In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, "Good Samaritans" from all over Cherokee County donated turkeys and other food items in an effort to help those staying at Miracle Hill Ministries. Others donated their time to help out, while those with more than enough, brought food by the shelter, giving local residents otherwise looking at a bleak outlook during the holiday season reason to smile.

"A lot of people were generous in coming out to help as well as donating turkeys and other food items," said Miracle Hill Ministries Director Murl Lehman. "Truly God has blessed Miracle Hill this Thanksgiving with a fellowship of friends who have given of themselves to help make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate."

In addition to a wholesome Thanksgiving meal, residents of the shelter spent much of the week leading up to "turkey day" in the presence of those who care."

Miracle Hill enlisted the help of four Cherokee County churches in addition to the Sub-Deb Club this Thanksgiving, with each group serving meals to shelter residents and members of the nonprofit organization.

"The residents had plenty to eat and look forward to the delicious turkey they will eat as a result of the dinners yet to be prepared because of the generous donations," Lehman said.

With Christmas rapidly approaching, Lehman said this is the time of year when the shelter leans on the help of the community to contribute to neighbors in need.

In the past, Cherokee County has done its part, and he believes that will also be the case this year.

"Any number of things help, not only in December," Lehman said, "but I know God will send those with a heart to give."