News Releases  December 2007, [November 2007. October 2007, September 2007, August 2007, July 2007, June 2007, May 2007]

DECEMBER 2007

December 26, What’s in a Name? More Than You Think!
Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet met and fell in love in Shakespeare's lyrical tale of "star-cross'd" lovers. They were doomed from the start as members of two warring families. Juliet tells Romeo that a name is an artificial and meaningless convention.  “What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” We are not so sure that it works that way in today’s world, but we hope so.
Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry has been a vital part of this community for sixteen years.  It will begin its seventeenth year this February.  We try to be philosophical and recognize that even though Outreach is called many things, people seem to understand that it is our organization that takes care of the poor and needy in Polk County.  No name is perfect. Looking through the Bulletin over the past year, many articles have been submitted by other well-meaning organizations telling their stories of the vital contributions they are making to us …. We know it’s us … But do you? 
If you read … Thermal Belt Community ministries, Foothills Outreach, Foothills Ministry, Foothills Ministries, Thermal Belt Outreach Ministries, Outreach Ministries, Therman Outreach, Thermal Belt Mission Outreach, or Thermal Belt Ministries … we hope you “see” the words Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry and know that those words represent a helping hand to those in need in our community.
We’ve tried informally to shorten our name to make it easier for people … so, we are saying “Outreach” or “Thermal Belt Outreach” in most of our own generated publicity.  It seems shorter, easier to remember, and easier to get right.
Most good things have several names and one meaning … like God … Yahwee, Jehovah, Allah … or Santa …  Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle … or charity … love, assistance, caring.  Call Thermal Belt Outreach by many names, but know that all of the names we are called has one meaning here at Outreach … that meaning is compassion.
If you know of someone in a crisis situation, not knowing where to turn for help, please tell them that help is at hand at OUTREACH … they will find us through that simple word in the phone directory.

December 15th Christmas Cheer at Outreach
“Christmas Cheer” was the phrase of the day on December 15th at Thermal Belt Outreach.  The morning began with the Hendersonville Salvation Army delivery of three hundred and sixty-three Christmas boxes brimming with food and frozen turkeys to the Thermal Belt Outreach Food Pantry. As soon as the truck was unloaded, participating organizations and pre-approved families came to pick up their Christmas food boxes.  Food pickups continued until 4:30pm. 

“Christmas Cheer” spread to the 4-H Youth Center where children lined up to visit with Mrs. Claus, played convincingly by Outreach Executive Director Eloise Thwing. Santa was able to be on hand for a good part of the afternoon.  One hundred and sixty-one children visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Each child received a candy cane and a gift.  The children ranged from infants through eight-years old.  Families picked up their angel tree gifts during this time, too. Three rows of tables running half the length of the Youth Center were loaded with gifts given to children and the elderly through the Outreach Angel Tree program. A steady stream of families and individuals came to pick up their Christmas presents throughout the afternoon.
An elderly couple wrote, “Thank you for the very nice food basket we received. Also, we thank you for the Christmas gifts and the beautiful afghan that was in the bag.  It is all very much appreciated.  Everyone was so good and courteous.”
The Outreach Angel Tree program is in its eighth year.  This program, administered by Outreach, distributed five hundred and forty-one gifts from generous people throughout the community to children and the elderly whose Christmas might otherwise be without cheer.  The Christmas dinner program is funded through Salvation Army donations specified for Polk County.
 “This is one more example of how Outreach works with all aspects of Polk County to provide the structure and opportunity for a compassionate community,” said Eloise Thwing. “We are honored to partner with so many fine organizations and individuals in Polk County.  A caring and loving community is such a gift for all of us.”

December 12, Special Thanks to Sandra Pierce
Sandra Pierce has a heart of gold, and has demonstrated the Spirit of Christmas this season. One of Thermal Belt Outreach’s intake volunteers, Sandra sees the hard times many of our low-income Polk County neighbors face.  When the weather turned cold and fuel prices sky-rocketed Sandra, along with others, thought Outreach needed to do something special to raise funds to help people get through the winter. 

The “Warm Heart’s Bake Sales” were born.  Sandra helped organize the bake sales in Sunny View, at the Mountain View BBQ breakfast, at the Tryon Christmas Stroll and the Columbus Christmas Parade.  She gathered together sixty-four Christmas gifts from businesses throughout the region.  (Tickets were sold on these items at each bake sale.)  Sandra also got donations of hot chocolate and cups from Costco in Spartanburg and coffee from the Tryon IGA. 
Her tireless efforts on behalf of the low-income residents of Polk County will warm hearts and homes this winter. Through the leadership of Sandra and the dedication and hard work of many other Thermal Belt Outreach volunteers (especially local event chair ladies Arvis Pitts and Winnie Volpe at the Tryon Stroll, and Eloise Johnson and Nancy Hiley at the Benefit Breakfast),  community support of these sales have added more than $5,000 to our “Warm Hearts” fund. Eligible families in need of emergency assistance with heating bills this winter will find help at hand. Through the hard work of so many caring people who baked goodies, donated gifts, and gave of themselves this holiday season, Outreach will be able to help many people in need. 

Sandra represents the best Polk County has to offer, a loving heart, compassionate understanding, and selfless service. Sandra was born and raised in Polk County.  She has been married forty years to Mickey Pierce who owns Pierce Tire and Service Center.  Before retiring, she owned and managed three convenience stores in Mill Spring, Green Creek and Sunny View. She has two children and six grand children. Outreach is pleased to recognize Sandra as one of our outstanding volunteers.

December 10, "Warm Hearts" Success

Cookies, cakes, pies, breads and pancakes flew off the shelves around the county in support of Thermal Belt Outreach "Warm Heart's bake sales.  Sales were held in Sunny View, at the Mountain View BBQ Benefit Breakfast, at the Tryon Stroll and at the Columbus Christmas Parade. In addition, donations were taken toward 64 Christmas gifts donated by regional merchants.  For a complete list of donors, gifts and winners, see the Outreach website at <tboutreach.org/bake sale.html>. 
Through the combined efforts of Outreach board members, Outreach staff, volunteers, merchants and help from the Tryon Methodist, Tryon Congregational, Green Creek Baptist, Silver Creek Baptist, Columbus Methodist Church and Cooper's Gap Baptist Churches "Warm Hearts" raised over $5,000.  Eligible families in need of emergency assistance with heating bills this winter will find help at hand through this wonderful community effort.

Pictured are Arvis Pitts and Winnie Volpe, co-chairs of the "Warm Hearts" Tryon Stroll bake sale.  Both are dedicated, intake volunteers at Thermal Belt Outreach who always go beyond the call to be of service to the community.


December 6, Share the Warmth Providing Heating Assistance to the Less Fortunate

The Duke Power Share the Warmth program provides financial assistance for heating bills during the winter season for low-income families within the Duke Energy service territory in the Carolinas. Since the program’s establishment in 1985, Duke has completed 20 successful seasons and provided over $21 million in heating bill assistance.

Funding for Share the Warmth comes from Duke Energy customers, The Duke Energy Foundation, and Duke Energy’s Bulk Power Marketing revenue sharing program. Beginning in November, Duke Energy customers receive a bill insert about the Share the Warmth program. The Duke Energy Foundation matches individual contributions up to $50 per customer. In total, the Foundation will match up to $500,000 in customer contributions during the heating season.
Approximately 82 agencies within the Duke Energy service territory in the Carolinas assist in the distribution of the funds. Thermal Belt Outreach is the distribution agency for Polk County.

Contributions are tax deductible and customers may have the funds donated designated for Polk County. Employees and customers who want to send in a check for Share the Warmth may use the return envelope they receive in their electric bill or mail a check directly to:
Share the Warmth Fund
The Duke Energy Foundation
P.O. Box 35469
Charlotte, N.C. 28254-3429
Please be sure to designate Polk County Share the Warmth on your check.

December 3, Pack 659 Carries Out Cub Scout Promise

" I promise to do my best
To do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people, and
To obey the Law of the Pack."

Cub Scout Pack 659 put their Oath to Help Others into practice by collecting money and more than 300 food items for the Thermal Belt Outreach Food Pantry. The Pack members also practiced their Law of the Pack by giving goodwill. The law of goodwill states, " Doing good things for others doesn't just make them happy. It also gives them the desire (or the "will") to do good things for others in turn. In this way, the good things you do for others make ripples that pass the goodwill from person to person. The spirit of helpfulness and good cheer spreads from you to others in your neighborhood." 

The fine efforts of these boys have set a wonderful example for all of us in the community.  Helping others and spreading goodwill are principles we can all practice every day.  The The pack is under the guidance of wolf leader Sandra Poteat.

December 2, Benefit Breakfast Raises $2,000
Chuck Brittain and his Mountain View BBQ staff hosted another terrific benefit breakfast for Polk County.  This “Warm Hearts” breakfast, benefiting Thermal Belt Outreach, kicked off the Advent Season on Saturday December 1st.  The Outreach Board of Trustees, staff, and volunteers along with members from the Tryon Methodist Church all worked together to make this a wonderful early morning event. The workers had a great time serving breakfasts and drinks, selling baked goods, and providing chances to win perfect Christmas gifts donated by merchants from across the region.  Proceeds from this benefit will provide temporary assistance with winter heating bills. Shown in this photo are a sampling of happy workers celebrating a job well done.

December 1, 2007 Advent Message
The stories that come through the door at Thermal Belt Outreach are “true-life adventures”, many, many with happy endings.  During this Holiday season, it seems appropriate to tell you some stories of adversity, guiding stars, new birth, and new beginnings.

A couple lost their jobs in central South Carolina due to plant closings.  Someone told them that there was work up north.  They sold their possessions and moved, only to find that there were no jobs to be had and no place they could afford.  They began a journey home with their last remaining funds, only to have their money stolen from their car at a rest stop. Through the kindness of strangers, they were able to get enough money to make it to the last exit in North Carolina before running out of gas.  A kind stranger directed them to Thermal Belt Outreach as a place where they could get emergency help. They got a gas voucher to get them home and snack food and drinks for their trip. Even though they ended up where they began, their journey taught them much about generosity and an awareness of help coming from unexpected places when it was most needed.

With a new baby only weeks away, it was devastating news to hear that the expectant father had leukemia.  With no insurance, lose of employment starting the new family in the face, someone suggested they come talk to Thermal Belt Outreach. As the immediate needs of the family became clear, baby items started to appear.  An early Christmas present of a bassinet, a baby carrier, a receiving blanket and a rattle was given to the couple by a combined effort of Outreach staff and a special Outreach volunteer to prepare for the coming of their new born baby. The family has received help with food and gas vouchers for the father-to-be to get to his cancer treatment appointments. They have learned what one heart cannot bear alone, many hearts can bear together.

A mother and daughter escaped an abusive situation in a North Carolina mountain town, taking the clothes on their backs and the money they had in their purses, and their beloved dog. They drove down I-26, crossing the state line.  The daughter said, “Mamma, I don’t want to live in South Carolina”.  So, the mother turned around and exited at Columbus.  Taking a deep breath and asking for guidance, she turned into the Polk County Tourism office.  After speaking with Kipp McIntyre, the Economic Development Director, she was guided to Thermal Belt Outreach.  It became apparent that her immediate need was protection.  Arrangements were made for her to go to Steps of Hope. The dog found a foster home through the Foothills Humane Society.  She found an apartment in one of the section eight affordable housing complexes.  They found a church where her daughter met compassionate friends. Within 30 days she and her daughter was given a new life.  They learned that new adventures in living are on the other side of adversity.

Here is a testimonial from our new Polk County resident. “I was destitute.  I had nothing.  Every hurdle, I had help in overcoming. We learned that nothing is impossible.  I have been given the ability to move on rather than having to go back.   My daughter and I have found friends, a home, a church, a place to call home. I will be giving back to this community, as so much has been given to me.”

There is no human darkness greater than despair and no light greater than hope. This season is the celebration of human hope, the hope that is often lost and is reborn, again and again. We see it every day.  From all of us at Thermal Belt Outreach to all of you in our Foothills homes, we wish you the Merriest Christmas --- full of gratitude, joy, sharing and  good will. 

topNOVEMBER 2007

Nov 13 - Outreach Receives $18,000 Technology Grant
The Polk County Community Foundation awarded an $18,000 to Outreach to purchase new computers, establish a server environment, and bring Outreach into the 21st century.  Outreach will install an up-to-date technology infrastructure and equipment to efficiently manage client statistics, provide access to resources, and track the progress of clients as they work toward becoming self-sufficient.

Nov 6 - An Open Letter from Dr. Randi Levine DDS, Collins Dental Center
First of all, I want to thank all of you for your very generous support, and in opening not only your pocketbooks but your hearts, to contribute to our vision.  Secondly I want to thank and acknowledge Thermal Belt Outreach executive director, Eloise Thwing and Outreach board member and dental center project leader, Becky Collins for creating the vision for the dental center, and for their blood, sweat and tears that made this vision a reality.
We opened our doors to patients on May 15, 2006.  In a year and a half, we have gone from a staff of one office personnel and two dental assistants, to two dental assistants, two hygienists, and we are in the process of advertising for a part time business staff member.  We have recently seen our 2,500th patient.  And as a project that began supported by grants, donation and

Thermal Belt Outreach generosity, we are now self-sustaining.
We are also actively participating in community programs providing oral screenings to children in Polk and Rutherford Counties. This is our second year with HeadStart, which involved children four and five years old.  I am proud to say that even though last year we saw a larger percentage of children with extensive tooth decay, since most of these children are now patients at our facility, the decrease in dental decay noted at screenings is significant.
We are also involved in the training of dental assistants who rotate through our facility.  We are in discussions to see if we can become a training facility for dental students.  I have requests from high school age patients to “shadow” me in hopes of gaining insight into a future career in dentistry.

We have also been approved to provide SmartStart screenings to children ages one to five.  One of our hygienists will be certified as a Public Health hygienist, and will be going into preschools providing dental education to families.  Through a SmartStart grant, we will also be able to fully utilize the education area.

We have a lot of projects and improvements being developed for the near future including providing dentistry to adults, for which there is tremendous need, developing a Continuous Quality Improvement program, and paperless charting. 

We hope that you will continue to support our efforts to provide quality dental care for our low-income children and help us expand our services to adults in Polk and Rutherford County.  Thanks to all of you for your generosity and support.

Sincerely,
Dr. Randi Levine DDS
Collins Dental Center
Columbus, NC

Note: If you would like to support the dental health of our community, please make your check payable to Thermal Belt Outreach  marked for the “indigent dental fund” PO Box 834 Columbus, NC 28722

topOCTOBER 2007

October 23 - Time Talent and Money
I got my heating oil tank filled last week.  I received the same quantity I got last year (about 250 gallons).  The bill was $744.  That is $140 more than it was last year for the same amount. On top of that, I have to pay the electric bill to make the fan on the furnace go.  Luckily, electric rates are not increasing to the same extent.
I face hard choices every day of what I can afford to spend.  There are certain things this month that I know I have to do.  I have to renew my medications.  I have insurance, but still have to pay a $35 co-pay for three prescriptions that don’t have generic equivalents, that’s $105.  I have to pay my monthly bills.  I have to start whittling down the oil bill.  I have to buy groceries.  By the time I am done, what will I have left to donate?  It would be easy to throw up my hands and say, “Hey, I can’t help anybody else, I can hardly help myself!”  Or, I can change my perspective.
Time, money and talent are my three choices.  I don’t have much time, and I don’t have much money. Some might question my talent level.  Let’s take a look at what I can give.  I give time and talent to my church by singing in the choir and helping out in any way I can around the church.  I give my talent to FENCE by being in the Home for the Holidays musical ensemble, which raises money for their great programs. I use my time, talent and money to play in golf tournaments I can afford to play in that support great efforts, like Hospice House. I donate money to Red Cross.  I always put money in every Salvation Army Christmas pot I see, even if it is just change. I can’t do the big things, but there are many small things I can do.
I have decided that I will replicate a program of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina called the NICKEL-A-MEAL PROGRAM. If I allocate 15 cents a day (representing 5 cents a meal) I can painlessly donate $54.75 a year to Thermal Belt Outreach, where I work.  That might not seem much, but many people do the same thing, we could make a major impact. Together we can lighten the load of the ever-increasing daily living expenses of our most vulnerable neighbors. 

“What one heart cannot bear along, a hundred hearts can bear with faith.”  Are there 99 more hearts out there, or 999?

October 17- Debbie Cowan Brings Artist’s Touch to Collins Dental Center

Debbie Cowan is a wizard.  She spent over 200 hours creating a wonderland of jungle animals and fairies.  Why would she do such a thing?  To distract young children coming to visit the dentist, often for their first time. The walls of the Collins Dental Center at Thermal Belt Outreach in Columbus have come to life under the artistic visioning of Debbie Cowan.  Kids like going to the dentist! The center opened in the spring of 2006 and has had more than 2,000 visits from children living in Polk and Rutherford County.  Designs by Debbie was commissioned to put the final touches on the walls this past summer.

Debbie moved to Polk County after living in Idaho and Wyoming. (No, she and her husband, Leland are not related to the Polk Cowan’s).  While in the “wild west”, Debbie specialized in window art.  She painted store windows with seasonal scenes.  During the Christmas season, she would paint in freezing temperatures wearing long johns, down coat, and thick gloves and adding antifreeze to the paint. “Everything that time of year was white and grey. I brought color back into the world during those months.” Cowan recalled.
You are familiar with her work when you walk by the windows at Second Chance in Columbus.  Debbie does these designs as an in-kind contribution each season for Steps of Hope. For those of you who attend the high school football games, you have seen Debbie’s work.  She designed the four backdrops used by the band during their Chinese musical numbers – The Great Wall, Sunset, Long Journey Home and As the Last Blossom Falls. 

The biggest commissioned job she has had in Polk County is the dental center project. When asked how she decided on the theme for the dental center, she said she worked in conjunction with an interior decorator who wanted an “African savannah” theme.  Debbie’s “untamed” imagination paid off.  What developed was wild (but friendly) jungle and savannah animals covering the walls of the reception room.  Debbie came up with the idea of fairies and an elf holding a toothbrush. The artwork is at kid’s eye level. There is a mouse over the copy machine, fish looking back at you while you get a drink from the fountain, birds, sunflowers and rabbits at every turn.

Debbie is a consummate artist with a philanthropist’s heart.  “It’s great to get paid – but the work is the reward.” Her attention to detail and clear perception of what her client’s want make each project unique.  She has peaches on hutches, fashioned trompe l’oeil creations, formed murals on retaining walls, turned a living room wall into the Outer Banks complete with lighthouse, and painted on saw blades.

Thermal Belt Outreach is hosting a reception on October 26th.  The Collins Dental Center major donors will have the opportunity to celebrate the success of the clinic, and meet artist Debbie Cowan and dentist Dr. Randi Levine. The goal of the dental center is to reduce the percentage of Polk and Rutherford children entering kindergarten with untreated dental decay.

October 5th - Benefit Tea - "Just Perfect"

“Just perfect” was the phrase of the day.  The Lake Lanier Tea House was a splendid setting for the afternoon tea benefiting Thermal Belt Outreach on October 3rd.  The weather was glorious and the conviviality was contagious. 
“It was so well received that we have already made our reservation with the Tea House for next year – Wednesday, October 1st, 2008. People tell me they already have their table parties together”, said Cynthia Terwilliger Outreach Development and Public Relations Coordinator.

Sponsors for this first-time event were Arledge Inc, Grading Service, ReMax/Advantage, Mize Nursery and Tryon Vineyards, Vines and Stuff, BMW Manufacturing Company, Rockhouse Vineyards, McKinsey Printing, Four Winds Florist, Patty Otto, Joyce Lamb, and Dee and Betsy Miner. The planning committee was Liz Easley, Joyce Lamb, Betsy Miner, Jeannie Mize and Cynthia Terwilliger. This Thermal Belt Outreach benefit raised over $6,000.
Bettye Logan was the winner of a weekend use of a brand new BMW donated by BMW Manufacturing Company. “We are all anxious to see if she chooses the jazzy Z4 or the more conventional X5 SUV and to find out where she’s going to drive!”, said Terwilliger.
Executive Director, Eloise Thwing reflected, “The most important aspect of the tea is that it brought us all together.  It strengthened friendships. We will all benefit in many ways from this event.  I know that we will all continue to work together to do the things that need to be done.”

• Pictured at a terrace table are Ann Gargiulo (sponsor) Cathie Campbell, Patty and Dale Holl (Outreach board members) Eloise Thwing (Outreach executive director) and Kathy Taft.

•  Bettye Logan won the weekend use of a new BMW Z4 or X5.  Cynthia Terwilliger, Thermal Belt Outreach Development and Public Relations Coordinator presented Mrs. Logan the certificate.

top SEPTEMBER 2007

Sept 28th - Pure Country Weavers - Long Time Supporter
Thermal Belt Outreach is very appreciative of our widespread community support. We would like to highlight one of our unsung long-time supporters. Five years ago, George Clark, Pure Country Weavers owner, asked his staff to identify an agency that Pure Country could support. Thermal Belt Outreach was selected as the official charity distributor of Pure Country throws and blankets in Polk County. Since then, Pure Country Weavers has donated more than five hundred blankets and throws. Dave Herron, Outreach food pantry coordinator picks up several cartons three to four times a year. The throws and blankets are distributed through the food pantry to Outreach clients and other identified individuals.
Because of the generosity of Pure Country Weavers, Outreach little ones have throws to take to preschool and kindergarten for their naptimes. Outreach elderly have throws to place over their shoulders or legs to keep off the chill. In addition, Outreach families have blankets to use on their beds.

Not only is Pure Country Weavers contributing to the health and well-being of Outreach clients, they are providing them with items of aesthetic quality. The throws and blankets are each a work of art. Great care goes into the production of every item produced at Pure Country. And, all materials used in every product is American made.

Jay and Marjorie Clark started Pure Country Weavers in 1988. Their son, Clark now operates the wholesale business. It is one of the few textile “growing” factories in North Carolina. It now has 75 employees. It has expanded its production to include fine art wall hangings and digital picture weaving. It has gone from producing a ten-page catalog to producing two, two-hundred page catalogs.
Outreach is very proud of our long-time partnership with Pure Country Weavers. The in-kind contribution of Pure County over the years is equivalent to more than $10,000. They are one of Outreach’s major in-kind donors. We thought the public would like to know what a difference they have made in the lives of those we serve. Pure Country’s continued devotion to community service has enhanced the quality of life of hundreds Polk County neighbors over the years.

Sept 28th -Tryon Federal Smiles on Collins Dental Center
Tryon Federal, a division of HomeTrust Bank committed $10,000 over four years in support of the Collins Dental Center at Thermal Belt Outreach. Sonja Laughter, Tryon Federal Vice-President and volunteer board member of Thermal Belt Outreach, presented the second year’s pledge to Becky Collins, who is also a volunteer board member of Outreach, and is on the oversight board for the Collin’s Dental Center. Also shown is Eloise Thwing, executive director of Thermal Belt Outreach and Brenda Walker, the Outreach board’s vice president. Mrs. Walker also serves on the Tryon Federal Board.

The Collins Dental Center opened in May of 2006. It has seen more than 2,000 children. The center will begin screening Polk and Rutherford Counties Headstart children in October. The goal of the dental center is to reduce the percentage of children entering kindergarten with untreated dental decay. The funds received from Tryon Federal will support dental equipment and materials for direct services with an emphasis on education.

Sept 7th - Another Successful Outreach Program
Thermal Belt Outreach clients and other low-income children received backpacks brimming over with school supplies. Eligible children from kindergarten through 12th grade picked up their supplies at the Outreach offices in Columbus at the beginning of the school year.
“ This is one of our most successful annual programs”, said Eloise Thwing, executive director. “To see the joy in the eyes of these children as they select their school supplies is reward in itself. Without this Outreach program, these children would be placed at a disadvantage as school begins. We want them all to begin the school year on even ground.”
In the seven years of this program, over 1,600 backpacks with school supplies have been distributed. Volunteer, Marie Herman, has headed up this program from its inception. All supplies are either donated, or funds are donated to purchase items in bulk. Each year this program has been fully funded through direct donations. School supplies will continue to be available for children in need at Outreach until the supply is diminished.
Outreach invites other civic organizations who are doing similar programs to join with us to expand our program and reach all of the children in Polk County who need financial assistance with their school supplies, not only at the start, but throughout the school year. Call Eloise Thwing at 894-2988 or Cynthia Terwilliger, Development and PR Coordinator at 894-2923 to talk about how Outreach can partner with your organization.

September 4, 2007, Crandall Fund Supports Dental and Medical Services

Thermal Belt Outreach received a grant of $13,000 from the Crandall Fund. This grant will allow Outreach to refer low-income children who do not qualify for Medicaid or other insurance for medical and dental services.

The Collins Dental Center at Thermal Belt Outreach received $10,000 in 2005. Those funds helped build the dental facility. The Collins Dental Center opened in May 2006 and has served over 2,000 low-income children from Polk and Rutherford counties.

Eloise Thwing, executive director of Thermal Belt Outreach reacted with pleasure when given word of the grant award. “It will provide medical and dental services for so many children in the community. Without these funds, there would be no way that Outreach could provide this much-needed medical and dental assistance. Funds such as the Crandall Fund are so critical to the operation of Outreach.”

Frank Crandall established the Crandall Fund in 1942 as a living trust for his wife Louise Crandall. The income from the fund is to be “used and applied for ill, indigent or undernourished children, regardless of race or religion.” The Fund is administered by a group made up of the Rector of Hoy Cross Episcopal Church, the Pastor of the Congregational Church of Christ and the President of Saint Luke’s Hospital Board.

Father Michael Doty presents check to Dr. Randi Levine, Collins Dental Center. Far left Dr. Bob Barrows, Pastor, Congregational Church and far right Woody Woodham, President, Board of Directors Saint Luke’s Hospital

top AUGUST 2007

August 23, 2007 Undeliverable Mail

Well, I’ve done my first major fund drive mailing as the development and public relations coordinator for Outreach! I discovered first hand what a challenge it is for a small organization to communicate with its constituents. First, I created a few letters targeting our various audiences. That was easy. We ordered stamps and envelopes and ran off the labels. That was easy, too. Then we had to run off letters and inserts. That became a little harder. THEN we had to put them all together. That’s when the rubber hit the road. We mailed out about 3,500 letters --- everyone of them manually (fold, stuff, seal, and stamp) --- all going to businesses, churches, organizations and individuals who have previously contributed to Outreach. Isn’t that great to have such wide-spread support? We are so appreciative.
We had two youth groups who helped us, The Church of the Brethren youth group and Polk Recreation Summer Program participants. They were just terrific. Many of our volunteers helped in their spare time while they were working at the reception desk and the food pantry. We also had wonderful help from Bart and Diana Winkler (who want to remain anonymous). From start to finish, it took us ten days to get everything ready for the post office.
Ah, what a relief --- pats on the backs all the way around for a tough job completed. Then the return envelopes started coming back … “no such street, no mail receptacle, insufficient address, unable to forward”. How could this be? We have been sending out mailings using our bulk mailing permit and never got anything back! Well, that’s because the post office will not return anything that isn’t first class.
All those newsletters went into the post office recycling bin in Charlotte!
Many of these addresses are from people who have lived in the same location and had their addresses changed during the 911 rearrangement. Some people have moved, and of course, some have died.
We suspect that each and every non-profit organization in Polk County goes through the same thing. As non-profits, we want to be sure that each and every dollar that comes to us is wisely spent.
If you have changed your address within the past few years, please take time to call the non-profits you love and support and be sure they have your updated address. This will help all of us non-profits get you the information you need in the most efficient manner …. While I think of it, just send in your address on a check made out to Outreach for a million dollars !!!
Some Interesting Statistics About undeliverable mail:
In 2004, U.S. Postal Service processed 206.1 billion mail pieces. Approximately 5.6 billion pieces were Undeliverable-As-Addressed. If all of these UAA mail pieces were #10 sized envelopes placed end-to-end, they would reach to the Moon and back 1 ½ times!
The U.S. Postal Service says that 23.6% of all mail contains deficient addresses.
Your mailing lists should be regularly reviewed and corrected. Here are some statistics:

6.0% have a missing or incorrect direction suffix-East, West, North,South.
5.9% have a missing or incorrect street name or box number
4.8% have a missing or incorrect city and/or state and/or zip code
4.1% have missing or incorrect apartment numbers
2.4% of undeliverable mail is caused by failure to correct addresses of persons who have moved.
0.4% have a missing or incorrect rural route or box number.

August 15, 2007 Outreach Needs Drivers
Thermal Belt Outreach is in serious need of volunteers for its medical transport program. This vital volunteer program transports people, who have no other means, to medical appointments and ongoing treatment. Outreach will be holding an informational session explaining its transport program and the role of the volunteer. Please call 894-2988 if you plan to attend. The meeting will be held in the Outreach conference room (134 White Drive, Columbus) at 10:00 am, August 22nd.

What: Informational meeting about Outreach medical transport volunteer program
Where: Thermal Belt Outreach Conference Room 134 White Drive, Columbus
When: Wednesday, August 22nd, 10:00 AM

August 1, 2007 Still Time to Help

It is not too late to help Thermal Belt Outreach provide school supplies for our disadvantaged children in Polk County. We are estimating 325 children from kindergarten through high school will be picking up basic school supplies. Children in grades one through six will also be getting backpacks. Supplies will be distributed to eligible children on Saturday, August 18th while the supplies last.

The most cost-effective method is for Outreach to purchase these items in bulk. This year’s cost is estimated to be $2,600. Purchasing in bulk assures that each student gets the appropriate supplies for his/her grade level.

If you would like to make a donation to support this annual project, please make your check payable to Thermal Belt Outreach and mail it to P.O. Box 834, Columbus, NC 28722. For more information call Outreach at 894-2988 .

top JULY 2007

July 12, 2007 Outreach Has Fans for Those in Need

Thermal Belt Outreach has a limited number of fans available to eligible low-income people. These box fans will be given free of charge to elderly or disabled individuals or families with very young children.
“ If you know of an individual or family in need who has no other means to purchase a fan, please let them know that help is at hand at Outreach”, says food pantry and home repair coordinator, Dave Herron. For further information call Outreach at 894-2988.
Thermal Belt Outreach is an independent, nonprofit social service agency serving Polk County, North Carolina. It is in its sixteenth year of service to the community. Outreach concentrates on assisting people in crisis situations and helping them toward self-sufficiency. It provides basic temporary needs such as: food, utilities; fuel; transportation; prescriptions; affordable housing; dental services; and access to health care. It accomplishes all this with a small staff and more than 135 volunteers. Outreach is funded by contributions from individuals, business, civic organizations granting agencies and area churches. Volunteer opportunities are available in a variety of areas.

July 12, 2007 Thermal Belt Outreach Backpacks and School Supplies Project

“A Child’s Life is Like a Piece of Paper on Which Every Person Leaves a Mark.”

It is time for the Thermal Belt Outreach to purchase school supplies for our disadvantaged children in Polk County. We are estimating 325 children from kindergarten through high school will be picking up basic school supplies. Children in grades one through six will also be getting backpacks. Supplies will be distributed to eligible children on Saturday, August 18th while the supplies last.

It is a great reward to see a child’s eyes sparkle with anticipation of the adventure of school. There is no satisfaction greater than to see the beaming smile of a child.

The most cost-effective method is for Outreach to purchase these items in bulk. This year’s cost is estimated to be $2,600. Purchasing in bulk assures that each student gets the appropriate supplies for his/her grade level.

If you would like to make a donation to support this annual project, please make your check payable to Thermal Belt Outreach and mail it to P.O. Box
834, Columbus, NC 28722.

top JUNE 2007

June 27, 2007 Children Donate to Food Pantry

Columbus Presbyterian Church had vacation Bible school the third week of June. The children chose Thermal Belt Outreach Food Pantry as their mission project. The children brought a can or food or non- perishable item each day of school. On Friday, June 22nd, they made their presentation to the Outreach.

June 25, 2007 - MedAssist Might Be Just What You Need
You don’t have to be “poor” to find yourself in financial trouble. Many of us may be closer to “the edge” than we would like to think. I found myself in that position not too long ago. I moved to Polk County in 2002 because my parents lived here. They are elderly (even though they refuse to use that term). They still live in their own home and are active and healthy. It became clear to me that they could stay that way longer if I were near by to give them a hand. So, I moved to Tryon in a nice house that my parents own.

I did freelance work for a year and then supplemented that with a part time job offering no health benefits. I wasn’t making much, but I was meeting my monthly expenses. I’d given up my health insurance after the company raised my rates and dropped my prescription coverage. I took the risk that nothing serious would happen to me.

After being here about a year, asthma/allergy conditions, which had been in remission, began to reappear. Soon, I was sick more than I was well. Without insurance, I had to pay for the doctors’ appointments, plus medications out of pocket. (Luckily, the doctor had pharmaceutical samples). Even with that help, it was not long before I was behind the financial eight ball. Suddenly I had about $650 in prescription bills a month. I would have to get prescriptions of steroids and antibiotics about every four months because I would get some viral or bacterial infection. That would cost usually another $200 per flare up. There were times that I would not take the doses I was told to, because I tried to stretch out the medications.

So, here I was, a well-respected member of the community with a master’s degree from the University of Michigan (Go Blue), living in a nice house with a decent car -- looking like a success – and going down the credit card hole in a hurry because of health issues. How in the world had I gotten myself in such a mess? The self-assigned caregiver was in need of care!

A friend told me about Thermal Belt Outreach’s MedAssist program. I said that I doubted that I would qualify for it, as I was not poor; I had good credit, a good education. I was not going to ask for help, it was embarrassing. Well, my friend said I could have my pride or I could have my health, which seemed more important? So, off I went, reluctantly, for my appointment with the MedAssist people. I was worried that the interviewer would say, “What are you doing here?” or run around and tell people they saw me at Outreach. None of that happened. In fact, they were very understanding and assured me of confidentiality. I found out within a week that I qualified with the pharmaceutical companies. They helped me with each of the ongoing prescriptions for a year. What a tremendous relief that was!

Maybe I have disclosed too much, I hope not. My intent is not to make you feel sorry for me, or think what’s WRONG with her putting this in the paper?! I am hopeful that by sharing my experience, I can encourage someone who might be in the same “leaking” boat to quit sitting there and start paddling toward Outreach!

If you find yourself in a situation like mine, I hope you will call the Thermal Belt Outreach MedAssist office at 894-5380 for an appointment. It just might be a way to get “what the doctor has ordered” until you are back on your feet!

Some Facts about Polk’s Working Poor
Polk County ranks #1 in the state in the percentage of population working in health care and social assistance jobs.

These are the people who: take care of our grandparents and our children in day care centers; our elderly, disabled and sick in our nursing homes and hospital; and who work in our nonprofit family service agencies. In other words, they are our caretakers. They represent almost 30% of Polk County’s workforce.

2,800 people (that is a population about the size our three towns of Tryon, Columbus and Saluda) are earning an average salary of $24,160 a year, before taxes. After taxes that is an expendable income of $17,395.20. These are our neighbors who are working hard every day to take care of us.

Here are a few more statistics about our not so visible neighbors. Thirty percent of our schoolchildren receive free or reduced lunches. During the summer, 70% of those children do not participate in school nutrition programs.
Polk County has 2,150 people below the poverty line. That is 11.2% of our population. A person working full time at the current North Carolina’s minimum wage of $6.15 per hour earns $12,792 a year.

June 6, 2007

2006 Thermal Belt Outreach Volunteer of the Year
Jim McClintock is the Thermal Belt Outreach 2006 Volunteer of the Year. His expert knowledge of computers and computer software has been invaluable to the organization. He was recognized at the Annual Thermal Belt Outreach Volunteer breakfast on June 1st.

He oversees the computer network, computers and software for all of the Outreach departments. He also makes recommendations for purchases, negotiates with vendors to get the best prices, and installs and upgrades equipment. Jim installed all of the computers in the Collins Dental Center and made sure that everything was running smoothly during the first few months of the dental center’s operation.

Jim has been an Outreach volunteer for more than six years. His continued support of Thermal Belt Outreach and his willingness to share his expertise and time make him an indispensable part of the Outreach family.

June 4, 2007
Volunteer Hawaiian Luau
Board Presidents have been know to go to great lengths to help build morale and raise the visibility of their organizations --- Tony Sayer, Thermal Belt Outreach Board President wins the "getting in the spirit" award with his grass skirt and lei! Outreach celebrated its volunteers at a Hawaiian luau breakfast on June 1st. 110 people attended the breakfast. Shown are Outreach president, Rev. Tony Sayer, board member, Becky Collins and vice-president, Brenda Walker.

June 3, 2007 High School Students Tremendous Help!


Students from the Polk County High School Occupational Course of Study have been a tremendous help at Thermal Belt Outreach this spring. Senior, John Menard and juniors, Jason Morrow and Glenda Allen, under the supervision of David Moore spent six hours a week over a six-week period (36 hours) doing a variety of tasks. Some of their jobs have included: assisting at the reception desk, cleaning and straightening the storage shed, helping stock shelves and bag food in the Food Pantry, and assisting in stuffing envelopes, preparing the quarterly newsletter for mailing and many other helpful tasks. Each student must complete 360 hours of community service to graduate.
Executive Director, Eloise Thwing praised the work of these three young people, “The services they provided added greatly to the daily operations of Outreach. Each had a different personality that made it a joy to have them with us.”
John, Jason, and Glenda and Mr. Moore were recognized at the annual volunteer breakfast on June 1. They were also honored with a surprise appreciation/thank you/going-away ceremony by the Outreach staff on their last day of work, June 6.
Outreach appreciates this partnership opportunity with the high school and looks forward to having many more students joining the Outreach family of volunteers.

June 1, 2006 Outreach Sends Best Wishes to Clemme Burton Clemme Burton suffered a stroke last week and is in St. Luke's Hospital. Her daughter from Columbia, South Carolina is with her. Thermal Belt Outreach encourages her many friends to drop her a note for a speedy recovery. They may be sent to her home address at 70 Oak Street, Tryon, NC 28782. Clemme will be moved in mid-June to Columbia where she will undergo intensive rehabilitation.

Mrs. Burton is a well-loved volunteer at Thermal Belt Outreach. She has been a permanent fixture at the reception desk every Thursday morning for over seven years. She is a very loyal and dedicated volunteer who assisted hundreds of people in their time of need. Her compassion and caring for others has made a difference in the lives of so many people she has helped.

MAY 24, 2007
Food Pantry Anticipates Increased Demand
Limited incomes can often be stretched to the breaking point when costs for basic needs start to rise. Because of increasing food and gas prices, Thermal Belt Outreach Food Pantry is seeing an increase in people needing food assistance and expects the demand to grow during the next several months.

Outreach needs volunteer help to keep the shelves stocked, assist clients in selecting food, and support in the overall operation of the food pantry. Morning shifts are 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and afternoon shifts are from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Dave Herron, food pantry coordinator, is happy to work with individuals to set up a time to work one or more times a month. If you haven’t seen Outreach’s Food Pantry, please come by for a visit. Outreach is located at 134 White Drive, Columbus – between the First Baptist Church and U.S. 74 overpass. (894-2988)

THE BIG PICTURE
FOOD PRICES NATIONWIDE ARE UP 3.9%
It is not your imagination. Have you paid attention to your grocery bill? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says food prices nationwide are up 3.9% compared to a year ago. While food prices are not rising at the same rate as gasoline, they are definitely on an upward curve. The cost of a gallon of gas has reached an all-time high. The nationwide Lundberg Survey said the price jumped more than 11 cents in the last two weeks. The average price of self-serve regular is now $3.18. That is three cents more than the old record, adjusted for inflation, from March of 1981.

Several surveys, including those by the American Farm Bureau, are finding prices for an assortment of groceries (including cheese, eggs, chicken, bacon, apples, potatoes and vegetable oil) are going up. It is estimated that food inflation will reach the 4 to 4.5 percent range this year, the highest since 1990.
Food prices in 2007 are increasing at their highest rate in years. "We are going to see grocery store prices to show one of the most rapid increases in the last 15 years or so," said Patrick Jackman, an economist at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

There are a number of reasons for increased grocery prices. Weather has had a big impact on the citrus industry. The price of corn is also on the rise. The price of a bushel of corn has jumped 46 percent to $3.66 over the past 12 months and earlier this year topped $4, according to an agriculture information firm in Omaha, Neb.
Corn is the building block for much of the American food supply. It is what dairy cows eat to make milk and hens consume to birth eggs. Its fattens cattle, hogs and chickens before slaughter -- depending on the animal it takes anywhere from 2.5 to 6 pounds of feed corn to produce a pound of meat. Corn syrup is the third-largest ingredient in Heinz ketchup and is the sweetener that goes into soda pop and hundreds of other food items. Corn also is the building block of the 7 billion gallons of ethanol made in the United States this year. That figure that is on its way to 14 billion gallons by 2011, according to estimates by Iowa State University.

As farmers discover just how valuable corn has become, they are replanting fields formerly devoted to wheat, soy and other foods with corn, driving up the price of even more food commodities. Soy is up 28 percent to $7.41 a bushel. Meanwhile, smaller than expected crops in the U.S. and Australia has pushed the price of wheat up 22 percent to $4.80 a bushel from a year ago.

The increases in food prices nationally in the past year:
• Milk: Up 3.2 percent
• Pound of oranges: Up 34.1 percent
• Ground beef: Up 2.7 percent
• Chicken: Up 5.5 percent
• Coffee: Up 4.9 percent
• Prices lower: Butter, bananas and frozen vegetables.
Source: Federal statistics

May 21, 2007
MedAssist A Life Saving Service
Thermal Belt OUTREACH makes medications accessible in our community through the prescription assistance program. This program helps eligible residents of Polk County, and beyond, obtain needed on-going prescriptions at little or no cost. If you are between the ages of 20 and 64 and cannot afford to pay for your prescriptions, MedAssist may be able to help. Assistance is also available to people 65 or older who require help in determining a Medicare D plan, or those on Medicare D who cannot obtain their medications through their current plan, or who are in the “donut-hole”.
Our team of dedicated, experienced, volunteers confers with clients and complete applications from participating pharmaceutical companies’ patient assistant programs. Each pharmaceutical company has its own rules for eligibility. Generally, assistance is based on an income and/or needs-based test.
Getting started is easy. Call MedAssist at 894-5380 for an initial appointment. Based on your individual situation, OUTREACH will work with all of its resources to find the best way to meet your needs.