party fundraiser — Brewing Love

Thank You, Community Action Opportunities

We are excited to partner with you in a new home repair program in Polk County.

Run, Walk, or Race for Outreach

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

When clients visit Outreach, they are welcome to shop in our food pantry, set up 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 21–24 meals. An additional 4–5 meals are available each week through our EATS program each week while supplies last.

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

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 2 races 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

Both 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.

Fall for the Foothills 5k Route

Tryon Half Marathon Route

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.

These donations—made possible through our partnership with MANNA—help ensure we can provide Polk County families and individuals with healthy & nutritious food year-round.

Share the Season:

Help Fill Plates and Hearts This Holiday

The holidays are a time for community — and Outreach’s Holiday Program is here to make sure families, children, and seniors across Polk County can share in the season’s joy.

This single program brings together several efforts to meet holiday needs throughout November and December:

Food Donations:

Through November, Outreach is accepting donations of turkeys and hams for our Holiday Meal Packages. Each package provides families the choice of a turkey or ham for the holidays.

Every donation—large or small—helps ensure each household can enjoy a special holiday meal.

Toy & Gift Donations:

Outreach is also collecting toys and $25 gift cards for children (ages 0–18 attending a Polk County school) and seniors (ages 65+) as part of our Christmas Gift Distribution.

For many senior citizens, this may be the only present they receive—a heartfelt reminder that their community cares.

Donations can be dropped off at Outreach (134 White Drive, Columbus, NC 28722) during business hours before December 1.

A suggested toy and gift card list is available at tboutreach.com/holiday-program.

Special Thanks:

Outreach would like to thank Kay & Barry Gee and the Polk County Toy Run for their continued generosity and support. Each year, the Toy Run brings joy to countless children and families across Polk County, and we are grateful to be one of its annual beneficiaries.

Food Focus:

Turkeys, Hams, Roasts, Seasonal Fresh Fruits & Vegetables, Boxed Cereals, Bagged Salad Mixes​, Canned Soups & Chilis, Beef Stew, Canned Vegetables​, Canned Fruit, Milk, Butter, Mayo, Ketchup, Sugar, Flour, Pancake Mix, Syrup, 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!