NEIGHBORS SERVING NEIGHBORS -      Good Samaritan Loretta Brown is pictured among the racks of clothing the organization offers families in need. Brown has been with the organization since its inception in 1985. (G-V Photo/Keith Strange)

Putting God’s Word Into Action

“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him.” King James Bible Luke 10:33

For two decades, the Good Samaritan has followed the Biblical example of the Samaritan.
And since its inception, Administrative Coordinator Loretta Brown has been at the helm as the organization provided much-need food, clothing, medications and utility assistance to needy families.
In 2004, the Good Samaritan helped approximately 4,000 people – or 11 percent of the Halifax County population. Of those helped, 742 received clothing; 365 received food; 78 received fuel/utility assistance and 41 received prescription medications.
Approximately 80 volunteers worked an estimated 2,254 hours over 259 days that year.
“We stay very busy,” Brown said. “We receive no funding from the government. Our funding comes exclusively from churches and people in the community who believe in what we’re doing.”
A community organization supported by approximately 40 churches in the county, the Good Samaritan was organized in the spring of 1985 in order to coordinate the care churches give to emergency needs that arise in the community that cannot be met by other organizations.
Churches belonging to the organization provide both personnel and financial support.
The Good Samaritan operates a clothing closet that looks more like a department store. It provides good used clothing to those in need.
“Clothing is given to anyone,” Brown said. “They can come in twice a year – once when we have warm weather clothing out and once when we have cold weather clothing out. No referral is necessary to receive clothing. They just need to call and make an appointment.”
The food closet is stocked with non-perishable foods for those who find themselves without the means to feed their family, and the crisis room provides linens for those who have suffered a house fire.
For food assistance, referrals are taken from local organizations, churches and the Department of Social Services. “We provide them with a 10-day supply,” Brown said. “But on an emergency basis, we give food to anyone who comes in and says they need it.”
For fuel and utility assistance, referrals must come from the Department of Social Services.
“They have the means to check the needs of the family,” Brown said.
Staffed by approximately 80 volunteers, the Good Samaritan is dedicated to helping members of the community in need.
Emergency help is available by calling the office at 572-2942 weekday mornings from 10 a.m. until noon. In an emergency, those needing the assistance offered by the Good Samaritan need to call their minister.
“It’s a good organization with wonderful people behind it,” Brown said.

GOOD SAMARITANS THEMSELVES -      Pictured above are volunteers (from left) Mary Carol Harris, Pat Pulliam and Kitty Dawson. (G-V Photo/Keith Strange)