TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE REVEREND EDDIE C. THOMAS, JR., PRESIDENT OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN ORGANIZATION, FOR HIS TWENTY YEARS OF OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE THROUGH THAT FINE INSTITUTION AND TO WISH HIM WELL AS HE CONTINUES TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina House of Representatives honors individuals who freely give of their time and resources for the good of others; and

Whereas, the Reverend Eddie C. Thomas, Jr., president of the Good Samaritan Organization in Bishopville, has contributed valuable community service to the citizens of the Palmetto State and is thereby worthy of praise; and

Whereas, for twenty years, Reverend Thomas, assisted by his lovely wife and helpmate, Corine, has sought to help meet the needs of community members who have suffered the loss of homes or jobs, who live with a shortage of food, who lack school supplies, or who are dealing with some other situation requiring assistance from caring friends. Working through the Good Samaritan Organization, Reverend Thomas has brought help and hope to many who face such life challenges; and

Whereas, believing firmly that they are indeed their brother's keeper, Reverend Thomas and his co-workers at the Good Samaritan Organization refuse to limit their ministry to just their own neighborhoods; they serve a broad area, including Lee, Sumter, Darlington, Kershaw, Horry, Chesterfield, and Florence counties and beyond; and

Whereas, to recognize Reverend and Mrs. Thomas for their twenty years of selfless service through the Good Samaritan Organization, their friends and family will host a celebratory event on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at which donations will be accepted toward funding the Christmas Give-Away annually sponsored by Good Samaritan; and

Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives recognize that the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength of its communities, and the vitality of American society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of individuals like Reverend Eddie C. Thomas, Jr., who use their talents and resources to serve others. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Reverend Eddie C. Thomas, Jr., president of the Good Samaritan Organization, for his twenty years of outstanding community service through that fine institution and wish him well as he continues to serve the people of South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Reverend Eddie C. Thomas, Jr.