MISSION  STATEMENT

HELPING
This ministry offers help to the people of our area who need it most.

HANDS   
This help is given with a personal touch -- from person to person.

MINISTRIES
Helping Hands sees its work as an expression of its commitment to Christ, who says that what we do for the least of our neighbors, we do for Him.

WOODRUFF AREA
There is no ministry like Helping Hands in lower Spartanburg County. Helping Hands believes that its ministry addresses a real and pressing need for our community and help create a more loving community for everyone.

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HISTORY

In 1991, a group of Woodruff area ministers gathered to discuss the best way to help individuals in the community who discovered themselves in need of assistance. They rallied the community and Helping Hands Ministries of Woodruff was founded. Start-up funds were donated by local churches, businesses, civic organizations and individuals. During that first year, more than 250 needy families received food, vital utility service and prescription medications that they could not purchase for themselves.

Helping Hands has grown steadily over the years. The organization now helps thousands of individuals and families each year remain fed, warm and healthy.

Helping Hands has been located in its present location since 1992. The organization boasts more than 115 supporting members, about 50 regular volunteers, and offers a large food pantry and freezer, special supplies for babies and referral assistance. Future initiatives include offering additional service for the aged, single parents and battered families.

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MEMBERSHIP

CHURCHES are asked to make gifts to Helping Hands totaling at least $2 for each member of the church each year.

BUSINESSES are asked to make financial contributions totaling at least $200 to Helping Hands each year.

INDIVIDUALS are asked to give at least $25 each year to support their fellow citizens through Helping Hands.

Helping Hands helps the Woodruff community because of continuing support from volunteers, financial contributors, grants and prayers.

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PURPOSE

Helping Hands Ministries of the Woodruff Area strives to provide assistance, primarily in crisis situations, to individuals living in southern Spartanburg County and the immediate adjacent areas of Laurens County.

Helping Hands primarily provides:
• food;
• heating fuel
• prescription medication
• rent;
• electricity; and
• water/sewer
to those in need, regardless of race, religion, nationality or creed. In cases when needs cannot be reasonably met by Helping Hands, the organization will attempt to refer individuals to appropriate agencies for assistance.

Helping Hands seeks support from area churches, businesses, agencies and concerned individuals, and shares the collected resources as fairly as possible to those in need.