Beloveds, God often sends His help by way of human hands, time, money, or goods.
Thank you very much for your continued support. In October 2011 our door has been open 30 years! Under the mercy of God, it is a privilege to be serving our community as we seek your generosity: Cortez Christian Church, Baptist Chapel, Rock Springs, St. Barnabas Episcopal, Mountain View Baptist, Evangel Assembly of God, Montezuma Valley Presbyterian, Trinity Lutheran, First Baptist, Lifeway Southern Baptist, First United Methodist, First Assembly of God, Seventh Day Adventist, St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, City of Cortez, Montezuma County, Laity Week Services, Stan Pierce, Lulalia Skinner, Kemper Elementary School, Cortez Middle School, Mesa Elementary School, Great Lakes Airlines, Don and Debra Bain, Beverly Jones, Nancy Thomas, John Pilobisian, Howard H. Heikens, Graham and Cookie Johnson, Jim and Jane Davenport, Florence Daley, Loren and Connie Peters, Sharlene Short, Esther Sisson, Mary Lou Asbury, Walt and Lynne Henes, Beverly Stephens, Marilyn Cooke, and Dale (!), David and Cathie Everett, LaVeryl and Betty Apple, Myrtle Wallington, Betty Underwood, Jerry Lantz, Brianna Halsey, Jennifer Knight, Salvation Army (food and bus tickets for our clients), U.S. Department of Agriculture (204 pounds food collection) Chris and Barbara Eastin, Vicki Lawhorn (RIP), Sally Tompkins, Julie VanDeventer, American Legion Auxiliary, John and Ruth Jennings, Bill Hurford, Randy Irvin, Revs. Steve and Kim Nofel, Emblem Club, Epsilon Sigma Phi Sorority, Safeway (lots of bread and other goods), Hopes Kitchen, Graces Kitchen, City Market, Care and Share, Sonic Drive-In (Gonzalez), Slavens, Walmart Bakery, Marsha Roberts, Chair of the Board of Directors: Wilma Robinson and Diana Hoehn, Secretaries: one writes, one types(!), Doug VanDeventer, Treasurer, Gerry Brunk, Gail Carpenter, Adolph Hoehn, Floyd and Joyce Johnson, Glenn Denton, Anne Bremer, Lynette Harrell and Lenea, Sidney, Riley, Elijah, Marjorie Stephens, Cindy Stuckman, Davida Seibert, several volunteers visitors and volunteers grandchildren, and those who help unload our Care and Share order once a month: Missionaries Elder and Elder and Sister and Sister, and passers-by(!) like Benny and Marvin. May God bless you all in a mighty way, including anyone I have inadvertently missed (old age!).
From January to Aug. 30, we helped 1,030 family cases (representing 3,984 people) and 278 single people with approximately $149,395 in food. We have increased the amount of food in our sacks since the people seemed to be returning before their 30-day limit was over. We had 146 new cases and many people who have not been in since the 1980s have had to return because of job loss or hours being cut back. We felt sad that three business owners in town had to come for help.
Some businesses used to give a lot but have had to cut back. Its the economy that even has the children being grateful for our food sacks this summer. One man looked into the sack and said, You just made my day! Three school teachers came for food. Injury or illness strike a family and eat away their food money. One child forced his mother to come in, much to her embarrassment. One family got a house with their savings as a downpayment, only to have their hours at work cut back so they are short financially. We are suggesting doing yard work, collecting aluminum cans, and volunteering in hopes someone might appreciate their abilities and hire them, even if it is part time. And we pray!
Several clients have tried to repay by donating clothes or diapers and toys, folding clothes, cleaning our lot (which really is not, not, not to be used in place of the dump!), and repaying $186. Twelve did community service hours at the Center. Thanks be to God.
The Good Samaritan Center is open Monday through Friday from 12 noon to 2 p.m. (except when we are closed) and is located in the alley behind Slavens: 25 ½ South Elm Post Office Box 662, Cortez, CO 81321. Phone during open hours: 565-6424.
In appreciation and gratitude,
Cindy Irvin, Director
The Good Samaritan Center