ST. GEORGE — The Family Support Center is a nonprofit organization that provides temporary daycare and other resources for parents and uses a family-focused approach, said Leanne Johanson, program coordinator.

As with most nonprofit organizations, most of the funds used to support their programs comes from private donations and government grants. Yet some of the more memorable contributions come in the form of smiling faces, sweating brows and banging hammers.

Kayla Kelsey, project manager at Riverwoods Mill, said the cabinet company’s community service team learned of the support center’s older, outdated kitchen and appliances. They sent out a call for volunteers to six businesses, which responded in force with donated materials, supplies and muscle.

“We just try to help out in our community and this was a great project for us,” Kelsey said. “Especially since we know the importance of a good, functioning kitchen — so that’s what we tried to do here.”

Supporting the dozen mill workers were employees from CS Tops for new countertops, Bale Electric, new appliances from Riverwoods Mill and a fridge from Carpets Plus, as well as services from Petra Tile, Carmack HVAC and Arrowhead Waste.

“All the subcontractors, locally, that helped — it was huge,” Kelsey said. “Some of them on just a couple hours’ notice.”

Johanson said the Family Support Center thrives because of a giving community of those who stop by to watch children, clean out gutters, help fix fences or donate supplies.

“We are very lucky to be in this community,” she said. “I have been shocked and totally amazed at the generosity. There is a lot of money that people donate here.”

Much of their funding is spent supporting the safe house for children and providing parenting support for mothers and fathers and other resources. But when it comes to places to sit, cook a meal or enjoy a yard, a lot of sweat and tears come as part of the contribution, Johanson noted.

Nursery manager Madison Uasi said she moved to St. George from Kentucky, and in her opinion, there are noticeable differences between the two states.

“I think it is amazing the community is willing to support a small, nonprofit like this,” she said. “I wish every state had something like this, because this a is huge resource and they do help prevent child abuse and they do strengthen families.”

Johanson said the Family Support Center continually needs volunteers, monetary donations and wish-list supplies. Volunteer forms and an updated list of items currently needed can be found on their website or she can be reached at 435-674-5133 for more information.

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