Volunteer Stories WNC

Growing up, my family didn’t always have a lot, so helping others has always been close to my heart. About two years ago, a friend asked me to help pick corn for the Cherokee County Sharing Center. I had never volunteered there before, but after that day, I knew I wanted to be involved regularly. I started volunteering every week and I’ve been here ever since. I’m a service person. Always have been.

Today, I help stock shelves, organize food, and prepare boxes for families in need. The Cherokee County Sharing Center serves everyone. There are families going through hard times, widows, homeless individuals, and people struggling with medical bills or rising costs. Some people never imagined they would need help, but we’re here to make sure nobody leaves hungry.

We usually serve around 75 families on distribution days, sometimes even more. Volunteers from local churches and the community work together to sort produce, bakery items, meat, and pantry staples so we can provide balanced meals to those who come through our doors.

I moved to Murphy about 35 years ago after visiting with my sister, and I immediately fell in love with the mountains and the people here. Murphy is just an unbelievable place to live. Being able to serve others through the Sharing Center…. It’s a blessing. That’s all.

—Pat Adams, Cherokee County Sharing Center https://www.fbcmurphync.org/sharing-center

The Cherokee County Sharing Center is a collaborative effort of multiple churches and organizations in the community.  Different churches coordinate volunteers for different weeks.

• 1^st week of the month: Shepherd of the Mountain Church and Ranger United Methodist
• 2^nd week of the month: St. Williams Catholic Church
• 3^rd week of the month: Reid’s Chapel and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
• 4^th week of the month: First Baptist Church of Murphy

If you are interested in volunteering for the Sharing Center you can either contact individual churches (you do not need to be a member of the church) or you can contact Steve Runyan, President of the Cherokee County Sharing Center Board.  He can be reached at runyansm1946@gmail.com or 828-371-9650.