Morris Bank recently presented a check for $3,739.22 to J.O.Y. Foods in Dublin, along with donated items to help restock their shelves. These donations were collected and raised during the annual Shamrock Your Ride event, hosted by Morris Bank to kickstart this year’s St. Patrick’s festivities. 

J.O.Y. Foods is one of the Laurens Baptist Association’s ministries to support residents in Laurens County, operating primarily from donations received throughout our community. “With the heightened food prices, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of clients we serve,” said Kim Rowland, J.O.Y. Foods Director. “What used to be a 30-day wait time for an appointment has now turned into 60 and even 90 days because our clientele has grown exponentially.” The donations J.O.Y. Foods receives from both individuals and organizations within the community are vital to helping meet the needs of those they serve.

“Each year during this time, our staff votes on the recipient of our Shamrock Your Ride event,” said Roger Miller, Market President for Morris Bank. “Our team was aware of the needs of J.O.Y. Foods, and we wanted to show our support for all they do to care for those in our community.” This donation was made possible through t-shirt sales, donations from staff to wear blue jeans on Fridays, and of course the shamrock decal sales. “It’s truly a community effort. We’d like to thank each of you who come out to purchase shamrocks year-over-year; it really is neat to see all of the green support as you drive through town.”

If you’re interested in helping J.O.Y. Foods meet the needs of our community, please consider donating food items, providing funds to purchase items and equipment, and giving your time. Volunteers are always welcome Tuesday – Thursday each week from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Kim Rowland closed by saying “I prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know what we need, and you know when we need it.’ God always comes through right on time.”