SPENCER — Around the holidays, a lot of people get into the giving spirit, but one local minister makes it her mission year-round.

Minister Shirley Foust of the Christian Love Center identified a need in area schools during the first year of the COVID pandemic, and she decided to do something about it.

“By working in the school system for years, people used to go back and do stuff for my family,” Foust said. “When I got out of the school system and retired, I said I wanted to do something. So I said I would start giving back to the school and the community because everybody needs help.”

Foust explained that oftentimes, when someone is struggling, they are doing so behind closed doors, away from the public eye.

“We don’t know what everyone is going through,” Foust said. “Sometimes, pride gets in their way, and they don’t want to ask.”

Foust got to work with her daughter and formed Warm Heart Warm Feet. After getting the organization started, Foust adopted three local schools. That list has grown to eight to include North Rowan, Hanford-Dole, Koontz and Hurley elementary schools, Southeast, West Rowan and North Rowan middle schools and Essie Academy.

“I just want to make a difference in the community,” Foust said.

The items that Foust gathers run the gamut.

“I do coats, hats, gloves, underwear, deodorant, soap, whatever they may need, wipes (and) cleaning stuff,” Foust said. “When it’s time for school to start back, I go out and get school supplies for them, and I get book bags for them.

“I am consistent,” Foust said. “Every month, they get something from me.”

Foust indicated that her mission’s mantra can be summed up as “closed mouths don’t get fed.”

“Whatever they need, if I can do it, I do it,” Foust said.

She enlists the help of friends, family and the community to make it happen. Foust can remember being younger and going through periods of adversity where she did not always have everything she needed. It’s how she relates to the children she serves.

“I have been in their shoes before, and I know what it is to have and not to have,” Foust said. When children come to the school, they may not have it at home, but when they get to the school, it is there for them.”

That connection drives Foust in her mission.

“It’s what my heart tells me to do,” Foust said.

While most items would fall under the category of day-to-day needs, Foust is mindful of the holidays. She organized a food drive for needy families during the week of Thanksgiving. Now, she is turning her attention to Christmas.

“I have a toy drive at Hanford Dole going on right now for students in the 4th and 5th grade to give toys,” Foust said. “Whichever class raises the most toys will get a pizza party.”

There are several ways to contribute to Foust’s mission. Contact Foust at 704-310-0343 or email at shirleylive.sf@gmaill.com for details.