Rutherford County at Its Best

On April 12, 2026, officers with the Spindale Police Department responded to a welfare check. Upon arrival, they made contact with a resident who shared he did not have food and was in need of assistance.

Thanks to the strength of local community partnerships, officers quickly reached out for support. Maw-Maw’s Cheer stepped in without hesitation, providing food for the elderly gentleman—even late into the evening.

This is what community is all about: neighbors helping neighbors and organizations working together to make a difference. The Spindale Police Department is proud to serve alongside such compassionate and dedicated partners.

As gas prices continue to rise and grocery costs climb even higher, more Rutherford County residents are turning to community organizations for help. One of those resources is Washburn Community Outreach, located at 2934 Piney Mountain Church Road in Bostic. The outreach is a ministry of Salem United Methodist Church and operates as a 501(c)(3) under the United Methodist Church.

Washburn Community Outreach is supported by volunteers, private donations, and proceeds from items sold onsite. Funds raised are used to purchase food for distribution boxes that are provided to Rutherford County residents in need.

Those wishing to donate items can place them in the blue donation box outside the facility or drop them off during operating hours—Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the second Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Food boxes are distributed every Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.