With the frenzied rush of holiday shopping and celebrating in full swing, it's easy for the less fortunate to

be forgotten. Yet the community here in Fayette County has pulled together to bring the joy of the season to

those without.

An on-going ministry to the poor in the county is the Fayette Samaritans, which is supported by dozens

of local churches and businesses. They operate a food pantry and clothes closet, and offer assistance in

finding jobs, transportation, furniture and more.

With a heart to give all, the Samaritans struggle with their greatest limitation space. The operation

works out of 1,000 sq. ft. donated by the Department of Family and Children's Services.

According to vice president Wanda Jennings, the group needs about 5,000-10,000 sq. ft.

"The community response has been great," Jennings said. However she listed some specific needs of

the center now.

There is a great need for children's clothing, pants for women, jeans for men and large size clothing

for women. The food pantry needs frozen meat, and there is an increasing need for automobiles, since people

can't get to work due to a lack of transportation.

Churches, banks and other businesses around the county are currently accepting donations for any items

to go toward the food pantry or clothes closet.

For more information on how to donate or volunteer with the Samaritans, call 770-460-2586.

Fayette Senior Services is accepting donations to fund Project Love, which provides frozen meal packs

to Fayette County senior citizens at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

A $25 donation will sponsor a five-day meal pack to be distributed Christmas week. The community

is invited to personally sponsor meal packs by coming by the Friendship Center Monday through Friday

between 9a.m.-2 p.m. or by sending a check made out to Fayette Senior Services, Inc., 390 Lee Street, Fayetteville,

GA 30214-2056, marked Project Love.

The Friendship Center will also be accepting items such as toiletries, batteries, wrapping paper,

slippers, note cards and stamps to make goody bags to deliver with meal packs. All items must be brought unwrapped

to the Friendship Center by Dec. 15 to allow time to match the items with specific needs of seniors.

Several businesses in the area are raising funds and toys for children.

Mike Fitzpatrick of Mike Fitzpatrick Ford-Lincoln-Mercury is sponsoring the "Wish Upon a Ford

Program." With every new car purchase, a $100 donation will be donated in the customer's name to the Coweta

County Department of Family and Children Services.

Also Ford dealers across Georgia are participating in the Toys for Tots program, along with

Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty and the Fayette County Fire Department.

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