The Samaritan Center is a nonprofit social services organization that has been a helping hand in the greater Chattanooga community for the last 34 years. With the assistance of over 200 volunteers the Samaritan Center operates a thrift store which provides the community with a place to donate, shop for clothing, furniture, household items, toys and a variety of items at bargain prices. In 2019 the Samaritan Center’s thrift store had more than 150,000 transactions.
One hundred percent of each financial donation goes to support their social services ministry since the revenue generated by sales from the thrift store covers all of the expenses and administrative costs of the Samaritan Center’s staff. These donations go back into the community to benefit those experiencing personal crises. The Samaritan Center’s social services department is able to provide support for those in need of rent, mortgage, utility assistance and life sustaining medication. In 2019 the social services department provided over $880,000 of assistance through these and other social services programs.
Additionally, the Samaritan Center runs a food pantry allowing the social services department to meet the need of those who are experiencing an emergency or may not otherwise be able to put food on their table.
Several events that benefit children of families who are financially struggling occur throughout the year facilitated by the social services department. During the summer the Samaritan Center is able to sponsor children to go to summer camp. At the end of each summer the social services department hosts a major event called “Stock Their Locker.” This program provides backpacks and the other necessary school supplies children need to go back to school. Children who would not have been able to afford them receive the school supplies they need.
Christmas time is when the third event focused on serving children in the community occurs. Christmas Toyland gives parents and grandparents who are financially struggling the chance to “shop” for new in-the-box toys. For Christmas Toyland, a room is set up with all the new toys and children are not allowed in. This way their parents or grandparents can go “shopping” and provide their child with surprise Christmas presents.
Throughout the year the Samaritan Center partners with area churches, businesses, schools and individuals to conduct drives to support their ministry. These drives emphasize a variety of items such as: cleaning supplies, personal care items, school supplies, food and Christmas toys.
Last November the Samaritan Center had the exciting opportunity to partner with the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) at Ooltewah High School during the Great Turkey Race, their annual two-week, school-based fundraising campaign. Over 135 JROTC members and high school students participated in the campaign, collecting non-perishable food items and funds to donate to the Samaritan Center. With these donated funds the Samaritan Center was able to provide Thanksgiving meals to 39 families.
With thanks to each donor, each donation, each partner, and each drive, the Samaritan Center is committed to making a positive difference in our community.