The definition of yokefellow varies from its biblical use: Each of us is to be a yokefellow with Jesus Christ, take my yoke upon you and learn of me, wherein Paul, in Philippians 4:3, referred to one of his fellow workers as a yokefellow. When referring to the Yokefellow Ministries of Iredell County, perhaps one of the best definitions is two or more comrades working together for a common goal, or a team making strengths productive and weaknesses irrelevant.

Neil Furr, executive director of Yokefellow Ministries for the past year, refers to the agency as “Your Yokefellow,” and he explains why. “We assist locally and every penny made from the thrift store, after the overhead is met, stays here in Iredell County.” The mission of the Yokefellow Assist Center is to help with food, utilities, rent and essentials of life. The thrift store, located at 1386 Shelton Avenue, provides food, furniture and clothing. The proceeds from the sale of these items can help pay someone’s rent or utilities. “The declining economy has increased demand,” Furr says. “The number of families seeking assistance is growing and, although the organization doesn’t have a great amount of funding, no one is turned away. If necessary, we will team up with other ministries to help pay someone’s electrical bill or rent,” Furr adds. “The largest needs are usually food and utility payments.”

The location on Shelton Avenue has been a blessing to the team of both paid and volunteer staff. They moved into the building three years ago, but recently have completed renovations. Charlene Howard has been with the agency for four years and remembers what the old building on Mulberry Street was like. “We had no heating or air conditioning and it was really just an old warehouse,” she recalls. “Our location on Shelton Avenue is much better for shoppers. We have wider aisles, many extra yards of shelves, good quality stuff now and many new shoppers looking for unique or different items. We have good workers who are able to assist more folks.”

Although Furr points out that the organization is a non-profit, it also is a business and must be treated as one. “We always have to be aware of the bottom line,” Furr says. “Volunteers in the store are essential in helping the store to be profitable. With our small staff it is very difficult for us to get everything done that needs to be. Extra hands are needed to help us keep the store picked up and clean, to pick up all those very valuable donations out in the community and to assist people who bring their donations in.”

“Also, we always need volunteers to help in the food pantry or to interview families to determine their need,” Furr adds. “Not only do these folks need our financial assistance, but a lot of them, just as badly, need somebody with a kind heart who is willing to listen to them. You’d be amazed at how much volunteering just three hours a week can mean.”

Furr also reminds us that there is a real need right now for large items for the store. “We are more than happy to come out to pick up furniture, appliances and even large amounts of small items for the thrift store. If you have a yard sale and a lot left over, let us know. We make it as easy as possible and all donors have to do is call us at 704-872-1459 or 704-872-7677.” It not only helps citizens by cleaning out their attic or basement, but also will go to someone who can put the item to good use.

One of Furr’s favorite things to remind the community, “We are ‘your’ store and we love to use ‘your’ recycled items to help ‘your’ neighbors right here at home.” That is what makes the organization “Your Yokefellow.”