Christmas is a busy time for the Fayette Samaritans, a non-profit organization chartered to serve the food and clothing needs of needy Fayette Countians.

The organization began in 1992 with 11 people each contributing $10 each and 11 churches banding together to help a community need.

Most people who find themselves in a tough spot financially would turn to a church for help, but churches have neither the staff nor expertise to distinguish the “good guys” from the “just trying to get something for nothing” guys.

There are 50 volunteers who work at least one day a week, from 9 a.m. to noon. Some of them screen the prospective needs of an applicant and the others are in the pantry filling orders.

The screener determines if there is a need, and if so, fills out a slip that indicates male or female, is there an infant, number of young children or teens. The needy family is given a two-week supply of their particular needs.

The supply usually includes two cans of tuna and veggies, three cans of soup, saltines, a small box of macaroni and cheese mix, cereal, and washing powder. Other items might include diapers, or feminine products.

Only .06 percent — that’s six-one-hundredths of 1 percent — of its income is spent on office expense.

More than 99 percent of the Samaritans’ remaining income is used to buy food from the Atlanta Food Bank when necessary, or to pay an electric bill, perhaps a dentist or doctor bill, or to purchase needed medicines.

This past Friday the Samaritans served 17 local families in one way or another within three hours.

I have several suggestions to prospective donors: please do not donate soiled underwear. They need new underwear only.

Also, don’t give clothes that have long since seen better days.

A suggestion to a prospective client: leave your cell phone in your pocket. Talking on a cell during the needs assessment interview does not bode well for your prospects.

Samaritans top 10 list for Dec.

The Fayette Samaritans is a non-profit organization dedicated to the food and clothing needs of Fayette Countians. Their needs for December are as follows:

1. Saltine crackers.

2. Diapers, size 4, 5, 6.

3. Juices.

4. Baby wipes.

5. Ramen noodles.

6. Chicken noodle soup.

7. Jello.

8. Washing detergent.

9. Feminine products.

10. Cans and jars of spaghetti sauce.

Its clothes closet is in dire need of children’s winter coats, all school ages.

Ongoing Needs

• Canned meat and tuna.

• Spaghetti sauce and noodles.

• Peanut butter and jelly.

• Macaroni and cheese.

• Cereal, oatmeal and crackers.

• Diapers.

• Dry and canned beans.

• Rice and potatoes.

• Cleaning supplies – laundry, dish soap, window and multipurpose cleaners.

• Personal care items: bar soap, shampoo, feminine products, razors, toothbrushes/paste, lotions, etc.

The Fayette County Magistrate Court is accepting all items for the Fayette Samaritans through Thursday, Dec. 18. All donations will be forwarded to the Samaritans after that date.

The court is located in the Fayette County Justice Center on Center Drive off Jimmie Mayfield Boulevard in downtown Fayetteville. The court office is located on the first floor directly opposite the entry doors.

The Samaritans facility is located at 125 Hickory Rd., next to the Fayetteville Christian Church. It is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon. Call them at 770-719-2707.

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