Just the Crumbs, a Christian based ministry, offers more than crumbs.
Just the Crumbs is based on the Bible story of Lazarus found in Luke. As Lazarus desired the crumbs from the rich man’s table, the ministry asks for “crumbs” that will become a blessing to those in need.
Just the Crumbs thrift store is located in a building past Shiloh Baptist Church on Highway 12 west. Founded by Shiloh pastor Rev. Lavon Haden and Ray Boone in Lamar County, the non-profit organization is made up primarily of volunteers to provide basic needs such as food and clothing to victims of natural disasters, fires, homeless or people who are living on a fixed income and need assistance.
Just the Crumbs is an outgrowth of assistance that was provided in the Columbia area following a storm there in 2014. Just the Crumbs is also operated in Sumrall.
The Kosciusko ministry is under the direction of Don and Judy Smith of Fulton who come to Kosciusko three days each week to volunteer. Mrs. Smith is the sister of Shiloh pastor Rev. Haden. Mr. Smith leaves his business of building and leasing gas compressors to volunteer at the Kosciusko location.
“We welcome the opportunity to help anyone in need and also welcome anyone to take part in this ministry by volunteering time and any donations to include money, food items, clothes, household items, appliances or any other items that may be surplus,” Rev. Haden said.
The Smiths with the help of volunteers have converted the thrift shop into spaces of organized shopping. Men’s, women and children’s clothing are located in separate rooms and grouped according to sizes. Other rooms hold glassware, dishes, bric-a-brac and numerous decorative items. Toys are being collected to fill a room. Shelves lining a wall of one room are filled with books of wide and varied subjects. Another room holds shoes, purses and other accessories.
A free and complete noon meal is currently being offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday with plans to begin making a nominal charge to help with the operation of the ministry.
All proceeds from thrift shop sales go into the operation of the ministry. Added funds will come when the meal charge of $4.75 goes into effect. Meals are cooked and served by Molly Lee and Caroline Alford, who are the only paid workers.
“Our thanks goes to Kosciusko and area residents for their generosity in donating and shopping. This is a ministry that we think of as the Lord’s work – not ours. We are here to just push the wagon,” said Smith.
