An organization

that began with 11 people, each contributing $10 each, has evolved into

a volunteer group with 44 active volunteers.

To celebrate

its ten years of serving Fayette County, the Fayette Samaritans had an

open house to let the community see how it operates.

It is a nonprofit

organization supported by 38 local churches through donations of food

items, clothing and monetary contributions.

One of its

first donations, however, was two cemetery lots in College Park. Said

charter volunteer Mary Lindamood, "I thought the matter was rather

macabre. However, God soon pointed out to me that he works in mysterious

ways, and a family with absolutely no money and the need of two cemetery

lots soon appeared.

"It taught

me a lesson," she added, "and I've never questioned any donation

we have since been given."

While the treasury

has grown from its initial $110, there is still a need both in funds and

canned goods.

The office

is open Monday through Friday from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at 213 N. Jeff Davis

Place, Suite 102, behind Leslie's Contracting in Fayetteville.