Sumter Item readers give $17K to Fireside Fund in week 2

I will hop into my car and run a few errands today without a second thought. I will absolutely take for granted that I have the freedom and means to have transportation.

It would be alarming to some how often we counsel clients who can no longer afford to have a car. When all expenses that can be cut have been cut and a limited income does not allow for even a modest vehicle, the conversation often steers in that direction. It is never an easy talk to have, but it is common nonetheless.

The majority of clients who visit the Crisis Relief Ministry continues to be seniors on low, fixed incomes. The rise in energy costs and basic needs like groceries continues to put the squeeze on their budgets.

Just this week, a 77-year-old woman who lives alone came to us needing assistance with an electric bill. She lives in a mobile home that is over 30 years old and heats her home solely by electric heat.

Her budget was incredibly restrictive, with Social Security and SNAP benefits totaling under $1,000 a month. She was still making a house payment at her age, too.

There were no expenses to cut. She did not have credit cards or consumer loans. She had no cable or internet accounts.

The only thing we could suggest was selling her car. The car was paid off, but the insurance on the vehicle was an expense she really could not afford. Though she stopped driving years ago, her son uses the vehicle to take her grocery shopping and to doctor appointments.

It is often taken for granted that family members are available to help the clients who frequent our office, but that is often not the case. This client has one son. He was severely burned in an accident and draws a meager disability income with little room to help her. Beyond him, she has no one else to help since her husband died years prior.

So we suggested the only option: She needs to sell the car. However, we had good news to share, too.

The concern she had for keeping her electricity on and having heat in this colder-than-usual November was evident in her words and expressions.

When a client visits Sumter United Ministries with these circumstances, evaluating the need and offering financial assistance is effortless. She is what the Bible calls "the least of these."

It brings great joy to provide relief and encouragement to her. She will continue to be warm and have peace in the days ahead because of your generous gifts. Thank you for contributing to The Fireside Fund and partnering with us in beautiful stories of grace like this one.

New donations as of Nov. 30: Jane Tisdale, $100; Karen Jo Hastings, $100; Andrena Ray, in memory of Dr. Mary Elizabeth Blanchard, $100; Marie Burns, in memory of Burnell Wood, $100; Sharon Burik, $100; Zoar FCL Club, $25; Sue and Chuck Fienning, in memory of Hubert D. Osteen Jr., $500; Charlie Pitts, in honor of Catherine Pitts, $25; Harold and Tonie Burr, in honor of Carol and Loretta Burr, $100; Glenmore & May Sharp Trust, $15,000; Sue and Chuck Fienning, in honor of Rev. and Mrs. Marion H. Newton, $100; Charlie Pitts, in honor of Mary Baker, $25; Presbyterian Women of Concord, $220; and Jack and Susan Osteen, in memory of Hubert D. Osteen Jr., $100.