For over 20 years, Lucy's Attic has been a welcome haven providing the necessities of life for those without the means to obtain them. Located in the YWCA building at 633 5th Ave., Lucy's Attic offers a temporary reprieve from the monetary demands of the 21st century.

Karen Berry, retired school teacher and volunteer Board of Directors president, said that their mission has grown considerably over the years.

"We are a community outreach program that was established in 1986. Originally, our intentions were to provide assistance for indigent mothers and their children from birth to one year," Berry said.

Indeed they have grown. The recognition of a greater community need prompted assistance for all ages from birth to seniors. In addition to walk-ins, clients come from Harmony House, Huntington City Mission, local hospitals and several other agencies.

Items available include baby diapers of all sizes, baby formulas and baby care kits, which include lotion, baby wipes, cotton swabs and shampoo. Also offered for babies is a one-time, pre-packaged layette kit which includes blankets, bottles and assorted clothing.

There are also handmade baby blankets crafted by even more volunteers and baby clothing available.

John Knowlton from the Prestera Mental Health Center has been volunteering at Lucy's Attic about four years. He comes on Mondays to organize personal care kits for men and women.

"I enjoy doing this, it gives me a chance to get out and meet new people," said Knowlton.

Sara Blethen, a retired school teacher, has been volunteering at Lucy's Attic for more than 15 years. She comes on Mondays from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., taking care of clients as they come up the stairs. She has even been known to bring items down for those unable to reach the second floor.

"I never have a problem staying busy here. When I'm not busy organizing items, there are families that need help," she said.

Record keeping will attest to the number of individuals who have received support at the old YWCA building. During the month of March, nearly 250 personal care kits were distributed. During this same time period, nearly 150 household kits were handed out. This is in addition to jars of baby food, feminine hygiene products, layette sets, adult blankets and school supplies. Total visits during 2007 amounted to over 4,000.

School Zone is another program which comes under the control of Lucy's Attic. This is a program which provides school supplies to eligible children. To qualify, a family must be under the free lunch program or be in a crisis situation such as fire or flood.

To help keep these programs above water, Lucy's Attic has available a most unique offer for the Tri-State. They can provide a full range of professional catering services right at their location on 633 5th Ave. They have a spacious dinning room with a fully functioning kitchen and a seating capacity of 150. They offer home-cooked meals served on cloth table coverings with china and silverware. The hall comes complete with all furnishings, including an elevated stage with great acoustics and a coat room.

Square dancing is also available here on Monday evenings at 6:30. If this seems like something for you, call 304-697-7885 for more information.

As a mater of record, all clients must process through Information and Referral at the main Cabell County Library. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Clyde Beal is a freelance writer living in Huntington. This is part of a series of articles bringing attention to those who volunteer their time supporting organizations in our community who would perish without their support. If you wish to become a part of this series, contact Night Local Editor Luke Damron at (304) 526-2753 or by e-mail at ldamron@herald-dispatch.com.

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Clyde Beal/For The Herald-Dispatch

John Knowlton is one of the volunteers at Lucy's Attic in Huntington.