"If everyone

in Fayette County would contribute just $10 each, we could purchase a

permanent facility," said board member and volunteer Lena Slaughter.

Slaughter shared

that less than 1 percent of their funds are used for operating expenses.

Compared to most charities, an amazingly low percentage. One of the reasons

for the low operating expense is that there are no paid employees. Everyone,

from the accountant to the president, donates their time.

Slaughter estimates

that they see around 1,000 separate families a year. Prior to Sept.r 11,

they averaged 5 - 7 families a day. They are currently averaging 11 -

15 a day. "We used to think we were having a busy day when we saw

six families in a day," said Slaughter.

Some visit

the Samaritans' food bank or clothes closet on a monthly basis, while

others come in only once a year. Many older Fayette County residents who

do are unable to pay for their medicine depend on the helping hand of

the Fayette Samaritans.

The Samaritans

are not allowed, by charter, to assist anyone who does not live in Fayette

County. They will refer those from outside the county to other agencies,

and sometimes must refer those inside the county to others. The Samaritans

is designed to be an emergency or short-term help for those in hardship.

The Samaritans

can only help an individual or family once a year financially. They will

pay a rent bill or utility bill in any given year if proof is provided

that the electricity or water will be cut off, or the individual or family

is in danger of being kicked out of their home if the bill is not paid.

The volunteers verify all information, contacting landlords, doctors and

utility companies. They do not deal with cash, using a voucher system.

They have arrangements

with a hotel in Peachtree City to "put people up until relatives

or friends can get them," according to Slaughter.

While the Samaritans

are primarily supported by over 40 area churches, they rely on other generous

assistance to keep going. They receive a grant from Coweta-Fayette EMC

and the United Way. The Boy Scouts chip in on a regular basis. Publix

donates day-old bread, the Braelinn Kroger gives them a steep discount

on meat purchases and the Fayette County and Riverdale Pizza Huts give

them items. They also receive donations of money, food and clothing from

individuals in the county.

Once a week

one of the volunteers makes a run to the Atlanta Community Food Bank to

pick up whatever is available. This past week they were able to stock

up on canned goods at a penny an ounce. Other times they are unable to

find anything that is needed.

Currently the

Samaritans are at 213 Jeff Davis, at the back of the office group near

the International House of Pancakes. They are open 5 days a week from

9 a.m.-noon. Monetary donations may be mailed to P. O. Box 1071, Fayetteville,

30214.

Volunteers

Volunteers

at the Fayette Samaritans come from all walks of life. Most are retired,

but not all. Many heard about the charity from their church, others from

friends or the newspaper.

There are

more than 40 who volunteer on a regular basis to help out with the food

pantry, interviewing clients, the clothes closet or other areas. A local

CPA has handled all accounting needs since the Samaritans formed over

ten years ago.

Some volunteer

once a month, others once or twice a week. All have one thing in common:

they feel good about what they're doing.

The Fayette

Samaritans was formed by area churches to consolidate and enhance their

abilities to help the needy. While many were truly in need, some took

advantage of the churches, going from one church to the next getting duplicate

assistance. When the church secretaries began comparing notes, they decided

to do something. They wanted to be able to help those genuinely in need.

They opted to form the Fayette Samaritans, patterned after a similar successful

group in Clayton County.

Ten years later

the need for their services has grown.

The Fayette

Samaritans is open Monday - Friday for 3 hours each day. However, some

volunteers come in early, stay late and work Saturdays as needed. Some

have been volunteering for ten years, others for varying lengths of time.

They are always in need of volunteers.

Most volunteers

gravitate to one area. The food pantry needs tweaking on a daily basis.

Food must be stocked, groceries purchased and supplies given to those

in need. There are always clothes to be unpacked and hung-up.

The group is

not computerized, so most of the interviewing and record-keeping is done

the old fashioned way with pen and paper. Each person or family who comes

through the door is interviewed. They must bring a valid ID, proof that

they live in the county and a social security card or birth certificate.

After a determination

is made as to the needs of the family, they may be given food, diapers

for babies, clothing or school supplies. If they are in need of temporary

shelter, they may be given a room in a Peachtree City hotel, or referred

to another agency.

Record-keeping

is extremely important. There are some who would challenge the system.

Someone who comes in on a regular basis may be encouraged to sign up for

food stamps. Some are referred to agencies that provide longer-term assistance.

Those who try

to circumvent the rules or are untruthful may find that they are turned

away. Slaughter tells of two individuals who slipped through the system.

One of the Samaritan volunteers believed what she was told and didn't

catch the fact that they had received financial help within the year until

after vouchers had been issued. The companies receiving the vouchers received

a call telling them not to honor them, and the individuals who were untruthful

were informed.

"We are

accountable; it's not our money," said Slaughter.

The Samaritans

are an extremely responsible group. They will bend over backward to help

those truly in need, but have strict guidelines they follow closely when

someone tries to use the system.

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