SPUD Patrol of Asheville’s website says they will get out to distribute potatoes comes rain or shine, and now they can add “snow” to that promise. According to Chuck Hunner of SPUD Patrol of Asheville, SPUD Patrol is still planning on distributing potatoes at A-Hope and in Pritchard Park today, January 30th, despite the conditions. “The only thing that will keep me from doing it is if electricity fails and I can’t cook’em, or, my car won’t get up the hill to the main road. But I’m confident that we’ll make it,” said Mr. Hunner.
Due to the inclement weather, he is not sure how many people they will see today to serve, but they will be at A-Hope and serving around 10:45 am. Once finished there, operations will move to Pritchard Park where they will serve starting around noon. Says Hunner of the possible turnout, “We’ll see what kind of response we get. If no one is out looking for spuds, we’ll pack up early and come home.”
Should he find himself with a load of loaded baked potatoes if he cannot make it downtown, or if no one comes to get them, Hunner plans on donating them to Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM).
SPUD Patrol (Serving Potatoes to Unrecognized Devas) is a nonprofit international organization that serves potatoes to the homeless on the Saturday closest to each full moon. Hunner says that SPUD Patrol of Asheville has about five core volunteers, but added that those who come to eat, frequently step up themselves to help serve. The last time they served potatoes about seventy people showed up to eat.
“We prefer to serve spuds unaffiliated with any institutions. These are just spuds, lovingly prepared in our home kitchens, given without any strings attached to hungry people. We’d like to see more volunteers bring spuds and come help.”
For more information about SPUD Patrol of Asheville contact Chuck & Annette Hunner at 828-216-1422 or hunner@charter.net.
