Each spring, the children and youth of Hartness-Thornwell Memorial Church have the opportunity to experience firsthand the gift of giving, as they learn about stewardship, philanthropy, and the personal rewards of being a volunteer. Thanks to an endowment established for Thornwell youth called The Farrell Philanthropic Fund, the youth of Thornwell have a chance to research, review and award thousands of dollars each year to non-profit organizations around the county and the world.


“The youth of the church choose local, national, and international charities to receive Farrell Fund gifts,” says Finley Sutton, Thornwell’s Christian Educator. “This year, seven charitable organizations received a total of $8000 in Farrell Fund grants.”


The following seven organizations are 2009 Farrell Fund recipients: The United Way of Laurens County $2000; the American Cancer Society $2000; Presbyterian Disaster Assistance $1500; Heifer International $1000; Haiti School Lunches $500; Hope’s Promise $500; Harvest of Hope Food Bank $500.


During a presentation on the steps of the Hartness-Thornwell Memorial Church on May 13, Finley and the youth of Hartness-Thornwell presented checks to Caroline Thomas, of The United Way of Laurens County, and Harlan Thomson of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.


The checks to the other organizations were mailed.


Thornwell’s youth are encouraged to volunteer with the charities that receive an award. On Friday, May 15, the church youth volunteered to help with the local Relay for Life event, hosted by the Laurens County chapter of the American Cancer Society.