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A local ministry made a donation to help make spirits brighter this holiday season.

On Oct. 9, the Women’s Fellowship Ministry of Galatians United Church of Christ made a $500 donation to Autumn Care of Suffolk.

Galatians United Church of Christ does two to three community services a year. While they were deciding what to do for the last service for this year, Autumn Care of Suffolk advertised its end-of-summer fundraisers, including a bake sale and a car wash. Seeing the nursing home go to these measures, the church’s senior pastor, Dr. Madelene Beard, knew this was a true need in the community.

“Reading the calendar section of the Suffolk News-Herald, I saw they were having a fundraiser for their resident fund,” said Beard. “I knew if they are raising money, then they need it.”

She approached the Women’s Fellowship Ministry for its last community service project. The ministry has specific funds in its budget each year to go towards giving back to the community. A handful of Women’s Fellowship Ministry members presented the check to Laverne Lister, president of the resident council at Autumn Care of Suffolk.

“As a pastor, I am grateful for the Women’s Fellowship Ministry for embodying the idea for a worthy cause,” said Beard. “I’m just thankful we were able to share with the residents of Autumn Care. It was a blessing to share our resources with them.”

According to Tameika Cross, director of life enrichment at Autumn Care of Suffolk, this monetary donation will be used to assist with a Christmas wish list for all residents at the facility as well as with holiday festivities.

“The Resident Council of Autumn Care of Suffolk cannot thank this group enough for this act of kindness,” said Cross. “They will truly make their holiday season brighter. When the announcement of their donation was made during the monthly resident council meeting, everyone’s faces brightened up. It’s comforting to know that we have people in our community who think enough to show our residents just how much they are thought of, loved and valued.”