Hillsville Pentecostal Holiness Church may owe the Town of Hillsville over $12,000 in water/sewer charges, but, thanks to churches, individuals and businesses, it won’t have to share the entire burden. Once the church’s plight became news, Pastor Jeff Pickett said he immediately began getting calls offering to help.

“I want to thank everyone who has helped. It’s been a tremendous blessing as a pastor. I’m really touched by it,” said Pickett.

The bill, which ended up being $14,323.74, resulted from a water leak that covered almost a three-month period, and made more severe due to the fact that the leaking water was running into the sewer. At the Oct. 22 meeting of Hillsville Town Council, three options were considered. One option would have reduced the bill to $8,843.24 and another would have put the bill at $12,776.94. The option that council finally agreed on left the church with a $12,220.62 bill.

“We’ve received about $4,600 in donations since it was in The Carroll News. There are still some churches that are going to send some, I’m sure,” said Pickett, who said retired Pastor D.G. Fox got the donation ball rolling. “He called me and said it was an unwanted burden that I didn’t need. When this retired minister offered to help, it showed me that people, churches and businesses can come together in a time of need.”

Pickett added that the donations have come from denominations across the board.

“We’ve received donations from all denominations. It’s not what’s above the door, but about Jesus,” he said. “I appreciate all the support, prayers and help of the community. There’s no better place I’d rather serve the Lord than here.”

In addition to the monetary donations, Pickett said the VFW has approved a Preacher’s Choir performance at its facility on Sunday, Dec. 2 after church services.

“The VFW didn’t charge a thing, they’re letting us use their facility at no cost. That’s awesome,” he said.