The reasons for contributing to the Woodyard Fund are as varied as the donors. But sometimes the reason can be as simple as wanting to help those in need stay warm.

“I live in South Carolina where it’s hot and I don’t like to be cold,” said David Meadow. “So I don’t think anyone should be cold.”

A retired dentist, Meadow said he and his wife, Dianne, always reserve their December giving for the Woodyard Fund. A longtime donor, Meadow said he’s always found it interesting how the annual charity drive, which can trace its origins to 1816, began.

Back then, the Ladies Benevolent Society provided firewood and, later, coal to families in need. The society turned management of the charity over to the Salvation Army around the turn of the 20th century.

“That was a time when people didn’t have electricity so they really needed that wood to stay warm,” Meadow said. “It’s quite admirable that something has gone on for so long in our community.”

Eugenia Ward agreed. An artist and retiree herself, Ward said she and her husband, John, have been longtime supporters of the fund as well.

“And it’s just an honorable and worthy cause,” she said.

Ward said she and her husband give to the fund because they feel blessed for what they have and don’t want others to suffer from being cold.

“I have a lot of gratitude,” she said. “Sometimes we don’t stop to think about all the things we do have.”

Woodyard Fund contributions

For the week ending Dec. 7

E. Douglas Franklin, $100

Jessie H. Helms, $100

Tom and Betty J. Taylor, $50

The Mullaney Agency Inc.,$50

Anonymous, $200

Nancy J. Piester, $100

Pierrene Johnson, $100

In memory of Madge Major, $100

Eastern Columbia Lions Club, $150

Nancy Kennedy, $100

Richard G. Wall, $10

Alan T. Hatch, $100

Anonymous, $300

Martin C. Grubbs, $25

John A. Wilkinson, $100

John T. Moore, $25

E.W. and Mabel Nunnery, $100

In memory of Carroll and Billy Dubose, $500

In memory of Angelo Tsiantis, $200

Edwin W. Roberston, $100

In memory of Elois Barrett, $200

Lois F. Ausbeck, $20

George S. Betsill, $100

J. Stanley Frick, $30

In loving memory of Kendall Marie Wooten by Cicely and Dick Jenkins, $40

Anonymous, $100

Mrs. Ethel J. Vereen, $50

Jimmy and Ann Cooper, $200

Sue G. Jennings, $50

Goldenrod Garden Club, $50

Robert B. Lineberger, $100

George T. Larson, $25

In honor of Bethel ARP Church, $100

Jethro Owens, $50

ARP Church Circle III, $50

John and Dupre Young, $100

Samuel E. Douglas, $100

Ruth Circle Ebenezer Lutheran Church Women, $100

Mr. and Mrs. P. Morris, $500

Ascension Lutheran Church Adult SS Class, $50

Y.M. and Carolyn K. Miller, $500

Elizabeth A. Thrash, $50

Anna M. Amick, $50

Lester W. Johnson Jr., $100

Strickland and Keels P.A., $100

Becky Falls, $25

Norman B. Cox, $25

Curtis E. Catoe, $100

James H. Harman, $75

In memory of my parents from ABC, $200

Rayburn H. Butler, $200

In memory of Dickie Summer by his parents W.D. and Mertice Summer, $50

Carol S. Goad, $100

In memory of AB Sanders, $1,000

Margaret Barker, $50

Anonymous, $100

Helen W. Bass, $200

Joe and Sara Mills, $100

H.H. Leysath, $50

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Hendrix, $300

Elizabeth Circle Ebenezer Lutheran Church, $50

In memory of 1st Sgt. W.R. McKee, $25

In memory of Helen C. Ackerman and Sam Crouch Sr., $50

B.M. and June Mackie, $100

In memory of Trina Williams, $100

Anonymous, $35

The Mariners of Congaree Presbyterian Church, $200

In memory of Wayne Roberts, $50

Thomas B. Edmunds, $200

Anonymous, $1,000

Margie J. Weed, $100

Dr. Joseph S. Mack, $50

In loving memory of George and Ruby Nichols, $100

In loving memory of John and Frances Tollner, $100

Helen Silver, $100

Anonymous, $100

Anonymous, $100

In memory Bob Pierce, $100

Anonymous, $250

Woody and Doris A. Cloud, $1,000

This week’s total, $11,710

Total to date, $17,462

Reach Lucas at (803) 771-8657.