Potato Drop II
We had a great experience at our first Potato Drop at MERCI on April 29, as we moved 36,000 lbs of food to people in need. Quite a few folks have asked us to do it again. So, with the assistance of the Society of St. Andrew, we will—on Thursday, May 28, 2020.
Here are the details:
–Most of our bags will be taken back to Churches or Food Pantries where they will have to be re-packed by volunteers. A limited number of volunteers will be at MERCI to help load potatoes (and bag some on site for smaller orders). Our experience of April 29 taught us that it is very important to order your potatoes in advance. ***Please call Bill Haddock at 910-262-3831.*** Smaller quantities than a ton bag will be available, but even those amounts should be reserved in advance.
–The potatoes have been given by farmers and a warehouse in Faison where they have been refrigerated. There are a variety of potatoes (no sweet potatoes) and all of them come in large bags which hold approximately a ton. If all goes well in getting a truck to the warehouse and loaded, there will be 18 bags of potatoes delivered to MERCI at about 9:30 AM. That entire truck will need to be off-loaded by forklift before any potatoes can be loaded onto vehicles to be taken off of the property.
–Transporters from Churches should be at MERCI between 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM. Persons picking up the large bags should consider bringing a trailer and straps to transport them safely. Pick-ups can be loaded, but they need to be at or above the 250/ 2500 size.
–MERCI, with the assistance of the NC Conference missions team, will make every effort to have smaller bags to take to your setting where you can then re-package potatoes. Because of the fact that the potatoes have been refrigerated, it is very important to re-package and to have places where the potatoes can be delivered in your community in a timely manner.
–Because of social distancing procedures which need to be followed, volunteers will be needed but should ***call Bill Haddock (910-262-3831) in advance ***to schedule your time.