Amy Walton's Humanitarian Trip to GA

Dear family and friends,

For most of my adult life, I have felt a calling to do a mission trip of sorts with an underserved population in the Deep South. During my many years of raising sons as an only parent, I was grateful to have a roof over my head and to provide wonderful experiences for my two boys. Many young widows /widowers and other single parents are not so fortunate, and I count my blessings each day. I have never asked family or friends for help-even at times when I financially struggled-and I have always tried to "give back" through my time and resources.

Now, I am stepping out and asking for support for a wonderful opportunity I have in July.

A year or so ago, I connected with Open Door Community House in  Columbus, GA, during one of my trips to visit my family. Open Door is without question THE most amazing nonprofit ministry I've encountered! It is a multifaceted organization that houses several ministries under one roof. I could write a lengthy narrative here about everything Open Door does, but I ask YOU to take a few minutes to look at the website and read about the various ministries. Make sure you read about Circles in Columbus, an amazing concept that moves people out of poverty. Here is the website: www.opendoorcommunityhouse.org.  

The mission of Open Door Community House is to empower impoverished people in the Columbus area to realize their full potential as children of God. Open Door's Executive Director, Rev. Kim E. Jenkins, is a warm and wonderful leader who took time out of her busy schedule to speak with and to show me around on my first visit there. I am now a supporter, but I want to take my support beyond financial and actually give of my time. 

From July 8-14, I will be in Columbus volunteering my time at Open Door. I think this will be a life-changing experience for me in many ways, and I am grateful to Kim and her staff for this opportunity. I did my research to locate lodging in a safe area and one that includes breakfast and dinner (or "supper," as we say in the South!). I will take care of my transportation costs, but I humbly ask your support for my lodging. I need to raise $1,300. Any money over that goal will be donated to Open Door. I will also write about my experience and make daily Facebook posts to keep my donors informed and to show them how their donations impacted others during my week there.  

Open Door is a 4-Star charity according to Charity Navigator, meaning it is exceptional in its standards and outperforms most others in its Cause. Take a look at this wonderful place! Informational Video About Open Door Community House 

As one who spent many years overseeing fundraising for a nonprofit, I hold accountablity and integrity very high in my own fundraising practices. I realize I am not asking you to help me put food on my table or a roof over my head, but I will-from the bottom of my heart-appreciate any amount of support to help cover or defray my lodging expenses during this experience. I give you my word that I will make the most of this outreach and service mission. 

With a servant's heart, I am

Amy Walton