I received this from Norma Jacovitch McKinney (WHS '64) in an email but I don't think she'll mind my sharing it with you on this message board:
Friends and former classmates of WHS, As most of you are aware, McDowell Mission, Inc. (a faith-based, non-profit that reaches out to families in McDowell County to assist with housing rehabilitation, youth programming, and relationship strengthening activities) is now located "On the Hill" in our "homesite" of WHS.
Through years of neglect and "aging", our school buildings were in dire need of many renovations when the Mission moved there in 2003. Much work has been done to make this a place we can be proud to call home to the local youth who come there for the weekly activities that involve athletic games, music, spiritual studies, and/or "just hanging out". However, one of the things that is still a problem is an affordable heating system for these activities. To date, over half of the $25,000 (figure has gone up since last year) that is needed for a more efficient, alternative system has been raised.
We need YOUR help! However, big or small the gift, it will be deeply appreciated. Please help us give local kids/adults from the community an opportunity to enjoy using the gym and facilities that once housed those "Maroon Wave" basketball games and dodgeball classes. Will you PLEASE consider sharing your memories with those who now want to make some of their own..."on the hill"?
If you can help, make your check payable to McDowell Mission, Inc.
Mark the memo: Heating System--WHS grad
The following is from the Mission's Executive Director:
"You did it! Well...God did it by using you.
This is how fascinating God is. When we sent out a letter asking for help in acquiring a new furnace we thought $20,000.00 was the amount we needed. Shortly after, the dealer suggested that we should step up to a larger unit. That unit cost $5000.00 more. We needed to raise $25,000.00.
In less than two months, we received $22,400.00. Yesterday the dealer called to say that the manufacturer was giving us a $2600.00 credit! When you do the math you find that we have exactly what we need. There is no way you can explain how this happened other than God knows exactly what we needed and He provided. We praise God for His provisions and we praise God for your generosity as well. The story is awesome not because of the rebate but how you were faithful to give when you had no idea that we could raise that much in such a short time.
The furnace is set to arrive on Tuesday and we hope to have it running within ten days. Every week we are asked by at least one youth,"when are we going to have heat in the gym?" Now we can answer, "Praise God, it will be soon!"
