The battle against donation drop-off

Local charities face calm after holiday surge

December 30, 2006

By BOBBY HARRELL
Index-Journal staff writer

Phyllis Zuehlke gave the servers their final instructions, then began letting in the people lined up Friday outside Soup Kitchen Ministries near East Cambridge Avenue.
The line didn’t really surprise Zuehlke, the director for Fridays at the soup kitchen.
After all, the kitchen serves on average 85 people a day, five days a week.
What really got Zuehlke’s attention were the 13 boxes of assorted canned goods from Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church the kitchen received on Friday.
Donations normally drop off right after Christmas, she said.
Many charities in the Lakelands see a surge in donations during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, then deal with helping those in need with dwindling supplies and sporadic donations the other 363 days of the year.
Some organizations, such as the soup kitchen and the Humane Society of Greenwood, depend on the larger donations on the holidays to sustain them throughout the year.
Karen Pettay, Humane Society director, said the animal shelter leans heavily on end-of-the-year donations.
“If we didn’t get that, we would really be in a poor position,” she said. “No pun intended.”
She usually sees people donate more near Christmas, but isn’t picky about when people give.
“I don’t care what day they get it in,” Pettay said. “We need it.”
Cat litter, cleaning supplies, animal treats and cash donations for better equipment are what the Humane Society usually needs.
The animal shelter usually sees a resurgence in donations around April, when the charity begins to run low on funds.
Zuehlke said the soup kitchen’s shelves are stocked now, but will empty in the next few months and won’t be filled again until about Easter. She said that while the soup kitchen needs the larger holiday donations, having more food drives, such as a “Christmas in July” food drive, would help out in the long run.
The soup kitchen also gets donations occasionally from local organizations and from hunters who donate fresh meat, Zuehlke said.
Local restaurants such as Long John Silver’s, Pizza Hut and Chick-fil-A donate food as well.
“I wish more of our businesses would help us this way,” Zuehlke said.
Other charities, including the United Way, don’t depend on Christmas donations, said Chris DiCarlo, president and CEO of the United Way in Greenwood and Abbeville Counties. Normally, the United Way raises its money in the fall.
DiCarlo said charities usually see a small spike in donations around the end-of-the-year because of tax deductions.
Pettay said some people remember to donate to national and international charities, but forget to give to local charities, which might be in more need.

New name, new location

Crisis pregnancy center settling into new home

December 30, 2006

By ERIN LONG
Index-Journal staff writer

The Crossroads Pregnancy Center, formerly the Greenwood Women’s Center, moved to its new location on Reynolds Avenue in August. Inside are offices, a kitchen where cooking classes are taught, a large meeting room, and two private counseling rooms.
Every year, about 700 women visit the center for guidance and aid.
The mellow, butter-colored walls and dark burgundy shades give the center a quiet, secluded atmosphere. Director Jessica Brooks says the staff tries to make the center a place of peace.
The center’s day-to-day operations are handled by just three women — Brooks, assistant director Karen Neelands and Judy Van Winkle, who manages client services.
Each of these women offers a deep empathy to their clients, having experienced teen pregnancy, adoption and abortion first-hand.
In addition to the permanent staff, eight to 10 volunteers help out each week. For large fundraising events, they may have as many as 80 volunteers.
The center is a Christian institution, and as such does not receive federal funding. It depends on donations from individuals, local charitable organizations, and churches. Neelands says “(staffers) welcome everyone” regardless of religious affiliation.
To keep the center open, the women arrange fundraisers throughout the year. There will be a baby shower Jan. 21 at Emerald Baptist Church, where they hope to collect donations for their Hope Chest. They’re also planning a charity golf tournament April 20 at Hunter’s Creek.
The Crossroads Center offers free pregnancy tests and crisis counseling, as well as a variety of classes including prenatal nutrition, labor and delivery, and child care.
A total of 15 weeks of classes are offered. Women (and men) who attend the classes earn “mommy money” that can be used in the center’s shop, which they call their “Hope Chest.” Every class earns a prospective mother or father $10 in credit that can be used to buy anything from diapers to cribs to baby clothes.
“They can learn and earn,” Neelands says. All the contents of the shop are donations, and they do not sell them for actual cash.
Jessica Brooks, the youngest director of a crisis pregnancy center in South Carolina, says clients range from “Gatewood to Gage Street.” According to Brooks, the age range of their clients is from 55 all the way to 11, with an average age of 21.
“There were days when I first started when it was draining,” Brooks says, “physically and emotionally draining.”
Counselors at the center urge prospective mothers to carefully consider all of their options — and the consequences of each choice — before making a decision. They work to build trust and a bond of understanding with their clients, but Neelands admits building trust and bonds of understanding can be difficult.
“You can’t tell everyone the same thing,” she says.
The clients also meet during classes and build support systems. Neelands says this was particularly successful during a recent series of night classes. “People from different walks” get to know each other here, Neelands says.
Brooks and Neelands always advise prospective mothers to talk to a doctor as soon as possible. The center is not a medical facility, and does not offer any medical procedures.

Obituaries

Tillman Davis

James Tillman Davis, 79, resident of 219 Sloan Avenue, husband of Hilda Anderson Davis, died Dec. 29, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greenwood, June 29, 1927, he was a son of the late Willie Lee and Nathalee Fuller Davis. He was a U S Navy Veteran of WW II and retired from Bi-Lo as a produce manager. Mr. Davis was a member of Lowell Street United Methodist Church and the Men’s Bible Class of the church.
Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are a daughter, Peggy D. Andrews and husband, Kenneth of Greenwood; a son, Rev. James R. Davis and wife, Judy of Hemingway; five grandchildren, Jamie Davis, Julie Dykes and husband, Danny, Joy Davis, Jill Davis and Stephanie Frick and husband, Andy; three great-grandchildren, Davis Dykes, Madison Dykes and Amber Ashley.
Funeral services will be conducted at 4 p.m. Sunday at Lowell Street United Methodist Church, with Rev. Richard Waldrep and Rev. Mac Jones officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Danny Dykes, Andy Frick, Jamie Davis, Brian Bishop, Ricky Lowe, Mark Anderson, Pete Peeler and Jerry Hale.
Honorary escort will be members of the Men’s Bible Class of the church.
The family is at the home of Peggy and Kenneth Andrews, 106 Morningside Drive and will receive friends at the church from 3 to 4 Sunday afternoon.
Memorials may be made to Lowell Street United Methodist Church, 300 Lowell Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646 or to Faith Home, PO Box 39, Greenwood, SC 29648.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Davis family.

Norman Higginbotham

Bruce Norman Higginbotham, 60, resident of 225 Sylvan Road, husband of Joyce Stallworth Higginbotham, went to be with his Lord and Savior Dec. 28, 2006 at Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia.
Born in Greenwood, April 17, 1946, he was the son of Bruce N. and Lois Vickery Higginbotham. He was a graduate of Greenwood High School and Piedmont Technical College and was a US Navy Veteran having served during the Vietnam War. Norman retired from the US Postal Service after 36 years of service. Since retirement, he had been employed by Blyth Funeral Home.
A member and former Deacon of Rice Memorial Baptist Church, he was also a member of the Outreach Sunday School Class and the Adults for Joy Seniors Group.
Surviving in addition to his wife of the home and parents of Greenwood are a son, Jeff N. and wife, Melissa Higginbotham of Greenwood and a daughter, Amy Higginbotham Smoak and husband, Bryan of Greenwood; two grandchildren, Zachery Smoak and Ansley Higginbotham.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday at Rice Memorial Baptist Church, with Rev. Alvin Hodges and Rev. Jimmy Tucker officiating.
Burial will be in Oakbrook Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Lee Mayer, Ralph McDaniel, Matt Silcox, John Fradella, David Bumpus, Steve Brown and Mike Sanders.
Honorary escort will be members of the Outreach Sunday School Class.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home and will be placed in the church at 2 p.m. Sunday.
The family is at the home in Avondale and will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 to 7 Saturday evening.
The family requests that flowers be omitted and memorials be made to Rice Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund, 1975 Hwy. 72 West, Greenwood, SC 29649.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Higginbotham family.

Doris McKinney

Doris Shirley McKinney, 85, life long resident of 610 Calhoun Ave., died Dec. 29, 2006, at Self Regional Medical Center following an extended illness.
Born in Greenwood County, Dec. 3, 1921, she was a daughter of the late Henry E., Sr. and Orrie Shirley McKinney. A 1939 graduate of Greenwood High School, she received a Bachelor of Science degree and her diploma in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University and the College of Occupational Therapy in 1949. She had previously served in the US Marine Corps during WW II. Ms. McKinney retired as Executive Director of the Greenwood County Easter Seal Society.
As a member and past president of the Pilot Club of Greenwood, her volunteer work after retirement included the Pilot Club Life Line Program. She was also a member of the Greenwood County Mental Health Association and associate member of the SC Vocational Rehabilitation Association, the Greenwood County Cerebral Palsy Association, an honorary member of the Greenwood Civitan Club and was instrumental in the development of the Greenwood Rehabilitation Facility. In 1969-70, she served on the White House Conference on Children and Youth. A member of the American Occupational Therapy Association, she was also a member and past president of the SC Occupation Therapy Association. She was a member of the SC Chapter of the National Rehabilitation Association and served as secretary of the SC Commission for the Blind Board from 1966-70. Ms. McKinney was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church.
In 1984, she was recipient of the Outstanding Citizen Award, in 1965, recipient of the Career Woman of the Year Award and later received the Sertoma Service to Mankind Award.
Surviving are a sister, Miriam Lee McKinney Rogers of Columbia and a cousin, Anna Lector Stockman of Greenwood; nieces, Beth Bass, Nancy Buchanan, Gene Caldwell and Candy Reynolds; nephews, Marshall Leaman, Henry McKinney, III, Tim Rogers and Jim Rogers. She was predeceased by a brother, Henry E. McKinney, Jr. and a sister, Elizabeth “Buff” McKinney Leaman.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday at Main Street United Methodist Church, with Rev. James Dennis and Rev. James Rogers officiating.
Private family burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery.
The family will receive friends in the church Narthex immediately following the church service.
Flowers are to be omitted and memorials made to the Pilot Club, PO Box 551, Greenwood, SC 29648 or to Main Street United Methodist Church Building Fund, 211 N. Main Street, Greenwood, SC 29646.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the McKinney family.

John Lauder Powell

CALHOUN FALLS — Mr. John Lauder Powell, age 71, passed away Thursday, Dec. 28 at Anmed Health in Anderson.
Born in Calhoun Falls, he was the son of the late John Moses Powell and Louella Evans Powell. Mr. Powell was a member of Calhoun Falls Pentecostal Holiness Church. He was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Mr. Powell was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Addison Powell; second wife, Patricia Parnell Powell; and brother Richard Moses Powell.
Survivors include son Wesley Powell and wife, Louise, of Calhoun Falls; daughter, Jane Williams and husband, Jim, of Greenwood; son David Powell and wife, Tracy, of Anderson; stepdaughters Patty King, Wanda Simpson, Pam Parnell, Melissa Murphy and Becky Chitwood, all of Anderson; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 9 step-grandchildren; and sisters Grace Mobley, Jeweline Putnam, Mary Strickland and Eunice Powell.
Funeral services will be Sunday, Dec. 31, at 2 p.m. at Calhoun Falls Pentecostal Holiness Church. Visitation will be Saturday, Dec. 30 from 6-8 p.m. at Calhoun Falls Funeral Home. The family may be contacted at the residence of Wesley Powell, 101 Powell Street, Calhoun Falls.
Calhoun Falls Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Rev. Gus A. Smith

THOMSON, Ga. — The Rev. Gus A. Smith, 83, of Edgar Circle, husband of Lavetta Smith, died Friday, Dec. 29, 2006.
Services will be announced by Beggs Funeral Home, Thomson Chapel.

Mark Anthony Watson

WARE SHOALS — Mark Anthony “Rick” Watson, 61, died Friday, Dec. 29, 2006, at Self Regional Healthcare, Greenwood.
The family is at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Williams, 93 W. Main St. Extension, Ware Shoals.
Services will be announced by Robinson-Walker Funeral Service.

James Edward Young

McCORMICK — James Edward “Pee-Wee” Young, 64, of 500 Pine Street Ext. Apt. C-4, McCormick, died Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006 at his home. He was the son of the late Geneva Young. Services are 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, 2006 at True Vine Progressive Church in McCormick, conducted by the Rev. Norris Turner. The body will be placed in the church at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers and flower bearers are Mims High School Classmates. The family is at the home. Online condolences may be sent to robson@nctv.com. Robinson & Son Mortuary, Inc. is in charge of the services.

Opinion

Speak softly, big stick is always good advice

December 30, 2006

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham is no Johnny-come-lately in the push to increase the size of our military forces. His support for President Bush’s proposal for a larger all-volunteer Army and Marine Corps should surprise no one.
Still, there are sure to be some who’ll disagree because of the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan. That, though, should not even be a consideration for building up our military capability. Adding more troops would probably take too long to have much of an effect on Iraq or Afghanistan, anyway.
However, in a world that has a history of going from one conflict to another, with only the names, faces, nationalities and religions different, we cannot afford to let our guard down. Building and maintaining a force for the times is almost a no-brainer.

THERE ARE PLENTY OF people out there who would love to see the U. S. brought to its knees, and they really leave us no choice. There is incontrovertible evidence of that every day. If we are serious about protecting American freedom, and being an ally to our friends, not keeping up our strength is not an option.
It should be reassuring to most South Carolinians that Senator Lindsey and others want to beef up the military.
At the moment we have 507,000 soldiers and officials would like to increase that by 20,000 to 30,000. The Marime Corps has 180.000 troops and wants to have 5,000 more.
Considering the volatility of world affairs and the instability of many leaders who hate everything we stand for, those numbers aren’t reassuring. There ought to be more.

IF ANYTHING, THEY ALMOST invite contempt - and threats - from Iran, North Korea and other countries where we are perceived, rightly or wrongly, as the Ugly American.
History has shown us more than once that weakness does indeed invite trouble. It also has proved that strength is a deterrent to would-be antagonists. Speak softly but carry a big stick is still good advice. With the world in such a belligerent period it may be more crucial now than ever.
Should we talk to adversaries, as some suggest? The recommended wisdom there is always negotiate from strength. Why would anyone bother to talk to a weak opponent? That’s as good a reason as any to add troops.