Blessed Hope needs a miracle

By Carrie A. Mizell

For 12 years Blessed Hope ministry has helped people in need; now volunteers say they need a miracle to keep going.
The Blessed Hope building, which sits on State Road 41 in downtown Newberry, was devastated by fire on May 27. Antonio Falco Felipe, 27, broke into the building, stole items like a set of false teeth, neck ties and video games before setting the building ablaze.
“I bet that boy didn’t get $20 worth of stuff,” said Evelyn McKoy, a founder of Blessed Hope. “The worst part is, we would have given it all to him. He didn’t need to break in and steal it, or set our building on fire.”

Whether it was providing food to eat, paying an overdue electric bill, or giving a refrigerator to someone in need, the 12 volunteers at Blessed Hope have risen to the call, serving nearly 1,200 people each month.
“What people don’t stop to consider is that we’re all living a pay check or two from being in the same situation these people in need are in,” McKoy said.
Before the devastating fire, volunteers worked up to 80 hours a week manning the Blessed Hope Thrift Store, which offered furniture, clothing, holiday, household and ladies boutique items at nominal fees.
“You probably don’t know, but the people Blessed Hope helps come from Hawthorne, Archer, Trenton, High Springs and Newberry just to name a few,” said volunteer Kala Daub.
According to McKoy, the 501C-3 organization requires $1,474 each month to meet its obligations, which include pest control, paper bags, electricity, office supplies, food that has to be purchased for the food pantry, water/sewage fees.
The City of Newberry, two local churches and a private individual contribute to the ministry each month, but that only accounts for $450 total.
Over the last 12 years rent and insurance on the building have been waived by the property owner, Judy Durrance and her family. Since the fire, Blessed Hope ministry has been forced to explore other options to stay open, since they can only remain at the current location through July 27.
“We need to find a building we can use,” McKoy explained. “We’re running out of time.”
To assist the ministry, call Evelyn McKoy at (352) 472-4160.