Good Samaritan serves those living in Rusk ISD
BY KAY HUNTER EPPERSON

KAY EPPERSON

I love this town. That means you, the people. Only in small towns can you do the things you can do in Rusk, Alto and Jacksonville.

Jo Abernathy and I were in Brookshire Brothers the week before Thanksgiving getting cake mixes, chicken, etc. for the Christmas baskets for the Good Samaritan. We told Gene Brown, the manager, "We need $150 of this, $150 of that..." He told us what we needed to pay and we said, "Oh, We don't have any money." Gene said "That's okay, when you get it, come pay for it."

As president of the Good Samaritan, I want to thank every one of you for your donations for repairs, paint and food---you never told me no. Anywhere from $1 to $1,000, you always give. Thanks also to Warden Todd Foxworth, Molly, his great staff, and the guys who make the work look so easy. Our building has new paint, inside and out.

The Good Samaritan had some very trying times this past summer. We have lost some volunteers, dear friends, and a past president. We learned much about what not to do.

Mayor Angela Rayburn gave us an honor and proclamation which was attended by lots of friends. The Chamber of Commerce allowed us to have the gate and canned goods from the Pioneer Festival. The school did a huge food drive in November. Texas Department of Criminal Justice also did one in December.

The post office will do one in the spring. The Good Samaritan has no paid employees, only volunteers. So, if you gave to use in anyway, and you have, we thank you. Thanks to all of you that gave us clothes, cleaned out your closet, or your house and gave to us.

During November, 348 people were assisted with food. These consisted of 231 adults and 118 children. Approximately 3,700 units of food were give for the entire year. Each unit is comprised of staples, such as beans, rice, macaroni and canned vegetables with a value of approximately $15.

Good Samaritan is funded by the generous contributions of the good folks in the Rusk area, by individuals, churches, organizations and by various food drives held throughout the year.

Kay Hunter Epperson is president of the Good Samaritan