Faith, Hope & Charity: A Communal Spirit
Faith, Hope & Charity is a good and faithful neighbor.
On Saturday, March 3, FHC once again opened its doors at its original location on 514 Quaid Street, Marlin, to the public. It offered free coats and jackets for children. There were two long racks of new winter jackets and two-plus racks of gently-worn jackets and coats. While it is announced as a Coat Giveaway, this outpouring of ‘neighbor helping neighbor’ included adult clothing, shoes, and, importantly, friendly conversation.
The Coat Giveaway will take place again in the Fall.
Faith, Hope & Charity was begun by Shirley King, its Founder and Executive Director. FHC has been serving the community since 1992.
It has been defined thusly, “Faith, Hope and Charity is a faith-based non-profit, after school program, serving “At Risk” youth ranging from Pre-K through 5th grade in a rural and economically deprived area of Marlin. FHC’s goal is to provide a better lifestyle for a better community and a brighter future for our youth and their families at no cost. Our mission is to reach the children before they fall into the hands of law enforcement. We provide a nurturing and safe environment to keep them off the streets and away from drugs. We also encourage Respect, Appreciation, and Value to Everyone (“R.A.V.E. motto”) so that the children may become productive citizens.”
FHC is open Monday thru Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Each Friday of the month presents an opportunity to serve the community in specific ways. Week 1 is for tutorials. Week 2 (March 7) is for sewing lessons with Adriana Rias. In the month of March, there is the Third Principle of Kwanzaa: Ujima, Collective Work- Work Together to Make Life Better, Ethelene Green, Speaker. Week 3 in March, FCH is closed for Spring Break. Week 4 this March features Mrs. Margaret Able-Music with Children, plus the Fourth Principle of Kwanzaa: Ujamma, Collective Economics-Build and Support Our Own Business, Minister Sherry Massington, Speaker. Last Thursdays always feature birthday parties and parent meetings.
Want to Help?
Mrs. Piper explains, “Faith, Hope, and Charity will very much appreciate any donations or community support offered. All donations will be used to continue our mission of supporting our youth, our community in need, and our elderly/shut-ins in Marlin. We offer education support, food, clothing, companionship and community advocacy. We are looking for adult mentors, grants and would love a volunteer with grant writing experience. We are currently working on getting dirt for the playground and a fence for the playground to keep our children safe. We are also working on creating plots for gardening for each grade, Pre-K – 5th. Monetary and love support will gladly be accepted.”
Secure donations can be made in person at either 1st National Bank, Marlin, TX 76661 or Faith, Hope & Charity: Concerned Citizens, 405 East First Street, Marlin, TX.
FHC is located at: 405 East First Street, Marlin, Texas 76661. Phone (254) 883-3930 (Business Hours Only), (254) 644-0296 or (254) 252-0218 (Direct Answer Line: Non-Business Hours). Email is fhcnonprofit501c3@gmail.com.