Customers look through the racks of clothes in the thrift store at the Community Ministry of North Augusta.BILL CLARK/STAFF

Ministry helps those who need it

Web posted September 22, 1997

By Pat Willis
South Carolina Bureau

NORTH AUGUSTA -- Every Wednesday morning, people begin filing into a nondescript building at 103 Five Notch Road in North Augusta to receive provisions to help them through another week.

Young and old, these are people who have fallen through society's safety net and they are coming to Community Ministry of North Augusta to be helped through the hard times.

``The number varies because we furnish temporary help,'' said Sally Bigger, a board member helping out in the brown bag program. ``Sometimes they are waiting for their food stamp program to begin or their first unemployment check to arrive.''

Neither Mrs. Bigger nor Nancy Thornton, manager of the food pantry, can find a discernible increase in the number of clients since the welfare reform bills were passed by the state and federal governments. Both note that the numbers have been fairly consistent through the decade of the ministry's existence.

The numbers served each week varies. Each person served is interviewed by a volunteer from one of the 17 churches in the North Augusta/Belvedere area that sponsors the ministry. In fact, most of the work of the agency is done by volunteers. Only Mildred Weeks, thrift store manager, and Otis Glover, building supervisor, are currently employed on a part-time basis.

The director's job, a part-time position, is currently unfilled after the resignation of Elizabeth Evans in May of this year. Mrs. Evans, who succeeded longtime director Sheilah Shields, resigned for health and family reasons.

Being without a director has somewhat handicapped the service, but Mrs. Bigger is confident that the work of the organization will continue as usual until the right person is found.

``I know there's a person out there who's looking for a part-time job that's just right for him or her,'' Mrs. Bigger said.

``It would be some one with a volunteer's spirit and a``combined public relations officer and manager.''

The ministry serves a good deal more people than those who come for the weekly bag of groceries. In June and July, 170 people came to the center for help. Utility bills were paid for 25 people, and 32 bags of emergency food were provided.

Much of the food for the pantry comes from Golden Harvest at 14 cents a pound but a portion of it is contributed by individuals and retail businesses. Last Wednesday, Mrs. Thornton and other volunteers were distributing bread donated by a local supermarket and fresh pears from an area resident.

Each member church contributes 30 cents per member annually to the ministry's budget. The thrift shop, another important source of revenue, brought in a little over $4,500 for June and July, but it is also the source of emergency clothing.