Table of Hope event held to raise funds for Salvation Army

Matthew Christian, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·2 min read

Apr. 30—A group of Aiken County residents gathered Friday evening at the Big Red Barn to raise funds for the Salvation Army of Aiken's homeless shelter.

Vicki Wheeler, Bernice Miller, Carmen Armstrong, Sarah Malaby, Karen Olsen Edwards, Muriel Gouffray and Angie Richards organized the event, called the Table of Hope fundraiser.

Malaby said she works downtown and was approached by homeless people when she left her office for lunch. She said she became involved with the Salvation Army after she researched ways to help the homeless.

Edwards, who said she has worked with the Salvation Army for 12 years, said a lot of Aiken County residents are not aware that the county has a homeless problem or a homeless shelter.

"We're trying to raise awareness of the possibility to do more to help the homeless," Edwards said. "Really, $25 per day will give (someone) a clean shower, three meals and a clean place to sleep."

She added the shelter serves over 40 people. Edwards said the shelter has a men's area, a women's area and a family area.

Malaby added the Salvation Army also provides job services to help those struggling.

Capt. April Tiller, head of the Salvation Army of Aiken, said the women and those attending the fundraiser were showing the love of Jesus Christ. She said the women's work and those attending help people struggling to get a hand up to a better place.

In addition to a paid meal, the fundraiser featured a silent auction and a live auction conducted by Aiken County Council Vice Chairman Andrew Siders.

The Salvation Army of Aiken serves Aiken, Edgefield, Barnwell and Allendale counties.

For more information about the organization, visit southernusa.salvationarmy.org/aiken or call 803-641-4141. Donations can be made on the website or the same phone number.