Cherryville Area Ministries Sees Surge in Demand

Cherryville, NC (WNN) - Cherryville Area Ministries, located at 212 N. Mountain St, Cherryville, NC, has been facing a significant increase in requests for food assistance as the holidays approach and residents encounter issues with government benefits.

Barbara Decker, the Community Outreach and Affairs Manager, said the ministries helped about 40 people in one day, compared to the usual 50 people per week. This rise aligns with recent issues with SNAP benefits.

"We help maybe about 50 people a week," Decker said. "Now, I've helped like 40 in one day."

Services for Community Members

The ministries help the community through many programs. These include a food pantry, help with utility and rent payments, medical costs, and transport expenses. They also operate a thrift store that sells clothing and home goods at affordable prices to support local communities.

Pillows sold at Cherryville Area Ministries. November 6th,2025

Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

The center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Their assistance office is open from 9 a.m. to noon; it closes for lunch and reopens from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

North Carolina Residents can get food, no questions asked. However, financial aid is only available for those living in the Cherryville area. They must present a valid photo ID, proof of residence, and evidence of income.

Holiday Programs and Community Events

The ministries will host their annual Thanksgiving community meal on November 22 at 11 a.m. at the American Legion Hall, located at 215 N. Pink St., Cherryville, NC 28021. People can get in on a first-come, first-served basis. Food Lion and local churches partner with the organization to make this event possible.

A poster for the Thanksgiving Community Meal

Cherryville Area Ministries Facebook Page

The organization also runs a school supply drive and organizes a Christmas program for local children.

Food Sources and Donation Needs

The food pantry obtains its supplies from various sources, including the Second Harvest Food Bank, items purchased, and contributions from the community. To help stock the pantry, the Boy Scouts recently held a food drive at Food Lion.

The group also runs a mobile pantry. They work with Second Harvest and utilize sponsor support to load and deliver food using a large tractor-trailer.

Cans of food that are given away at Cherryville Area Ministries. November 6th,2025

WNN

Decker mentioned that the freezers at the pantry are currently empty, so that frozen meat donations would make a significant difference. If anyone would like to donate, it's important to note that you need to donate food that is in its original packaging and has not passed its expiration date.

"We wouldn't survive without this community," Decker said. "People donating to the store helps us raise money to provide financial help and to buy the food."

Facility Operations

The thrift shop offers a wide range of items, including furniture, clothing, shoes, toys, home goods, and Christmas trees. Money earned through sales helps support the financial assistance programs run by the organization.

A clothing rack that has women's blouses at Cherryville Area Ministries. November 6th,2025

Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

Inside the building, there is an area where workers sort through donated clothes and a food room where they put together help bags. These bags are filled with canned food, side dishes, frozen meat, and other items they have on hand. If they have extra, they may also give out fresh produce and milk to those in need.

The group has also started giving Medicare enrollment help to seniors trying to figure out the system.

Organization History

The Cherryville Area Ministries has served the community for nearly 40 years. The organization was founded in the 1980s, and one of its offices is dedicated to Connie Wise, the founder of Cherryville Area Ministries, who played a pivotal role in establishing the community services.

The sign on the office door that is in honor of Connie Wise. November 6th,2025

Lauren Ramsey (WNN)