This is a wonderful time of the year when our earth starts to bring forth fresh food. Our farmers have been working for months tilling and planting. Now we are seeing the first of their hard work. Fresh cabbage, onions and etc. are on our tables.

From January through April 2010, Outreach&bsp; has helped to feed 612 families, representing a total of 1,502 individuals.

Thermal Belt Outreach would like to extend an invitation to everyone who has a garden. If you have fresh vegetables that you are unable to use, please do not let them go to waste. Instead, bring them to Thermal Belt Outreach to assist families in need; our panty will be open to accept donations Monday through Thursday, 9.a.m. 3 p.m.

When you bring your food to Thermal Belt Outreach, please drive to the side door on the left of our building and ring the bell.&bsp; You will be greeted by a volunteer who will help unload the items you provide. Do not bring the food to the reception area. This is where we take applications for assistance.

During your time of plenty, please remember the needy people in Polk County who are struggling with putting food on their table. If you have any questions on donating food please call Jim McClintock, pantry coordinator at 828-894-2988.

Eloise Thwing is the founder and director of Thermal Belt Outreach, which is an independent non-profit organization located in Columbus, N.C. For more information, visit our website at http://tboutreach.org.