Group raises $6,502 in 1 week

The community has donated $6,502 in a week to help Rural Mission Inc. complete homes for two needy families in Charleston County in time for the holidays.

Organizers of the effort said they are thrilled with the response, but about $24,000 more is needed to finish homes for the Mack family of Wadmalaw Island and the Smiley family of Hollywood.

"We're pleased with that and hopeful that more will come in," said Chris Brooks, Rural Mission's director of program development. "We're confident we will get there."

Both families live in battered, decades-old mobile homes that are falling apart around them.

The roof of Shirley and Harry Smiley's home leaks so bad that it soaks their bed on rainy nights. The home is rotten in sections and the damp chill has left Shirley and her son with severe allergies and asthma.

Henrietta Mack's home is in similar disrepair, with cracked floors and a leaky ceiling that must be covered with plastic sheets to keep rain and debris from falling down on her.

With the aid of volunteers from across the country, Rural Mission has been building new homes for the two families, but the effort has stalled because of a lack of funds. That's why some local business people have started the "Homes to Christmas" project to get the necessary money and skilled workers to finish the jobs.

The money that has come in so far should be enough to finish Mack's new two-bedroom home, which has been under construction for two years, Brooks said.

Workers are installing a new septic tank and drainage field, and other finishing touches should happen soon, he said.

Mack was thrilled to learn the donations would cover the work. "That is great," she said. "You never know how much people care and are willing to help you. God bless them."

A good deal more money is needed to complete the Smileys' three-bedroom home, which has been framed and sided but needs much interior work. Rural Mission is appealing to plumbers, electricians and other skilled trade workers to assist with the project, Brooks said.

People have begun donating furnishings for the home at a portable storage unit beside Seacoast Church's West Ashley campus, Brooks said. More items are needed, and the unit will be in place for two months for people to make donations, he said.

Homes for Christmas

Donations are being sought to help Rural Mission Inc. complete new homes for Henrietta Mack of Wadmalaw Island and the Smiley family of Hollywood.

People can donate through the group's Web site at www. ruralmission.org or by sending checks to "Homes for Christmas" c/o Rural Mission Inc., P.O. Box 235, Johns Island, SC 29457. Checks should be made out to Rural Mission Inc.--Homes for Christmas.

The PODS company has donated a portable storage unit where people can drop off new or gently used household furniture, appliances, curtains, towels and other items for the homes. The unit is located beside Seacoast Church's West Ashley campus, 2049 Savannah Highway. Donors should contact Rural Mission at 768-1720 for a schedule of donation times to assure the POD can be accessed and help will be available.

The project also is seeking plumbers, electricians, heat and air-conditioning technicians and other skilled trades people to volunteer. Those interested should call Anderson Mack Jr. at 768-1720.