Helping hands abound

With factory shutdowns and layoffs, even here in Northeast Arkansas, times are hard. As country singer Steve Azar sings, "There's too much month at the end of the money."

I know of one area woman who recently cancelled her health insurance because she can no longer pay the high premium. She's hoping she won't get sick before her Medicare kicks in.

I know of another good man who is desperate. He's out of a job, out of money, and the bills keep mounting. His unemployment checks ran out a long time ago. He has lost hope. It's like a cliff fell out from under him.

He's depressed, for sure. Depression doesn't just come and go, like a whim. It's long-term and often requires medical intervention, which he cannot afford. He has no health insurance since he lost his job on a downsizing. He could use a helping hand.

Speaking of Helping Hands, the foundation in Rector is doing a grand thing. It was set up to meet the short term financial needs of disadvantaged students in Rector.

Because of it, some deserving students are able to attend college, through scholarships.

But that isn't all. The Foundation also helps students who might need vision or dental care or medical care. For students who need the help, the Foundation is able to provide books or school supplies, or uniforms or band instruments.

It isn't always financially possible for parents to rent or buy band instruments for their children. Believe me, they are costly.

Helping Hands also provides funds for field trips or other school related trips.

The Gaither concert in Rector last week was held to raise funds for the Helping Hands Foundation.

Approximately 1,500 people packed the new gymnasium to enjoy the gospel music provided by a group of the Gaither singers. One of the performers was Guy Penrod, who introduced his wife Angie and their eight children, seven boys and finally a baby girl.

Monies raised will be used by the Foundation to fund the basic financial needs of Rector students. A highlight was when five Rector graduates came on stage to be recognized as scholarship recipients of Helping Hands Foundation.

Isn't that a great thing!

When I arrived at the concert, it was filling up fast. I spotted a single aisle seat with a good view. There was a man in the next seat. "Is this seat taken?" I asked.

He nodded no, then said, "You can sit there if you don't make a lot of noise."

I promised I would try not to cause too much commotion.

After I sat down, I said, "but when Guy Penrod takes the stage, all bets are off."

Tuesday night at the concert I talked briefly with Bill Carter, a co-founder and board member. He said while growing up in Rector he "didn't have much financially" and he decided he wanted to give back to the community where he grew up. Carter is a music producer in Nashville and was instrumental in getting the Gaither artists to come to Rector for the concert. Also he produces the Gaither television shows. He noted that last Tuesday night one of his latest productions of Elvis Presley aired on television for the first time. He has produced two other Elvis Presley television shows, one of them gospel songs by Elvis. I have seen both of them and look forward to viewing his latest Elvis production.

The mission of the Foundation is an honorable undertaking by Rector alumni and dozens of volunteers. I only wish there was an organization to help American people who are out of work, not because they want to be, but because of the dire circumstances of our economy.

One local unemployed worker says that when he goes to apply for a minimum wage job, there are eight or ten people already lined up wanting the same job. He has been doing odd jobs, house repairs but he needs permanent steady employment.

Some churches do have missions that provide clothing for the needy in their communities. First Baptist Church in Piggott is one of them. Last month, 36 needy families (130 people) received clothing, bedding and other household items they needed, according to Mission House spokesperson, Josie Brandon. The donated clothing is free for the asking. Many of the families are surviving on limited income and are struggling financially.

Eight emergency food boxes containing canned meat and canned soup and jars of peanut butter, plus food staples, were distributed...

Presently, school clothing is depleted and more is needed for distribution.

Some furniture is available also. The Mission House is run by First Baptist Church volunteers. The mission is located on Court Street directly behind First Baptist Church.

Yes, these are tough times. There's never been a better time to be our brother's keeper.