Business Details
9 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Community Support Services in Pollocksville, NC
Filling Station was founded in 2017 with a mission to address unmet needs in nutrition, education, and community connection for residents of Jones County. Originally housed in a repurposed propane company building, the organization quickly became a vital community hub, providing disaster relief during Hurricane Florence in 2018 and serving over 10,000 individuals through partnerships with local churches and organizations. Our Food Pantry operates two days weekly, distributing essential groceries to thousands of households annually. Beyond immediate aid, we foster long-term community resilience through educational programs like tutoring, leadership training, and amateur radio licensing classes. Our partnerships with entities like the New Bern Amateur Radio Club enhance emergency preparedness, while initiatives such as the Leadership Jones Grassroots Leadership Academy empower residents to drive local solutions.With over 75 volunteers and hundreds of donors, we combine grassroots efforts with strategic collaboration to maximize resources without duplicating services. Our history of crisis response and ongoing commitment to holistic support reflect our vision of connecting people with resources to strengthen Jones County. We prioritize transparency, community engagement, and sustainable partnerships to ensure lasting impact. From disaster relief to daily food assistance, Filling Station remains dedicated to bridging gaps and building a connected, empowered community.
Services
Food Pantry
Nutrition Programs
Educational Tutoring
Leadership Training
Emergency Relief
Amateur Radio Licensing
Community Connection
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We specialize in addressing unmet needs in nutrition, education, and community connection.
- Our team has over 7 years of experience serving Jones County residents.
- We offer disaster relief services in partnership with local emergency management.
- Our programs include food distribution, leadership training, and educational support.
- We maintain partnerships with 13 local churches and 250+ donors nationwide.
Services
Food Pantry
Our Food Pantry provides essential groceries to Jones County residents in need. Operating two days weekly, we distribute food boxes through drive-thru service, prioritizing accessibility and efficiency. This program serves as our core initiative for addressing nutritional insecurity in the community.
Leadership Training
The Leadership Jones Grassroots Leadership Academy develops local leaders through six-week training programs. Funded by Chick-Fil-A and State Employees Credit Union, this initiative teaches communication skills and community problem-solving to empower residents to create lasting change.
Emergency Relief
We serve as a disaster relief center for Jones County, coordinating emergency resources during crises. Our partnership with the New Bern Amateur Radio Club enhances communication capabilities, while our experience responding to Hurricane Florence demonstrates our capacity to mobilize volunteers and supplies rapidly.
Educational Tutoring
Our tutoring program supports local schools with volunteer-led reading sessions and academic assistance. Volunteers work directly with Pollocksville Elementary and Comfort Elementary students, focusing on literacy development through structured story time and personalized instruction.
Amateur Radio Licensing
We offer Technician License classes preparing individuals for amateur radio certification. The curriculum covers radio fundamentals, safety protocols, and FCC regulations through weekly sessions taught by licensed instructors, culminating in official certification exams.
People
Mary Ann LeRay
Executive Director
Mary Ann LeRay leads Filling Station as Executive Director, hosting community podcasts and overseeing operations. With experience managing disaster relief efforts since 2017, she connects residents with resources through innovative programs and strategic partnerships across Jones County.
Questions
What services does The Filling Station offer?
We provide food assistance, educational programs, leadership training, amateur radio licensing, and emergency relief services to Jones County residents.
How can I access food pantry services?
Visit our drive-thru Food Pantry on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 AM. First-time clients complete a registration form available online or by calling 252-224-1127.
Does The Filling Station offer volunteer opportunities?
Yes! We need volunteers for food distribution, tutoring, and program support. Complete our online volunteer form to get involved.
How did The Filling Station start?
Founded in 2017 in a former propane building, our name reflects both the location's history and our mission to 'fill' unmet community needs in nutrition, education, and connection.
What emergency services do you provide?
We serve as Jones County's disaster relief center, coordinating resources during crises like Hurricane Florence and partnering with emergency management for communication support.
Reviews (5)
John H.
Aug 04, 2021
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Great little lunch spot and the service was probably the best I have had anywhere. Stopped in this week while I'm town for work, tea never got below half and my food was out in a flash even tho they were packed when I got there!
Craig S.
Jul 15, 2019
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Fyi: Cash only
It's a bit of a blast from the past. The dinner really feels like the 80s. They serve standard diner breakfast/lunch items at yesterday's prices. The staff is very friendly and attentive.
It's definitely worth checking out if you're on a road trip and seeking something more county authentic. Unless you're passing through on the weekends since they're only open on weekdays.
It's a bit of a blast from the past. The dinner really feels like the 80s. They serve standard diner breakfast/lunch items at yesterday's prices. The staff is very friendly and attentive.
It's definitely worth checking out if you're on a road trip and seeking something more county authentic. Unless you're passing through on the weekends since they're only open on weekdays.
Klaus N.
Jun 01, 2018
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A nice find on our way to the beach. Nothing fancy but good food and Very friendly staff and clean. Mostly locals seem to eat here. I had a pork chop sandwich that reminded me of my childhood in TN. :)
I will defiantly stop by again. Thanks Y'all!
I will defiantly stop by again. Thanks Y'all!
Jennifer H.
Feb 15, 2018
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O dear lord. This spot is the best. Everything I ate was fantastic. I ate my boyfriends food and mine. And we both got dessert. But amazing. I can't rave enough about this place.
Cami N.
Oct 17, 2017
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Very GOOD lunch spot in Kenansville! Cheeseburger was tasty, friends and I shared, fries, onion rings and potato popper sides. All cooked perfectly, onion rings I could bite without the whole onion ring pulling out, they were just right! Poppers had a light kick from the jalepeno, delicious, and fries had crunchy outsides, soft insides, another just right! I and my friends recommend you drive past the fast food and come here.
