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The Woodyard Fund assists people who need help with their power bills, and sometimes it helps people who need second chances.

Rose Johnson, 58, was one of those second-chance people.

After her husband died in 2002, Johnson began having trouble keeping up with her monthly bills.

Several years ago, the Columbia resident, who is unable to work because of a disability, turned to the Woodyard Fund for help with her power bill.

Administered by the Salvation Army, the fund helps people in Richland, Lexington, Fairfield and Newberry counties during the coldest months of the year – November through March.

Back then, it was a relief for Johnson to be able to keep her lights and heat on. So when she began to fall behind on some of her bills again, she wondered what she was going to do.

“I’ve been doing OK, but sometimes hard times come along,” she said.

When her December power bill came in, Johnson decided to turn to the Woodyard Fund again. After one appointment, the overdue bill was paid in full.

Johnson says she is grateful for the support as well as for those who contribute to the fund.

A member of Greater Saint Luke Baptist Church, Johnson says she receives a great deal of strength and support from her Bible study group.

“And I look to the Lord,” she said. “Some days I don’t think I can make it, but he gives me the strength.”

Reach Lucas at (803) 771-8657.

Woodyard Fund

How to give help: Donations can be mailed to the Woodyard Fund, c/o The State, P.O. Box 1333, Columbia, SC 29202. Make checks payable to the Woodyard Fund. All donations are tax-deductible.

How to get help: Area residents who need assistance with heating bills can call for an appointment at (803) 462-5093.

WOODYARD FUND CONTRIBUTIONS

For the week ending Feb. 8

Bertram M. Rantin, $200

Kevin B. Marsh, $1,000

Lester W. Johnson Jr., $100

Charles Gardner, $50

Martin C. Grubbs, $25

Mildred E. Scott, $50

Bobby T. Buscher, $100

Stewards for Christ Class at Greenlawn Baptist Church, $25

James D. Head, $50

William D. Brazell, $25

Eugenia L. Fuson, $25

In memory of Sue, $100

Lucille E. Parkinson, $200

Marty Kerr, $50

In honor of Bethel ARP WOC, $100

In honor of our three great-grandchildren, Micha, Gavin and Sadie, $20

Robert Jett, $100

Robin M. Christmus, $100

In memory of James Rish, $200

The Annabell Cromer prayer group at Westside Baptist Church, $50

Charles and Virginia Greene, $150

Jerry and Sharon Watson, $350

St. John Neumann School, $903.50

Carrie Funderburk, $20

The Mullaney Agency Inc., $25

Quail Valley Garden Club to honor the memory of Linda Dempster, $100

TOTAL THIS WEEK $4,118.50

TOTAL TO DATE $90,125.50