Supporters of Community Ministry of North Augusta celebrated the local nonprofit crisis assistance agency's 25th anniversary last Saturday.

CMONA's anniversary party was held from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the ministry's thrift store and offices on East Buena Vista Avenue.

Visitors to the thrift store were treated to refreshments, door prizes, tours of the building and half-off sale prices on all thrift store and boutique merchandise.

"I'd say over the last 10 years, we've helped North Augusta by $1 million, between food and utilities assistance," CMONA Director Nancy Joyce said. "Hopefully this anniversary party will let a lot more people know what we do here. None of these churches could do it single-handedly."

CMONA was organized by six local churches: Fairview Presbyterian Church, Grace United Methodist Church, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church and Second Providence Baptist Church.

Today, it is supported by 22 member churches in the North Augusta area as well as business and private contributions and the proceeds from its thrift store. Thrift store merchandise is separate from goods and clothing set aside for those in need, Joyce said.

The ministry moved into its current offices in 1999; the building houses the thrift store, a food pantry, interview space for clients and volunteer and employee office space.

"It's amazing they've been going on for 25 years," North Augusta Mayor Lark Jones said. "It started in the old Genesis Building at my church, Grace United Methodist, with the collaboration of just a few churches, and now it's become a community-wide effort. We like to think here in North Augusta that we're immune from poverty and hunger, but of course we're not, especially in this economy. Places like this say so much about who we are as a community and what we do for each other."

In his speech at the anniversary party, Jones emphasized CMONA's need for more volunteers.

"I look around, and I see we need younger faces," he said. "Those of you here, keep doing what you're doing, and bring someone else in with you who can help."

CMONA provides help with emergency need on a case-by-case basis. Assistance may take the form of an overdue utility bill, purchasing prescription medications or providing food, clothing or furnishings.

Applicants for assistance must provide a valid photo ID, proof of residence within the Area 2 school district and a Social Security card for each person in the household. CMONA also refers clients to other social agencies as needed.

For more information about CMONA's services, visit www.cmona.org, call the agency at 279-5771 or visit the offices at 646 E. Buena Vista Ave. between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.

The thrift store is open from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.