SUMTER, S.C. — Free Easter baskets are getting made now for kids in Sumter. A local ministry is providing candy and toys to over 50 children.
"That means there's a love that always gives and gives and gives it doesn't get tired, doesn't get weary," church member Terrie Sharkey said of Unfailing Love Worship Center.
It's not only the name of a ministry, but also the church's mission.
"It's always a blessing, you know, to serve others," Pastory Marilyn Haydel said. "And so that's what we're here for."
It's why Marilyn and her husband and co-pastor Donald are giving out free Easter baskets to children in their community, with the hopes of building relationships while serving.
"As the people come in relationship is very important, so they get to know who Jesus is," Donald said.
"The name of the church is Unfailing Love and it shows that unfailing love, that love really does exist, you know, because the stuff was bought personally by [the Haydels]," House said. "It wasn't donated. They took their money to buy the stuff. So that's unfailing love."
The Haydels are building Easter baskets for over 50 kids and giving them away for free on Easter Sunday. Church member Terrie House says it was through a similar outreach that she first heard about the ministry.
"It's changed our lives," House said. "So I think we're going to change some lives with this."
For people like Tiffany Sharkey, Easter as a kid was a fun time.
"I enjoy my mother coming in with an Easter basket, and I always had a dress and she always did my hair and I look forward to that," Sharkey said. "I look forward to Easter."
But not every parent is able to do that, which is why the Haydels want to help make sure as many kids as possible can get a basket on Easter with toys, candy, and a message.
"It means everything because I think sometimes people relate Christianity to being boring. And it's definitely not boring," Marilyn said. "Sharing the love of Christ is so much joy."
The Haydels say that 50 children have been registered for the baskets. They have 10 left to give out, but if they receive donations, the couple says they will use those to serve even more kids in Sumter.
If you're interested in registering a child or donating to help the pastors make more Easter baskets, you can visit their website or Facebook page.
"The outreach is a wonderful idea - is a way to connect with us to the community. So the community can know," Sharkey said. "We're here with open arms and open hearts and we're open to all it doesn't matter what you look like. It doesn't matter what background you come from, you can always come here and when you walk through those doors, you feel like you're at home."