This holiday season remember those less fortunate
As we take time to celebrate with our families this holiday season, don’t forget to lend a helping hand to your neighbors in need. Presents are nice but a giving to those less fortunate than ourselves can change a life. The Bible has many verses about helping others. A few of my favorites are:
Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Luke 6:38 Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
There are many local groups doing good all year round who would appreciate a donation or even a volunteer spending a few hours helping out.
Carolina Kids and The Kids Closet of Darlington County
Carolina Kids is an all-volunteer organization serving economically disadvantaged children in the Darlington County School District by providing food, clothing and school supplies. Programs include: The Kids Closet, Hunger Busters (weekend food bag program) Backpack Program, and Everyone Should Go – monetary assistance for field trips. The Kids Closet in Darlington collects donations of clean, gently used, good quality and “kid-approved” clothing for students of all ages. The children are able to “shop” with vouchers provided by the guidance departments at their schools. Arrangements to make donations of new or gently worn clothing appropriate for students K – 12th grade, monetary and/or gift cards may be arranged by contacting Kids Closet at: 843-858-8038. Monetary donations may be sent to: Kids Closet 72 Public Square, Darlington, SC 29532.
Hartsville Soup Kitchen Mission
Many faithful volunteers of the churches and businesses in the Hartsville area support the Hartsville Soup Kitchen Mission. This mission is headed by Wesley UMC and is supported by donations to serve a hearty hot, nutritious lunch Monday through Friday. The meals are shared after the group in attendance has a group prayer. No one is turned away. To make a donation, make checks payable to Hartsville Soup Kitchen Mission c/o Wesley United Methodist Church, 145 E College Avenue, Hartsville, SC, 29550.
The Lord Cares
Once a need has been established, The Lord Cares assists people with food, electricity bills, and medical prescriptions and occasionally doctor bills The ministry is 100 percent volunteer run. To make a donation, make checks payable to The Lord Cares, and mail to: The Lord Cares Ministry, P. O. Box 1457, Darlington, SC 29540. Their phone number is: 843-395-1001. Donations may also be made during office hours Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at 201 Grove St. in Darlington.
The Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County
The Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County is an interdenominational Christian ministry which provides free medical care, medications, and pastoral support to Darlington County residents who are ineligible for Medicaid, who are without the financial resources to afford such care, and/or who have no medical insurance. It is intended that this clinic ministry will be a place where the medically needy will be provided preventive measures, patient education, and periodic health maintenance procedures. To make a contribution by mail, send your check to: Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County, 203 Grove Street, Darlington, SC 29532.
Darlington County Habitat for Humanity
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Darlington County Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Darlington County Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seek to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. Donations to their two ReStores help raise funds to build these homes, and are located at 1106 S. Main Street in Darlington, phone: 843-944-0314; and 120 Washington St. in Hartsville, open Monday thru Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Call 843-383-8517 to arrange a donation pickup in Darlington County. Donations may be mailed to: Darlington County Habitat for Humanity P.O. Box 1983 120 W. Washington Hartsville, SC 29551-1983 Tel: 843-383-8500. Habitat is always in need of volunteers to help build these homes, so contact them if you have a specific talent, or if you are willing and able to take direction, the teams will find a job for you.
