Thrift Shop | Bargain Barn | Food Bank | Thanksgiving Baskets | Emergency Hardship Fund | Home Repairs | Empty Soup Bowl Dinner | Child Abuse Prevention  | History | Donor Appreciation List | Officers and Volunteers |
How to Help |  A Letter from Our President | 2006 Food Drive

Donations Gratefully Accepted |

Founded in 1984, the purpose of FOCUS (Fellowship of Christians United for Service) is to minister to the material and spiritual needs of the people of Harris County, Georgia and nearby communities and to share Christian fellowship.  FOCUS seeks to bring together all Harris County churches, concerned organizations, and individuals interested in helping those in need. Monthly FOCUS meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at 232 Hamilton Square Street in Hamilton, Georgia.  Click here to see a picture of our facility.

FOCUSfriends.org is the official website of FOCUS, serving the community with a food bank, thrift shop, home repairs, and emergency financial assistance.  Individuals, families, businesses, civic organizations, and churches are invited to volunteer and become involved.  Help us identify problems and work on solutions.  We welcome you!

FOCUS is a non-profit organization reaching out to hard-working individuals and families who suddenly find themselves faced with small, emergency expenses that they have no way to afford on their own. At FOCUS, compassionate persons whose lives have been touched by kindness pass that kindness on to hard-working individuals and families struggling with the burden of an unexpected emergency expense. Operating this way since 1984, the donors of FOCUS - regular people just like you - have kept many individuals and families from entering the cycle of poverty over a small, emergency expense. And in keeping with our philosophy, we never ask for anything in return. By choice, the work we do at FOCUS is funded by the generosity of private citizens and local churches, with gifts typically ranging from $5 to $100 for individuals, and up to $500 - $3,000 or more from churches and other organizations.

If your life has been touched by kindness, and you're looking for a meaningful way to pass that kindness on, we hope you'll contribute to this work. At FOCUS, EVERY person has the power to change a life.
 

FOCUS Thrift Shop

There is something in all of us that loves a bargain. The perfect places to discover hidden treasures are the FOCUS Thrift Shop and the recently renovated FOCUS Bargain Barn. Gently used clothing for men, women and children, along with house wares, linens and furniture make shopping at the Thrift Shop and the Bargain Barn a real bargain hunter's dream.  You'll easily find name brand clothing in a convenient location and at the fraction of the cost you'll see in department stores.  See photos from our Grand Opening here.

Individuals, businesses, and manufacturers donate merchandise, so you'll find that every day is a new shopping experience. With used items and nearly new pieces at exceptional prices, you can spruce up your wardrobe, buy gently used clothing for your children, or add the finishing touch to a room in your home. Need a "worn only once" formal for the prom, clothes for school or business, baby clothes, those hard to find plus sizes, or a costume for a play, all at rock bottom prices? Shop the FOCUS Thrift Shop today.

So…clean out your closets! Your tax-deductible donations help FOCUS to help others.

 

Thrift Shop Philosophy and Purpose

• To provide clothing for men, women, and children at affordable prices.

• To generate funds that FOCUS can use for emergency needs.

• To provide an opportunity for those who have good clothing above and beyond their needs to share with the less fortunate. Clothing donations are accepted at the Thrift Shop.

• To promote goodwill and volunteerism in Harris County. Volunteers of various church denominations staff the Thrift Shop.

• To provide free clothing for victims of disasters.

• Donations are tax-deductable.

Thrift Shop hours

Thursday: 10 am to 3 pm
Friday: 10 am to 3 pm
Saturday: 10 am to 1 pm

Located in Hamilton, GA at 232 Hamilton Square Street, Hamilton
(across the street and south of Wachovia Bank)

FOCUS Bargain Barn:  Your Adventure Store

The FOCUS Bargain Barn, located on the northeast corner of town square in Hamilton, is open for sales on Saturdays. The newly renovated barn was opened for business in September 2005 (Saturday mornings only, at 8:30 a.m.), with all proceeds going to FOCUS.  Donations of items for resale are being accepted now.  To arrange a time to drop off items, please contact Jean at 706-628-4351, and she will be happy to assist.  All types of re-sellable useable items are accepted. 

Stop by the Thrift Shop at 232 Hamilton Square Street and the Bargain Barn on Hamilton Square for quality items at a price you will love!

FOCUS Food Bank

The FOCUS food bank is a vital ministry in helping feed the hungry of Harris County. This program could not exist without the generous support of many churches in the county, local residents, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, other organizations, and school food drives.

On average, a family in need receives one to two weeks of basic groceries. Food recipients are referred to the Food Bank by Harris County Department of Family and Children Services, churches, and through direct contact with FOCUS.  Donations of food and monies are accepted by contacting FOCUS (706) 628-9955 or can be donated through various churches and clubs. Additional food supplies are purchased from the Second Harvest Food Bank in Columbus and other distributors.

Thanksgiving Baskets

Every year at Thanksgiving time, FOCUS provides approximately 1,000 bags of food to an average of 300 needy families. This is made possible through the generosity of local residents. Members of various churches throughout the county gather to prepare and distribute the food.

Emergency Hardship Fund

An emergency assistance fund for utilities, medical expenses and other approved necessities is administered directly by FOCUS to those in hardship situations. Limited money is available.  In the case of extreme need for home repairs, FOCUS will provide the materials on a limited basis to approved families. Homeowners are responsible for the labor. Completion of repairs is monitored.

Office Hours

Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 – 2 pm

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least
of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:4)
 

Notes of Appreciation

Child Abuse Prevention

In cooperation with the schools and the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), social workers and FOCUS volunteers present an entertaining puppet show to second graders in all the elementary schools called "It's All Right to Tell." The program illustrates various forms of abuse and neglect, to help children deal with problems. 

History

Our first meeting was on March 1, 1984, through the efforts of Sister Rosemary Sullivan of Christ the King Catholic Church and Rev. John Bacher, Pastor of First Methodist Church, in Hamilton. We have accomplished much since our beginning. We believe helping our neighbors is one of the most important things we can do, but our strength is only as great as the number of FOCUS volunteers. Presently approximately 20 churches are actively involved in FOCUS ministries, as well as many volunteers.  Through the years FOCUS has worked to meet the unmet needs in the county. We invite you to visit and see the concern in action. FOCUS meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at 232 Hamilton Square Street, Hamilton, Georgia (across from Wachovia Bank).

Even the smallest donations go a long way!
All contributions are tax-deductible.