One of Fayette Countys most worthwhile organizations is getting ready to celebrate a birthday next week.
The Fayette Samaritans, which is supported by more than 50 area churches, is celebrating its 13th year of helping needy folks in the county Feb. 2.
The organization helps out families and residents who may have lost their job, or just need help in paying a large power bill.
In 2004, the group helped more than 1,000 households in the county, which is a 9.3 percent increase over 2003.
Of the households helped last year, over 1,000 were under the poverty level. In all, the group helped 3,327 individuals and dispensed more than $172,000 in food to the hungry residents.
The group also assisted with more than $90,000 in utilities expenses and $61,000 in housing support.
The largest portion of the groups clients, more than 540 households, came from Fayetteville. More than 300 families in Peachtree City received assistance.
Fayette Samaritans provided $349, 245 in assistance last year, and only $5,766 was administrative costs.