By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY – Hannah Home Shelby Auxiliary celebrated another year of service and fundraising at the group’s annual Christmas party Dec. 18.

Members gathered at the home of Nancy and Ron Norris in Shoal Creek for coffee, fellowship and a brief meeting to go over end-of-year business.

The Auxiliary supports Hannah Home Shelby, a ministry of King’s Ranch and Hannah Homes that provides shelter for women and children at-risk.

Janie Dollar, the Auxiliary’s second vice-president in charge of membership, said the Christ-centered ministry also guides women through a program in which they learn about the Gospel and interact with volunteers through Bible studies and counseling.

“Every woman is presented with the Gospel,” Dollar said. “That home operates off of the fundraising we do.”

The group raised $16,000 last year from its “Tablescape” event, which Dollar said is the Auxiliary’s largest fundraiser for Hannah Home Shelby.

“We don’t hold the money,” Dollar said. “It goes to the home. We have few administrative costs.”

The majority of membership dues ($35 per member) also go to the home, along with other donations collected throughout the year.

In addition to money, the Auxiliary collects material items for residents at the home, including clothes, linens, toiletries, toys and baby items.

Members brought women’s pajamas, undergarments, accessories and baby items to the Christmas party for the women at Hannah Home Shelby.

At any given time, Hannah Home Shelby serves 35-38 women and children.

The Auxiliary has about 110 members on roll, Dollar said, but is hoping to recruit more.

“We picked up 19 new members this year, but we need more,” Dollar said. “We need more help with servicing. We’re going to be recruiting new members … this year.”

During the Christmas party, Auxiliary President Tamara Moser sang “Rose of Bethlehem,” and Andrea Hunter gave a devotion on service.

For more information about joining Hannah Home Shelby Auxiliary, call Janie Dollar at 789-1212 or email info@hannahhomeshelbyaux.org.