Published: November 11, 2009 01:56 pm      

Donations appreciated; a need to be respectful

Hello Readers.

A beautiful two days with the hint of some rain but our week ahead looks really good. I can find lots of things to do in the sunshine. Cleaning up around the yard is first on my list, and then Thanksgiving will be here before I can get anything done. Isn’t it just a wonderful time of year?

I am at a loss for words this Monday evening, Nov. 9, yet I will ask for some understanding as I begin to tell those of you who read this column about our experiences here at Friends of Paint Lick.

We are a community service, a not-for-profit place with volunteers who spend their day sorting and recycling clothing and whatever may come through our door. We have the use of a long front porch, where people can bring their unwanted items and donate to others who may be less fortunate. Most, if not all these items are usable and very much appreciated.

If these items are left overnight or longer, such as the weekend, we have the chore of picking up after those who will sort through anything that is put, out and it leaves such a mess.

The people coming and going to The Paint Lick Family Clinic have to either step over the scattered stuff or walk out into the street. There is no excuse for anyone to be so disrespectful.

For some time now, I have noticed that there are no bags or boxes which may have held the donated items and I wonder about this. The stuff is just scattered all over, and sometimes even out in the road. I do find broken glass and this is dangerous.

Our volunteers at Friends do whatever they can to keep this establishment going for the good of people, and I pray this practice will stop. We could not serve all the people who drop by if it were not for all the donations received just about every day and the hard work put forth by the ladies (and sometimes a few men) who take time from their day to make people smile.

One thing I have found in the 20 or so years that this place has been open, it is needed. I see that everyday.

Christmas in the Village will be Saturday, Dec. 5, here at the Friends Building with festivities starting around 9:30 a.m. Our Christmas Raffle will be conducted that day. Tickets are being sold at The First Southern Bank and here at Friends, for the price of $1 each or 6 for $5. If you so choose, you may also view the raffle items. Please ask when you drop by. We are open on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, usually from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Sometimes, emergencies will come about, and we try to let everyone know in advance, but you can call us here at Friends. We will answer if we’re open. Our phone number is 925-2417.

William Garnett Hagan, or “little Will,” celebrated his 6th birthday on Sunday with friends and family members at The Paint Lick Christian Church.

We had wonderful crowd at Paint Lick Christian this past Sunday, and I do believe our pastor is getting better all the time. When he speaks, most people listen and that’s a notable thing these days. We have several small children who attend most every Sunday, and I would love to say ‘thanks’ to all the ladies, Gina, Laura, Taylor and Savannah, who keep track of the little ones. It felt good to see so many in Church, again, this time. Keep up the ‘good word,’ Pastor Ted.

A church member, Jarred Hawley, will celebrate his birthday on Friday. My brother, J.T. Alexander, will gain a new day on Monday.

I am pleased to say that Linda Caldwell is home, finally, after a three-week vacation in the western part of the U.S. We at Friends are really glad to have her home.

Wednesday was Veteran’s Day, and while you will not get this news before then, I urge each of you to say a prayer for a veteran of the past and say another for a current veteran of today. May God hold them under His light.

My sister, Peggy, is a veteran and I love her for that, among other things. A friend, Esther Messenger, also is a veteran. They are just two women who held the light for us all at one time in their life. Two important women and I admire them both. More than words can say.

May God bless.