By Janice Deaton, Contributing Writer
Murphy – “Homeless for Christmas” is not the carol we sing. But for thousands in the Midwest – and for some adults and children in Cherokee County – this lyric is reality.
In recent weeks, area churches, businesses and individuals have planned, collected, contributed and volunteered to make Christmas merry and bright for local shelter residents. Blessings have also been extended to guests through provisional shelter programs, including Code Purple and a new Compassionate Stay initiative.
“When I first shared my vision of keeping the shelter open all day on Christmas,” shelter director Peggy White recalled, “Ruth Danhires of the Murphy Seventh-day Adventist Church responded. Ruth asked me what I thought was needed or desired, and told me no matter how big – just ask.
“And before I knew it, there was a whole group of volunteers from her church signing up for orientation to become volunteer hosts for the day. As the shelter is usually closed from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, the Christmas Day opening seemed one unique gift of love and caring.”
“Generous donations poured in as soon as our plans were announced,” Danhires recalled.
Church members, local residents, friends and relatives from far and near contributed some $500 to the project. An offering collected during the Murphy Adventist Christian School annual Christmas program added another $417. Funds were used to make hygiene kits, provide diapers, fill backpacks with personalized clothing, toys, games and snacks, and buy groceries for a traditional family Christmas dinner.
“This season was made wonderful for our residents and guests by a wide community of churches, businesses and individuals who have donated generously for gifts and needed supplies,” White added.
Examples beyond holiday treats include a recent grant and consistent community contributions support plans to update the facility with a full-size laundry, as well as to add a shower to an existing half-bath.
The Hurlburt-Johnson Friendship House relies on, and welcomes, volunteers. Information is available on Facebook@friendshiphouse@MurphyNC, or you may leave a message at 828-644-4968.
The writer is a volunteer with Murphy Seventh-day Adventist Church.