The holiday season is filled with joy for so many. Shopping for the perfect present, partying with friends and family, and of course, the wonderful food.
At Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS), we meet people every single day who come to us in crisis. You may think that it is a depressing place to work, but the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. Through our devoted volunteers, generous donors, and dedicated staff, we do everything we can to help those in need. More times than not, we give our clients a ray of hope for a better tomorrow.
One gentleman came to us with very little to his name. He was living in his broken-down car. During our assessment, we determined he needed basic necessities such as food and clothing. ACTS provided him with a car battery and tires so that he could have dependable transportation. We also provided him with food and with clothing suitable for job interviews. As a result, he was able to get a job and a safe place to live.
Another client had a job working in a restaurant in The Alley. His only drawback was he had no transportation to get to and from his job. To get to work on time, he walked each day from Warrenville. Depending on his hours, his walk home could be quite late. ACTS provided him with a bicycle, a bike helmet and lock, and safety training. Not only did he retain his job, but he is now able to work toward complete self-sufficiency and independence.
One hard working lady had been in the workplace for 12 years but was making slightly above minimum wage. She lovingly opened her home to her disabled son and grandchild. Then her heater stopped functioning in the middle of winter. The cost to replace the heating system was $6000 and beyond her reach. To keep her family warm, she secured space heaters, but soon found herself strapped with an exorbitant heating bill that she could not afford. ACTS helped her with utility assistance and with other resources to help her family. Perhaps most importantly, the people of ACTS prayed with her and lifted her spirits. She has not needed our assistance again.
The perfect gift came from our God who so loved the world that he gave His only son. At ACTS, we know the greatest gift can’t be found under a Christmas tree. It is found in a compassionate heart that sees a need and responds as our Lord has called upon us to. We are proud to serve our community in His name and provide a hand up to those in need.
How Can You Help?
Poverty. Despair. Isolation. We avoid thinking about these things during the holiday season, but they are a stark reality for too many in our community. Are you shocked? These are year-round realities, especially for senior citizens and children.
You can make a difference. When you support
ACTS, we use your gift to provide compassionate care to individuals and families trying to make ends meet. We encourage you to join the individuals, businesses, and 55 churches who provide assistance to our neighbors. Hand in hand, we can make a difference for those who have exhausted their resources and have nowhere else to turn.
You can support the ACTS mission by:
Making a tax-deductible financial gift
Volunteering your time
Donating your used car or bicycle
Donating gently used clothing and housewares to the ACTS Resale Stores in Aiken and Graniteville
During your holiday preparations,
we hope you will consider adding ACTS
to your shopping list!
Winter Wish List
All donated items should be new or gently used and clean.
Prayers
Pajamas
Sweaters
Coats
Socks
Slipper Socks
New Underwear
Blankets
Pots & Pans
Cookware
Dishes
Winter Clothing
Dish Soap
Laundry Soap
Bath Soap
Shampoo
Deodorant
Shaving Cream
Aiken: 340 Park Avenue SW
Graniteville: 50 Canal Street
www.actsofaiken.org
