Michelle Reedy of Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry stood in the 4H Youth Center in Columbus Dec. 8 surrounded by bikes, gloves, teddy bears and basketballs, knowing there were likely still families out there that needed help.
“I know we haven’t reached them all but we did our best,” she said. “I had a counselor call me today asking if a child was on our list and they weren’t but we’ll pull some things together for them.”
Although Outreach no longer needs toys, it desperately needs firewood and canned goods.
Dec. 12 at the Saluda Board of Commissioners meeting, city staff member Erny Williams asked that the council approve a $1,000 donation for the toy drive there. He said 19 Saluda families are looking for help this year and the $1,200 that had been donated just wasn’t likely to cover Christmas for all of them. The fire department also knew of five other families that needed help as well.
As you can see, our neighbors are still in need and Christmas is right around the corner.
This season is not and should not be about material things but for a child it’s hard to get passed over, not having something under your tree when all of your friends do.
If you can find it in your heart to dig a bit deeper this season, please do. Find an organization that needs help even if it’s not in a monetary way. Kiwanis members will be ringing the Salvation Army bell at IGA today and the Shepherd’s Feast continues to seek volunteers.
— Editorial staff, Tryon Daily Bulletin