Woodyard Fund: Mother sought assistance after son’s surgery
A single mother of four who often helps others with her massage therapy business had to request assistance herself following a family emergency.
Jennifer David of Irmo said her son was rushed into emergency surgery Dec. 17 and has been having issues with his liver ever since. She said the past couple months have been an “emotional roller coaster,” with doctors saying her son could be put on dialysis. Doctors are trying other options first, though he has been in an out of the hospital since.
“It’s been completely downhill since then,” she said.
Because of her son’s illness, she has been working less, which has affected her income. David said she has never asked for donations, but a higher electricity bill coupled with her reduced income led her to the Salvation Army of the Midlands.
She said she was initially hesitant but stepped forward because but her son requires equipment, such as breathing machines, that run on electricity.
When her request for utility bill assistance was approved for this month, she felt blessed.
“I was absolutely in shock when (the Salvation Army) said everything was paid for,” she said. “... It completely changed our whole month.”
David said the experience made her realize that everyone has hard times and people are willing to help.
“Don’t be afraid to pick your head up and ask for help,” she said. “... They just flipped a switch, and it was night and day.”
David said once she receives her tax return, she wants to donate back to the fund that helped her family. She also said her family is currently looking through clothes, shoes and toys to give away to the Salvation Army.
“It’s the least I can do,” she said. “We’re all about giving back. I highly encourage anyone to help out people.”
The Woodyard Fund helps residents in crisis in Richland, Lexington, Fairfield and Newberry counties pay for utilities. The fund dates to 1816, when the Ladies Benevolent Society provided firewood and coal to families in need. In 1930, The State newspaper’s editor, William E. Gonzales, began publicizing the fund. It became a tradition the newspaper continues every winter.
Woodyard Fund
How to give help: Donations can be mailed to the Woodyard Fund, c/o The Salvation Army of the Midlands, P.O. Box 2786, 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 (803) 462-5093 for more information or to make an appointment for assistance.
Donations
Through Feb. 5
Hoyt N. Wheeler and Elizabeth S. Wheeler, $100; Curtis E. and Saundra S. Catoe, $150, in memory of Edison and Katy Catoe; Linda Amason, $50, in memory of Mary L. Amason; L. Storm and Betty M. Bailey, $100; Anonymous, $25; Exclusive 13 Bridge Club, $200; A. David Fary, Jr. and Janet A. Fary, $300; Drew Evans, $100; Anonymous, $50; Kathryn A. Dearhart, $100; Loyal Workers Sunday School Class at Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church, $100; Anonymous, $50; William J. and Regina B. Moody, $50; Greenview First Baptist Church, Brotherhood Ministry, $50; Lester W. Johnson, Jr., $100; Augsburg Sunday School Class at Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, $100; Mr. and Mrs. John F. Geiger, Jr., $25; Gwen and Don Buff, $100; Ethel J. Vereen, $50; David D. and Jenifer A. Kennedy, $250; Stewards for Christ Class, $25; Grace United Methodist Women, $100; Ansilee S. and William D. Broome, $100; Joyce M. Dickerson, $27.52; Roberta M. Monts, $100; Tami S. Ashford Carroll, $50; Anonymous, $100; Anonymous, $1,200; Willing Workers Sunday School Class Westside Baptist Church West Columbia, $50; Sherry Stark, $100; Edward E. Harris, $25; Anonymous, $50
Weekly total: $3,977.52
Total to date: $75,510.02
This story was originally published February 5, 2016 at 3:55 PM with the headline "Woodyard Fund: Mother sought assistance after son’s surgery."