The Care Mission has never worked to help so many needy people with so few resources before.

The agency in LaFayette helps more than 40 families daily and desperately needs financial con-tributions to cover operating expenses, director Kendra Phillips said.

Now the agency needs the community’s help to continue to operate a food bank and thrift store, which offers clothing and household goods at bargain prices as well as “new beginning kits” con-taining kitchen items, linens and other household items. The Care Mission also provides spiritual support with Bibles, prayer books and fellowship.

The Care Mission opened its doors June 25, 2005 with only $500, and keeping it open continues to be a challenge, Phillips said.

Food assistance clients may come in three times in a 12-month period. If they require additional food assistance, the Care Mission asks them to volunteer five hours or to provide a doctor’s note if they are unable to work.

The mission and food pantry assist people across Northwest Georgia. The food pantry serves al-most as many clients from Chattooga County as from Walker.

The “new beginning kits” go to fire victims and families assisted by the Family Crisis Center, which assists domestic violence victims from the four-county area; the Department of Family and Children Services; and A+ Women’s Care, which assists women with crisis pregnancies. The Care Mission helps people in a variety of dire circumstances.

The mission works numerous local ministries and receives support from churches and other or-ganizations in the area.