When our Sumter Long -Term Recovery Group experienced its very first success story, on June 15th, it was an event worth celebrating.
Thanks to the many loyal partners and volunteers who make up this group, Gloria and Kido Sanders have been able to settle into their new apartment, (the first month’s rent and the security deposit were paid by New Covenant United Methodist Church in The Villages), complete with donated furniture, (Endeavors), and household goods, (Salvation Army of Lake and Sumter).
“I thank God for all the help from the churches, from all the agencies and other resources”, says Gloria.
It has not been an easy road for the Sanders. They lived in a motel for 2 years after hurricane Milton floodwaters, then mold ravaged their Bushnell home of 40 years. The repair costs were out of reach for the Sanders so sadly, this past February’s foreclosure was inevitable.
But in all the celebrations, part of this story has fallen through the cracks. What most of us didn’t know is just how generous the Sanders have been during their many decades in South Sumter.
This part of the story started to unfold when we showed up at the rental office as Gloria and Kido prepared to sign their lease at Windmeadows Apartments. The office manager, Diana Quezada says when she heard Gloria’s name, the childhood memories came flooding back. It wasn’t easy for Diana, who grew up in a family of 12 and “Ms. Gloria”, who volunteered with the Salvation Army, was always there to help her mom, dropping off items the family needed.
At the Greater Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Groveland, the Sanders have always put others first, so it was no surprise that, when it came time to move into their apartment, fellow church members showed up in droves to help with the transition.
“We love everybody who has had any part in this, and anyone who even just thought of us”
Some might say, “what goes around, comes around” or they might call it Karma. But Gloria simply says she is blessed and she has no doubt who’s been watching over her through it all.
If you would like to donate or volunteer with the Sumter Long-Term Recovery Group, please email: sumterltrg@uwls.org, call (352) 787-7530 or click here to signup to volunteer with LTRG.