“Operation Helping Hands,” the charitable wing of the Alabama Freethought Association, a chapter of the Foundation, delivered a check for $515 to St. Clair County’s Children’s Place in January.
“We chose The Children’s Place because of their outstanding work helping children and families in desperate and abusive situations,” said Joe Odeneal (left), the group’s co-director. “We solicited the donations at our December Solstice Celebration. None of the money came out of our general fund. It’s all from the pockets of our members, who gave according to their conscience.”
In the past, Operation Helping Hands has helped destitute families, sent disabled children to Space Camp, and donated to environmental causes. Operating under the slogan “Hands that help are far better than lips that pray” (a quote from freethought pioneer Robert Ingersoll), the group seeks out projects and organizations that directly aid and influence the cause which they are chartered to address, without proselytizing or diverting funds into non-charitable work.
Pamela Hendrick-Kelley, director of The Children’s Place, welcomed the donation and indicated that it will be used for some much-needed renovations. –Bruce Diggers
