JONESVILLE — If something works, stick with it.

Pastor Don Moore and his congregation at The Potters House in Jonesville are not only doing that, they’re helping people in the process.

The first-ever Food Bank event at the church was a success and Moore has been able to secure another semi-tractor trailer load of food that he and his congregation plan to distribute in another large event Saturday, Nov. 7.

“We are getting ready to do it again,” Moore said. “The need appears to be great. I have been getting phone calls regularly since the day of our first one. We are approaching 500 families.”

The first food bank distribution was held Saturday, Oct. 10, and food was distributed to more than 800 people at the Jonesville church. People from several communities, including Pacolet, Whitmire, Lockhart, Union, Jonesville, Gaffney and Buffalo, participated — in the receiving line and volunteering.

“There were people in wheelchairs, on crutches, old people, young people — there were people of all stations in life,” Moore said following the inaugural event.

Moore is expecting to have roughly 20,000 pounds of food to distribute at the Nov. 7 event, which will be just in time for the holiday season, to more than 500 families.

Families who registered for the first event or those who have registered since do not need to reregister for the upcoming food bank.

“For first time registrations, The Potters House will be open Wednesday, Oct. 28 (today), from 4-6 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 31, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 4-6 p.m.,” Moore said.

The food bank The Potters House has started is not a new idea.

Moore said prior to the Oct. 10 event that people have tried to bring this type of program to Union County for some time. Talks of creating a food bank in the county started even before he came to the Jonesville church six years ago.

The congregation at The Potters House recognized the need and went forward with that vision. Support for the event has been great, but to continue serving those who need the food Moore said it will take the entire community of Union County to get involved.

“We are still in desperate need of two freezers and two refrigerators in which we can store frozen items and meat and also one section of commercial shelving,” Moore said. “A special food account has been set up at First Citizens Bank and any financial help or donations of canned goods or cleaning supplies would be appreciated.”

He encourages service organizations like Boy Scout troops, clubs and other churches to get involved and are more than welcome.

“Any assistance is appreciated,” Moore said.

The mission of the food bank remains the same. Moore said from the beginning it was never about recruiting members into his small congregation — it’s always been about service.

“We just want to help people,” he’s said in the past.

The Nov. 7 Food Bank event will be held 10 a.m.-noon at The Potters House. Food vouchers will be given starting at 9 a.m. and Moore advises people to come early.

The event will be rain or shine.

Handicapped parking will be available and coffee will be served starting at 8:30 a.m. Another round of hot dogs and chips also will be provided beginning at 10 a.m.

Moore also is looking for anyone interested in volunteering their time for the Nov. 7 event. The first event had about 40 volunteers helping distribute food and handle other aspects of the day and this next one will require the same amount, if not more.

The pastor is excited about the upcoming food bank distribution and encourages anyone who need assistance to register now.

“Please register in advance to receive food on Nov. 7,” Moore said. “You may register on the seventh, but will have to wait until the end of distribution to receive your food, if any is still available.”

REGISTRATION DATES:

To register for the upcoming Saturday, Nov. 7, Food Bank at The Potters House in Jonesville, be sure to do so on one of the following dates:

n 4-6 p.m. Today (Wednesday, Oct. 28)

n 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31

n 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4

FOR MORE INFO:

n Any questions about the food bank or how to get involved can be directed to The Potters House Pastor Don Moore at (864) 680-3465 or you also can call the church at (864) 674-0880.