Volunteers load potatoes during a previous potato drop at Grace United Methodist Church. This year, people can pick up a load of potatoes for free from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 9, or until supplies run out.
DAILY JOURNAL FILE PHOTO
Thousands of pounds of potatoes are on their way to Franklin.
And just in time for holiday baking, the community is invited to pick up a bag for free.
Grace United Methodist will again host its potato drop from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, or until organizers run out of supplies. The church has arranged to have tons of potatoes available; all participants need to do is drive up to the church at 1300 E. Adams St. and have a sack loaded into their car.
With many people in the community struggling to feed themselves and their families this holiday season, the distribution has become a Grace United Methodist Church tradition to help people meet a need with a food source that can be used in so many different ways.
The church has hosted the potato distribution since 2012. The event started as an outreach of its men’s ministry, as they ordered the potatoes from Wisconsin, helped unload them in the church parking lot and organized the drive-up distribution for people.
Donations and support from the church community helps to pay for the potatoes, and ensures that people who need them can pick them up for free.
No registration is necessary — people who arrive at the church on Saturday will be directed to its east parking lot, where volunteers will direct the cars and distribute the potatoes.
The distribution will happen regardless of the weather, and people are encouraged to come earlier in the morning if they can.
