Recycle store closed till further notice, but benevolence outreach continues
Despite not being able to hold an award reception this year, Faith Hope and Charity Recycle Store Inc. still made good on its mission to provide grant funding to several local nonprofits and community organizations.
The local community outreach nonprofit pledged a total of just over $200,000 in one-time and monthly recurring grants last month.
Monthly grant recipients are: Homeward Bound Pet Rescue, Gilmer Boys and Girls Club, Appalachian Children’s Center, Georgia Mountains Hospice, Gilmer Community Food Pantry, Gilmer Christian Learning Center, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Gilmer Learning Center, Isaiah House, Kids Ferst, Gilmer Senior Center, Kids Kottage, New Beginnings transitional housing program, Redemption Outreach and Safe Choice Pregnancy Care Center.
One-time grants were awarded to: Gilmer Family Connection, Brooks Hill Apartments, The Craddock Center, Friends of Harrison Park, Gilmer Arts, Gilmer Toys For Tots, Gilmer Civil Air Patrol, Gilmer County Library, Gilmer 4-H, the Greater Gilmer Community Foundation (CORE), Joy House and Mountain Wisdom Camp.
The popular FHC Recycle Store, the organization’s primary fundraising source, has been closed since March 15. The store’s volunteer staff is mostly comprised of senior citizens, many of whom have underlying health issues, noted Joan Compton, FHC board vice-chairman.
“Through judicious spending and diligent saving guidelines, we’ve been able to set aside emergency funds and feel that we should be able to meet the targets we’ve established for our grants and donations for a time,” Compton said.
“Most of us had thought of (store closures) because of a weather emergency, but now we have a different sort of emergency. So many of the organizations we support are there to help our most vulnerable populations and are scurrying to come up with new rules for this time. We’re hoping this will calm down soon and we can reopen the store,” she added.
Grant checks are typically awarded to recipients during an in-person reception at the thrift store, but this year’s reception had to be canceled. Still, representatives from a number of the receiving organizations expressed their appreciation while noting how the grant funding contributes to their functionality.
Jim Paukert, Gilmer Learning Center director, said support from FHC ensures that the learning center can continue offering its GED-prep, English-as-a-Second-Language and Spanish-as-a-Second-Language instructional programs.
“The learning center has been able to operate for 30 years due to support from many people and organizations and we are grateful to them all. First and foremost of these has always been Faith, Hope and Charity,” he added. “(Their) support also enables the learning center to be open from morning to evening so that we can be available to people with varying schedules.”
Merle Howell Naylor, director of Gilmer Family Connection, said funding contributed by FHC makes the local Family Connection office’s annual Christmas Campaign possible.
“The funds are imperative for the children to (receive) gifts, toys and books and I normally have around 300 children. I totally depend on donations to purchase these items and FHC is the largest donor,” she added.
Sally Jeffery, director of operations at Isaiah House, said FHC is a crucial supporter of the long-term recovery home for men with substance use issues.
“When Isaiah House opened in 2008, FHC invited us to apply for a monthly grant. We’ve been fortunate to receive support from them ever since. In 2012, when we were trying to purchase our building, FHC helped,” she said. “Sometimes men arrive at Isaiah House with only the clothes they have on. FHC has also graciously provided clothes to our men who needed them. We are grateful for the financial and moral support we’ve received from them.”
Store, benevolence program adjustments
Cheryl Worley, FHC board chairman, said the recycle store is not accepting donations from the public during the COVID-19 health crisis. Pickups and deliveries are also not being made, she added.
“As of now, we will remain closed until the end of April and that could possible extend until May. We need our volunteers and shoppers to be safe and remain healthy,” Worley said. “We look forward to being back soon, continuing our mission and seeing all of our community of friends, customers and donors as soon as possible.”
The store closure has also has also affected the organization’s benevolence office, which provides various forms of assistance to qualifying local residents.
Benevolence outreach will continue, Worley said, but will be handled by phone.
“Benevolence office assistance is still available for emergencies by calling 706-635-3045. Please leave a message. Calls will be returned,” she added.