
Potato Project
needs your help
By Doug Sharp
The Cleveland County Potato Project is asking for help from the community. Dry weather conditions have prevented the growth of tender young sweet potato slips. A three-acre plot has been plowed up and replanted. This site has totally missed all the rain that most of the county has enjoyed. Re-planting is an extra expense for the project, and they are asking for financial donations to offset this cost.
Approximately $3,000 is needed for this purpose. We have been asked, “why bother?” The reason is simple; this is our most productive plot. For the past three years this one plot has produced over 40,000 pounds per year. When you consider that this will give you 120,000 servings, the cost is much cheaper than buying potatoes. Keep in mind, sweet potatoes are one of the most nutritional foods from the garden.
When people ask if the senior citizens who lead this project are crazy, most would answer, “Of course.” But they may be motivated by the story a lady told as she was picking up a box of sweet potatoes. Seems she had been caring for three small grandchildren for a period of time and the only food they had was our sweet potatoes.
“Over the course of the past 12 years you hear numerous stories like that, and it makes you thankful for having good food available at all times. So, growing potatoes and giving them away is a small way of expressing appreciation”, a quote from Bill McMurrey, a long-time volunteer.
Anyone or any group wishing to contribute may do so by saying a prayer, volunteering, or donating. Donation may be made by sending a check to CCPP, 107 Quail Hollow Dr., Kings Mtn., NC, 28087. If you see a Potato Project volunteers working in a field, be sure to blow your vehicle’s horn as you pass: it gives workers a bit of cheer from your support.
The Cleveland County Potato Project is asking for help from the community. Dry weather conditions have prevented the growth of tender young sweet potato slips. A three-acre plot has been plowed up and replanted. This site has totally missed all the rain that most of the county has enjoyed. Re-planting is an extra expense for the project, and they are asking for financial donations to offset this cost.
Approximately $3,000 is needed for this purpose. We have been asked, “why bother?” The reason is simple; this is our most productive plot. For the past three years this one plot has produced over 40,000 pounds per year. When you consider that this will give you 120,000 servings, the cost is much cheaper than buying potatoes. Keep in mind, sweet potatoes are one of the most nutritional foods from the garden.
When people ask if the senior citizens who lead this project are crazy, most would answer, “Of course.” But they may be motivated by the story a lady told as she was picking up a box of sweet potatoes. Seems she had been caring for three small grandchildren for a period of time and the only food they had was our sweet potatoes.
“Over the course of the past 12 years you hear numerous stories like that, and it makes you thankful for having good food available at all times. So, growing potatoes and giving them away is a small way of expressing appreciation”, a quote from Bill McMurrey, a long-time volunteer.
Anyone or any group wishing to contribute may do so by saying a prayer, volunteering, or donating. Donation may be made by sending a check to CCPP, 107 Quail Hollow Dr., Kings Mtn., NC, 28087. If you see a Potato Project volunteers working in a field, be sure to blow your vehicle’s horn as you pass: it gives workers a bit of cheer from your support.