SHEPHERD'S COVE HOME HOPES TO PAY OFF DEBT

GORDONVILLE -- With small change and a few dollar bills, Shepherd's Cove Children's Home plans to repay its debt to the Vernon Rhodes Family Trust.

The children's home, sponsored by Abundant Life Church, is trying to raise $170,000 to repay its debt by the end of February. Church members and people from the community have already committed $30,000 in pledges.

When the children's home faced foreclosure earlier this year, the Rhodes family trust paid a $200,000 bank note. If the debt is repaid within a year, the trust will donate $10,000 to the project.

The repayment will come in little bits and pieces with planned fund-raising events.

Saturday, the children's home is planning a garage sale in hopes of reducing its debt. Butler hopes the sale can raise $1,000.

"We are planning something every month," he said.

An auction is set for late October or early November, and a concert later in the year.

Volunteers will continue to bag groceries at area stores in hopes of collecting donations.

"They are people who have a heart for Shepherd's Cove," Butler said.

The church faced several struggles in getting the children's home built. Neighbors were uncertain about the project and construction was delayed.

The home is a licensed foster care home, which alleviated some worries from neighbors, that can house up to 12 children. It sits on 10-acres of the church's tract along Route K near the intersection of State Highway 25.

To donate items for the garage sale or to make a donation to the home, contact Butler at 334-8380. Church members will be available to pick up items for the sale, if necessary.