Sumter United Ministries seeing overwhelming need for heating assistance as annual Fireside Fund kicks off
It is difficult to put into words what the last few days have been like at the Crisis Relief Ministry. The crowds that have visited our building have not only been above average, but have also really put to a test our very structure and procedure as a ministry.
Since we are a "walk-in" ministry, what do you do when the numbers of people visiting exceed your ability to interview or even field questions in a reasonable time frame? It reminds me of the time Jesus was pressed by the crowds and took it all in, encouraging his disciples to pray for more workers. I cannot imagine what our days would be like without the volunteers who give so selflessly.
To measure how our community feels about their circumstances and the outlook for the future, we would need to base our response on the conversations that take place daily here. People seem tired, frustrated and worried. We have not really experienced a sustained cold spell, preventing too many interviews requesting heat assistance so far. Those days are coming as the temperatures will surely be changing, some forecasts predicting a more severe winter than usual for the southeastern U.S.
Your gift does matter! Each time we are able to provide assistance financially, we are providing assurances, comfort and pointing to a peace that is not superficial. The community of neighbors in need are looking to Sumter United Ministries more than ever before.
For the young single parent of one child who lost her job when her employer downsized, it mattered that we were able to help her. For the man in his 50s who is living on a small disability income with his disabled wife, knowing that his electricity would not be disconnected mattered to him, too. It is the method by which he heats his home, after all.
Recently, I encouraged my church to "keep the good going." It is because Paul warned us in Galatians to not grow weary of doing the right things. There may be many frustrations and challenges, but we must keep doing good works. If there was ever a time to care about a stranger, make a generous donation or spend some time volunteering to listen and encourage, now is the time. More than ever, now is the time to do good. Thank you for contributing to the Fireside Fund!
Kevin Howell is the director of the Crisis Relief Ministry at Sumter United Ministries.
ABOUT THE FIRESIDE FUND
Each winter since 1969, The Sumter Item has run a fundraiser to collect money from its readers to be donated entirely to Sumter United Ministries.
The faith-based nonprofit provides emergency and life-rebuilding services ranging from food, shelter and clothing to final notice bill pay, access to educational opportunities and a medical clinic. The Sumter Item recognizes and appreciates every ministry their staff and volunteers run, but the Fireside Fund was created to focus on one area that becomes critical for the next few months: heat.
Every penny donated will directly help people who live in Sumter by preventing heating services from being turned off, allowing access to propane or other heating sources and, when enough funding is available and the need is there, funding long-term housing fixes to make homes more efficient.
IN HONOR OF
Each year, The Item's leadership team picks a person who has recently passed away to which the year's campaign will be dedicated. The person honored is someone who made a positive impact in the community, whether through service or philanthropy, business or community leadership.
If you think about the impact the Rev. William Samuel Randolph imparted in terms of civic service, entrepreneurialism, faith leadership and human rights, he checked all the boxes.
The now-late uncle of current Sumter City Councilman James B. Blassingame moved to Sumter to attend Morris College. His legacy is as a pastor of First Baptist Missionary Church for 47 years, owner and operator of Randolph General Construction Co. and city councilman from 1987 to 2008, including mayor pro tempore for 19 of those years. His civil rights legacy is the 1961 S.C. Supreme Court case that, while he was arrested 11 times in the fight for racial equality, was pivotal in charges being dropped for several civil rights activists.
Randolph died Sept. 17 at the age of 88.
New donations as of Nov. 22: Tammy & Harvey Achziger, in memory of Dr. J. Grady Locklear, $50; Tammy & Harvey Achziger, in memory of Mr. Wayne Morris, $40; Tammy & Harvey Achziger, in memory of Ms. Shirley Hurst, $30; Harold and Susan Chandler, $400; and James Brown, in honor of Sammy Way, $50.