The Filling Station Celebrates Historic Ribbon Cutting for New Warehouse Facility

The Filling Station marked a historic milestone on September 8, 2025, with its first-ever ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating the completion of a new food warehouse building that will expand the organization's capacity to serve Jones County residents through enhanced nutrition, education, and connection programs.

The $310,000 facility represents the culmination of a four-year planning and development process, made possible through funding from the Golden Leaf Foundation ($227,720 grant), Harold H. Bate Foundation, Jones County Committee of 100, and Filling Station church partners. The ceremony coincided with The Filling Station's eighth anniversary, which was celebrated on August 28.

"This new facility represents so much more than just metal and concrete. It reflects the heart of our mission here at the filling station, which is to assist with filling unmet needs in the areas of Nutrition, Education, and Connection for the residents of Jones County," said Bobby Darden, Board Chair for The Filling Station. "We are dedicated to being more than a food pantry. We're a place where individuals and families can find help, hope, and a sense of belonging."

“The project was made possible through the generous support of the Golden Leaf Foundation, Harold Bate Foundation, Jones County Committee of 100, and The Filling Station's church partners. We are grateful for the additional support from dozens of community organizations, including Duke Energy, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Food Bank of Central and East North Carolina, and The Epiphany School of Global Studies, whose students contributed over 1,500 volunteer hours to projects supporting this milestone. With deepest gratitude, we thank Bob and Carol Mattocks for the opportunity to repurpose a once family owned business into a community resource that will assist in filling unmet needs for many years to come", says Mary Ann LeRay, Executive Director

The warehouse project began in November 2022 when the organization submitted its application to the Golden Leaf Foundation. According to project manager Edward Jekel, the facility will serve as both a year-round food distribution hub and a vital resource during disaster relief operations.

The project benefited from extensive volunteer support, contributed by students from Epiphany School of Global Studies, who participated in concrete pouring and tile work. Volunteers from multiple organizations, including Coastal Carolina Church of Jacksonville and Duke Energy, assisted with demolition, construction, and finishing work. Administrative coordinator, Marcy Hoffman, managed the extensive documentation process required for the Golden Leaf grant. Project contractors included Sean Corcoran Construction, Romero Electric, Elite AC Solutions, Kinston Refrigeration, and AB's Gravel Driveways for site preparation.

Several elected officials attended the event and shared remarks. County Commissioners James Harper and Charlie Dunn, Mayor Wayne Sayland, Mayor Jay Bender,Jones County Manager Kyle Smith, and representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis. Representatives from the Governor's office, Briles Johnson and Colleen Garrett, also attended to show state-level support for the project.

The timing holds special significance for Pollocksville residents, as Mayor Jay Bender noted during his remarks. "Seven years ago and one week later, most of us were standing out on Main Street looking at where the water had gotten, but where it didn't get was this building, and who knew that seven years later you'd be able to list all of those partners," Bender said, referencing Hurricane Florence's impact on the community.

State Representative Chris Humphrey, who advocated for the funding from Goldenleaf Foundation, emphasized the community's remarkable spirit during the ceremony. "Jones County, the population is less than 10,000, and there is more heart in this community than almost anywhere in America, I promise you," Humphrey said.

According to Kyle Smith, County Manager, the new facility addresses critical food insecurity challenges in a county with fewer than 10,000 residents. The warehouse will support The Filling Station's twice-weekly food pantry distributions. Nothing really gets me fired up like new infrastructure. Nothing says we're moving forward like a new building," said Kyle Smith, Jones County manager. "This marks a staple of moving forward, not really in restoration and recovery anymore, but moving forward, progressing into the future."

Senator Ted Budd, represented at the ceremony by regional director Blake Belch, praised The Filling Station's approach in a congratulatory message from the senator. "Congratulations on the expansion of The Filling Station through the opening of your new warehouse in Jones County. This milestone is a testament to your leadership and the unwavering commitment of your entire team to serve the residents of Eastern North Carolina. This new facility will undoubtedly enhance your ability to provide resources to the community. Your work embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship, applying creative solutions to meet the needs of Jones County. This is the kind of grassroots effort that builds a stronger, more resilient North Carolina, and it is a powerful example of how private organizations can create economic opportunity and stability. Your dedication to "Nutrition, Education, and Connection" is truly commendable. From providing essential meals to offering educational programs and serving as a vital hub for the community. The Filling Station has become a beacon of hope and a cornerstone of Jones County. Your service reflects the very best of our state’s values of neighbor helping neighbor. I wish you and your team continued success as you expand your operations and continue to make a profound difference in the lives of so many.”

Senator Thom Tillis, represented at the ceremony by regional representative Grayson Overholt, shared similar congratulations to The Filling Station. “Recently, we have been visiting disaster coalition meetings around the southeast, and we have noticed that communities that provide year-round support are shining stars. Here in Jones County, you are providing this year-round support. Thank you for all you do”, says Grayson Overholt.

Briles Johnson, Executive Director for N.C. Commission of Community Service and Volunteerism representing the Office of Governor Stein. “First I would like to thank Mary Ann LeRay for serving as a commissioner for the commission for several years representing Jones County. Remembering visiting here 2019 after Hurricane Florence and it is truly amazing to see the drive and dedication of this organization to show up for the community. Congratulations to you all for a job well done”, says Briles Johnson

Scott Hamilton, president/CEO of the Golden Leaf Foundation, highlighted the project's importance within the broader Food Distribution Assistance Program. The program, funded through federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds and administered through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, received $10 million in appropriations from the North Carolina General Assembly to address food insecurity across the state.

Don Brinkley, president of the Harold H. Bate Foundation, announced that the foundation's total investment in The Filling Station has reached $250,000. "This is a milestone for you. It's a milestone for us too," Brinkley said. "The Bate Foundation is so happy to be part of this winning team”.

The Filling Station operates as a comprehensive community resource, partnering with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina to provide nutrition services while offering educational programs and serving as a community connection hub. The organization maintains partnerships with numerous local and regional organizations, including Duke Energy, International Paper, Carolina East Health Systems, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Weyerhaeuser, SECU Foundation, Armstrong McGuire, and American Heart Association.

Looking ahead, The Filling Station plans to continue expanding its community impact through events like the upcoming "Perfect 10" celebration scheduled for November 8th, while maintaining its core mission of providing nutrition, education, and connection services to Jones County. 

More information on the event:  https://fillingstation1075.com/jones-county-a-perfect-10-event/

Founded in 2017, The Filling Station is a non-profit organization and serves as a premier connector of people and resources. The organization operates as more than a traditional food pantry, providing a comprehensive community hub that offers food distribution twice a week, educational programming in leadership development, nutrition education, ham radio instruction, and a summer camp for kids. The Filling Station works in partnership with local churches, government agencies, and community organizations to strengthen food security and build community resilience in rural Eastern North Carolina.

https://fillingstation1075.com/the-filling-station-celebrates-historic-ribbon-cutting-for-new-warehouse-facility/