Lake Wylie church donates half ton of toilet paper to Clover center

New River Church delivered more than half a ton of toilet to Clover Area Assistance Center.

The “Tower of Toilet Paper” collected in one by members of the church at 133 Carroll Cove Road totaled 4,800 rolls weighing 1,200 pounds.

“Whenever we turn to New River Church for help, the staff and parishioners go above and beyond in fulfilling our needs,’ said Karen van Vierssen, CAAC executive director. “This is exactly what ‘Keep It Local’ is all about.”

Van Vierssen said the donation should last into the fall.

In November, New River Church planned a food drive and brought in more than two tons of food. The Rev. Kevin Layne is already looking at the possibility of sponsoring another drive.

CAAC started its Keep It Local: Feed the Need in OUR Community after its separation from Second Harvest Food Bank in 2015. The campaign encourages individuals, businesses, churches and civic organizations to keep resources local to help neighbors in the Clover School District and bring awareness that food and money donated outside of the area do not come back to support local needs.

Campaign coordinator Connie Johnson developed a plan to expand the campaign to include a packet with brochures and posters, and a handbook on how to hold a food drive, along with other ways to make a difference. Materials should be ready to distribute next month.

“The need never stops. Hunger doesn’t take a vacation. It is critical that CAAC knows, and can anticipate, where food is coming from and when,” Johnson said.

Johnson plans to keep a running list of needed items.

CAAC is at 1130 Highway 55 E. in Clover. It is the largest Full Choice Pantry in western York County. Each month, CAAC provides food, paper products and toiletry items to more than 300 families. CAAC provides financial assistance for utilities and other basic needs, as well as limited medical care and a full range of dental services for uninsured adults. The goal is to assist people in moving from dependence to self-sufficiency.

For more information on donating or how to get involved, call 803-222-4837 or email keepitlocalcaac@gmail.com.

This story was originally published July 11, 2016 at 10:52 AM with the headline "Lake Wylie church donates half ton of toilet paper to Clover center."