Churches invite all to holiday gathering

A community church service will be held tonight in Winfield with a special offering for an Appling woman who is in dire need of a new kidney.

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First Mount Carmel Baptist Church, at 6269 Cobbham Road in Winfield, will play host to the 13th annual pre-Thanksgiving service with members of Appling's Kiokee Baptist.

The service begins at 6 p.m., and offerings will be given to a fund for Mary Jefferson, an insulin-dependent diabetic who needs a new kidney.

Jefferson's family has been trying to raise the $10,000 required for her to be put on the list to receive a donated kidney. The monthly cost of anti-rejection medications once Jefferson gets her kidney could also rise into the thousands of dollars.

Regina Jefferson, Mary Jefferson's daughter, said her mother suffered a setback recently, requiring her left foot to be amputated. Regina said her mother remains in good spirits and is recovering.

Touched by a recent profile of Jefferson in The Columbia County News-Times , the Rev. Roscoe Perry said his First Mount Carmel congregation got together to raise money for the 54-year-old former University Hospital cook.

"I didn't know her, but I was just compelled to do something," Perry said. "I really want to challenge other churches and missions to do likewise, to help her and to make a statement of support to somebody who is in drastic need to get better."

The service is open to the public. Donations to the Mary Jefferson Kidney Transplant Fund can also be made in care of Wachovia Bank, 4363 Washington Road, Evans, GA 30809. For more information about the service, call First Mount Carmel Baptist at (706) 541-0711.