Five years ago there was a situation that occurred in the lives of Grace House members, Charlotte and Ron McKinney, that opened their hearts to help the homeless and needy in our area.
“My children’s dad was tragically killed,” Charlotte McKinney explained. “Even though my children were never in need growing up, in fact they had everything, during some trauma, they lost everything.”
Charlotte's son became homeless. And even in her desperate search to find him, she and Ron found a way to serve and minister.
“My son was heartbroken and was on alcohol and drugs,” Charlotte said.
“As we searched to find my son, we found a man with stories that touched our hearts.”
After that encounter, the McKinney's began to take food and blankets to the homeless and started ministering at the Salvation Army by teaching Bible studies.
“We now take about 40 care bags to the Soup Kitchen at the First Presbyterian Church in Florence about twice a month,” Charlotte explained. “(First Presbyterian) serves the needy and homeless people on Saturdays with joint efforts from area churches.”
Charlotte said Grace House has been an integral part of bringing donations of various items that go in the care bags they hand out. Recently, the church held a collection drive for the ministry. Along with monetary donations that purchased items such as coffee singles, Vienna sausages, Spam, tuna, chips, and more, members of Grace House donated items such as toboggans, socks, gloves, hygiene products. All went into Thanksgiving care bags.
“We have walked and prayed in the streets as we have given out the care bags,” Charlotte said. “It has been such a blessing that we can do because of the support from Grace House, of which we are most thankful. We do all of this so that Jesus will be glorified.”