For those in need around the Two Notch Road area, there aren’t a lot of options when it comes to food pantries and clothing warehouses. With limited access to vehicles and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department nearby, some of the area’s population has steered away from getting the help they may need.
But God’s Storehouse, a non-profit outreach program that has provided meals, clothing and other household materials to more than 30,000 people for over 25 years, is one of the few to help out the area.
Now, the outreach organization is the one asking for help.
God’s Storehouse has fallen on hard times in the past few years, struggling to make payments on the mortgage and utilities. If nothing is done soon the outreach could be closed by the end of this year.
Smiley Tynes, volunteer and operations manager at God’s Storehouse, has volunteered since high school and is worried about the future of the Storehouse.
“I made a promise to keep the doors open,” Tynes said. “But if they can’t pay the bills I don’t what else I can do. I’ve done all I can do.”
God’s Storehouse is donation-dependent for the majority of its day-to-day operations. The food pantry is also supplied by several local restaurants along with community donation. The closest alternative is Harvest Hope Food Bank on Shop Road.
“I want us to remain open, and I want to have Christmas for someone,” Tynes said. “I may not can do turkeys, but I got all the fixings and between Red Lobster and Longhorn they can have a good meal.”
From Monday to Friday, people in need can pick up bags of food filled with essential items such as meats, grains, canned fruits and vegetables, household items and cooking ingredients. For $10 on Saturdays, God’s Warehouse lets those in need collect clothing in trash bags.
The clothing, which is almost exclusively from community donations, range from baby shoes to undergarments. People are able to collect clothing and food once every 30 days. People must bring photo identification and proof of income. Those under 19 must also show a birth certificate.
Smiley Tynes, volunteer coordinator and operations manager at God’s Storehouse, has made feeding, clothing and caring for the less fortunate her life’s mission.
God’s Storehouse is a volunteer based non-profit organization. Volunteers are usually college students, church members and people with disabilities.
On Saturdays, God’s Storehouse allows people to pick up clothing. Recently the organization has fallen into financial troubles and has had to charge a minimal fee for services.
God’s Storehouse assists the needy in the Two Notch Road area of Columbia.
