Donations put Rural Mission on track

Johns Island charity has collected $96K, covering its debt Two months ago, it looked as if Rural Mission would have to close its doors in mid-April. The Johns Island-based charity that helps area islanders and migrant families needed help paying more than $70,000 in debt and back taxes. Donations had fallen off in recent years. Because of a lack of money, Executive Director Linda Gadson feared that the mission would be forced to sell its five-acre waterfront site. She had said it would shut down if they couldn't gather the money in 60 days. As of Wednesday, Rural Mission had received $96,000 in donations. "Nobody but God," Gadson said about the generosity of public and private donors who have kept the ecumenical nonprofit afloat. She said they've paid off some $40,000 in debt and $35,000 in payroll taxes, avoiding more late fees on the taxes. The rest of the money is going toward monthly operating costs of about $30,000, she said. "It makes you feel that your work has not gone in vain," Gadson said. "The support that has come in is affirming God's work here." Since making a public plea in mid-February, Rural Mission has received $10,000 from St. Michael's Episcopal Church and the Coastal Community Foundation, both in downtown Charleston. Wednesday, First United Methodist Church Isle of Palms submitted a $10,000 check. "We felt that it was a really very important mission. It's a mission that needs to continue," said Rev. Gloria Robbins Davis of the Isle of Palms church. Other churches, businesses and individuals have also given money and Gadson said she's thankful for all donations, even small ones. The nonprofit received two dollars from an anonymous donor. "We believe that that came from the heart and it was just as important as a $10,000 gift," Gadson said. Each year, Rural Mission serves some 3,000 low-income residents of Johns, Wadmalaw, Yonge's and Edisto islands and Hollywood. It offers crisis assistance and intervention, home repair and construction, advocacy and counseling, a prayer group for seniors and other services. Rural Mission also hosts a federally funded Head Start program for children of migrant workers. Those funds were not in jeopardy, Gadson said. For more information on Rural Mission, call 768-1720.

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