By Bob Braddy
Seventy-five youth and adult supervisors from all parts of our state will come together at Main Street United Methodist Church in Dillon on Saturday, July 7 as part of the Salkehatchie Harvest Camp program for a week of hard work in difficult conditions, repairing and upgrading six houses belonging to underprivileged Dillon County families.
Previously they have stayed at Dillon High School, but due to ongoing construction there they will be housed at Main Street UMC this year. This created some accommodation problems, but all is in readiness thanks to the rental of a 12 stall shower trailer at a cost in excess of $2,000. It will be placed adjacent to the church’s Fellowship Hall and fitted with necessary plumbing.
Meals will be provided by the Methodist Churches of Dillon County.
Salkehatchie is a pioneering servant ministry at selected sites in South Carolina involving high school and college youth with adult supervisors. Sponsored by The Methodist Church, their goal is to upgrade housing for the needy by helping them help themselves.
Six homes have been selected for this year’s project, all of which are in desperate need of roof and other repairs. One house will have its doorways enlarged so that the wheelchair bound owner can move from room to room. He lives alone, and , at present, he is limited to only one room, which he is forced to use as a living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.
A young couple in the county live in a house in very poor condition, and they are expecting their first baby soon. The Salkehatchie workers will repair the roof , walls and wiring to make it as safe and comfortable as possible for the young parents and their new baby.
Four more houses equally as needy will be left in much better condition when the week’s work is done.
To qualify as a Salkehatchie team member, each worker must pay $200. These funds are used to buy materials for the repair work. This year, additional funds are badly needed because of the cost of the rental shower trailer. Those wishing to contribute to this worthy project can send a check to Main Street UMC, Box 229, Dillon, SC Please specify “For Salkehatchie”.
Our prayers are also needed for these unselfish young people as they labor to help the unknown needy of our county.