Line Crew Leader Kevin Dyal paid forward $500 to Ware Shoals First Baptist Church’s Benevolence Fund in memory of his father-in-law David Hodges, who was Chairman of the Deacons before his passing on February 19, 2023.
“He felt strongly about this fund, and I wanted to honor his memory,” said Kevin.
According to the church’s Financial Secretary Shelley Strickland, “The Benevolence Fund is used to help people in the Ware Shoals community.”
Such help might include paying a utility bill, purchasing gas cards or groceries, or home repairs.
Strickland said, “In one circumstance, a blind mother lost custody of her 2 sons because of the condition of the home. This fund was used to purchase flooring and materials to make the home more livable so that the boys could return.”
The fund also helps purchase food to feed 9 students at Ware Shoals Middle School on the weekends. Breakfast items and snacks are provided to Ware Shoals High School for students that are hungry.
Regarding honoring the memory of David Hodges, Strickland said, “He was one of the finest men I have ever known. He wanted to help anyone he could with any need they had. He was willing to roll up his sleeves and do what needed to be done. He was truly a servant. Mr. David loved his family, his church and community. He was always trying to make it a better place.”
For more information about the church or the Benevolence Fund, contact Ware Shoals First Baptist Church at 864-456-7712 or fbchurchws@gmail.com.
Laurens Electric’s Pay It Forward program began in 2015.
Every Laurens Electric Cooperative employee is entered into a random drawing to receive $500 to pay forward in any way they choose.
Each month a new name is drawn, and the employee then has one month to apply the funds toward their own act of kindness.
This initiative is budget-neutral; the funds come from Laurens Electric’s charity events, which employee volunteers make possible.