THOMASVILLE- The Thomas County Food Bank and Outreach Center recently held an appreciation luncheon for their volunteers, honoring the organization’s past presidents with a plaque that will now be a permanent fixture at the Center.

A community lifeline that’s been serving neighbors for more than 25 years, the Food Bank and Outreach Center helps thousands in the community.

According to Jerilyn Falconer, in the mid-1990s, First Methodist Church had the opportunity to purchase the building across the street from the church campus.

“The trustees had their eyes on the space to use as a parking space, but at that time, they had the building inspected and saw it was sound,” Falconer said.

At the time of the inspection, church member Maryline Smith was assisting a committee in looking for ways to give back and serve the community.

“They began evaluating what needed to be done and it didn’t take them long to see there were a lot of people in Thomas County who didn’t know where their next meal is coming from,” Falconer said.

It was then Smith and her committee presented the idea for a food bank to be put in place at 420 N. Broad St.

At the time, there weren’t many food banks, but Smith and her committee visited locations throughout South Georgia to understand the operations and get an idea of what was needed to make their vision a reality.

In June 1998, the Thomas County Food Bank opened its doors with Smith as its President and an all-volunteer staff.

Since that day, the staff has remained all volunteers. However, Smith took a step down from her Presidency in 2012, passing the torch to fellow volunteer Janice Anderson, who served until 2024.

Reflecting on the early days of Smith’s leadership, Falconer said she served passionately, immersing herself in the community and ensuring the leaders of Thomasville and Thomas County knew of the work the Food Bank was doing and how they could help.

“Because of that foundation, we have great support from our community,” Falconer said.

With a firm foundation paved by Smith, Anderson slipped seamlessly into the role of President, following the years of service she had poured in working alongside Smith.

“Long before she worked at the food bank, she was already in service to other people,” Falconer said. “But, she brought something new to the food bank and had a gift for seeing talent in other people.”

Anderson served the Food Bank during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her direction, she and fellow volunteers created a drive-thru food bank, ensuring no one would go without it.

“Some of those policies instituted are still used today to help us be more efficient and effective as we go about our work,” Falconer said.

To celebrate the work of these two forward-thinking women, who have selflessly devoted their time and energy to provide for others, the Thomas County Food Bank unveiled a plaque that will now hang in their honor at the Food Bank.

While both of the women received a special recognition, Falconer said the event was meant to celebrate all of the volunteers who work behind the scenes virtually every day of the week.

The volunteers not only help with the Food Bank but also provide coats from October- December.

In 2024, volunteers provided 1,252 coats, 474 blankets, and 50 sleeping bags to homeless clients.

“Because of what you volunteers have contributed, the Board has been able to spend 90% of its expenditures on direct client services,” Falconer said. “We can’t thank you enough for what you do.”

Concluding Falconer’s remarks, Anderson shared her appreciation for the kind words, but especially acknowledged Smith for “seeing the light and envisioning what could be.”

Anderson said she sat next to Smith in church, which is when her involvement began, but she has never looked back, as the experience of serving her community has been wonderful.