Potato Project seeks help feed needy of Cleveland Co.

By Loretta Cozart

The fourteenth year of the Cleveland County Potato Project is nearing its mid-point, so the Herald checked in with Doug Sharp (co-founder of the Potato Project) on the progress. Below is what he shared:

These are long-time growers of agricultural products, All had occupations, but are mostly retired. Their zeal to be good stewards led them to the Potato Project.

2133 people with food. That is roughly 25 percent of all the people living in Kings Mountain. The organization helps families with See CRISIS, Page 5A

White potatoes were planted in late March and will be ready for harvest in a couple of weeks. White potatoes were planted in partnership with Travis Mangum Associates, North Shelby School, and local Civitan Clubs. Mangum Associates have pretty much cared for this planting.

Sweet potato responsibility has shifted toward Norman Sellers and a group of people who share a passion for feeding people.

For the first time since the pandemic, assistance is coming from the Baptist Work Camp in Shelby. Use of these volunteers will help reduce the cost of labor, but volunteers are still needed, and wanted.

Deer have become a growing threat to the Potato Projects’ sweet potatoes. Last year two sites were completely wiped out by these creatures. Dogs from a nearby residence prevented a total wash out. If anyone knows a barking

Just a few benefits of Dental Implants: dog that would like to live in a sweet potato patch for the next three months, the help would be appreciated. Doug shared, “We always need contributions. If you would like to contribute, you may do so by mailing a check to Doug Sharp, 107 Quail Hollow Drive, Kings Mtn, 28086, NC. Be assured that all monies will be used to feed needy people in Cleveland County.”

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Thomas A. Tate Sr.

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Thomas A. Tate Sr., 96, of Kings Mountain, NC passed away on June

6, 2023 at Testa Hospice House in Kings Mountain, NC.

He was born in Shelby, NC to Thomas Coy and Edith Campbell Tate. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Janet Hord Tate, a son, Tommy Tate Jr., 4 brothers and 3 sisters.

He dropped out of school and joined the US Navy after memorizing the eye chart and was medically discharged when he was found out. Tom was then drafted into the Army earning the rank of M/Sgt. nine months later. After serving his tour of duty in Germany he returned to Cleveland County and obtained his GED.

In 1954 he entered Appa- lachian State Teachers College and in the fall of that year he married Janet Hord Tate. He worked two jobs while earning his business degree. After graduating in 1957 he went to work at Watson Insurance Agency in Gastonia. In 1959 he went to work at Home Savings and Loan. This was what he knew he wanted to do. It has always given him great pleasure to be able to help people and especially to help people establish new homes and save for the future. He was a member of Kings Mountain Baptist Church, where he was active, serving as treasurer and deacon. His community service included secretary/ treasurer of Kings Mountain Rotary Club, United Fund Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees of Kings Mountain Hospital serving as chairman several times. Tom was instrumental in founding White Plains Shrine Club. He was truly a man that exemplified his Christian faith. He not only talked the talk but also walked the walk and was a great example to his family and friends. After retirement he loved to play golf, work in the yard and eat at Linwood restaurant. Left to cherish his memory are daughters Jane Williams (Bob), Roxanne

ARRESTS

Tate, Son Dexter C. Tate Sr. (Jerri). His grandchildren, Samantha Tate, Cati Tate, Courtney Humphries (Daniel), Cline Tate (Kacey). Great Grandchildren, Gabriel Crotts, Sophia Crotts, Luke Humphries, Hayden Humphries, Addisyn Humphries, Aurora Nascimento, and Cade Tate. Special nieces family, Brian and Cindy Cook, Macy Gordon (Alex), Britt Cook, Brayden Cook, and Clayton Cook.

A graveside service with Masonic rites was held on Friday June 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Mountain Rest Cemetery with Pastor Tim Whitesides officiating.

Visitiation was held on Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harris Funeral Home.

Interment was held in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.

Memorials may be made to Kings Mountain Baptist Church Stain Glass Fund at PO Box 608, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 or to VIA Health Partners (Hospice of Cleveland County) at 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.

Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services , Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.