Family Resources is here for you during this holiday season

At Family Resources we spend a good deal of time looking for resources in the community to help keep families afloat when they fall on hard times. Usually, it's a one-time thing when there is sickness or temporary loss of work. The people in this community are so generous and caring that we rarely have to turn people away. It seems that another family who's managing well will be glad to help out; a church that wants to show the love of God will come up with whatever is needed. Many individuals and community groups find it gives them great joy to help provide for others in need. People are especially generous when it comes to helping and protecting children.

This year seems especially difficult for families. We are seeing many hard-working parents who are struggling to make ends meet. Some are out of work because of the recent downturn in our economy. Many of them work in construction or jobs related to the housing industry and they are finding that there's not much work available to them right now.

In addition to a slow job market, people are having a hard time with the high costs of fuel. Gas to go to work, or look for work, is sometimes unattainable. Fuel for heating and cooking in the home is out of reach. Money that was once used for food is now being spent to buy gas for the car or for heat. The refrigerator and the cabinets can become quite bare.

If you are a person who has not found herself or himself in this situation, you are blessed. Please consider sharing some of your blessing with others. Family Resources accepts donations of all kinds. Money can be used to help folks pay high electric bills or put gas in their car. Food, clothing, diapers, wipes and car-seats are all needed to help keep children safe and stable in their homes and the community. Toiletries, cleaning and laundry supplies help families keep their children and homes clean and presentable to a potential employer or, for the children, to the other kids in school.

If you or your church family or your community group is interested in helping a family or just one child, please call us. If you have a few extra supplies that you feel you could share with someone else, drop them off at our office. We know a family who needs them and will be very grateful to receive them. You will be blessed in return.

Our office is located in Murphy in the white frame house on Central Street, below the Courthouse and the Sheriff's office. Our phone number is 837-3460.

We look forward to meeting more generous people in our community. Thank you for sharing your blessings with others.

Lisa Twiggs, Executive Director