The great Yankee catcher Yogi Berra once said,"It ain't over 'til it's over."

Unfortunately, now that the Samaritan Inn is open for business, an army of faithful volunteers and donors think the work at the inn is all over.

Three families now call the inn home, but help is still needed because work is continuing to get the other rooms ready. Mission Director Chester Wood needs painters, someone who can install a small area of laminate flooring and someone todo some repairs on ceramic tiles in bathrooms. There is also still a lot of clean work to be done.

Some materials are needed too, including cabinets. One of the greatest needs is a van to transport families to appointments, job interviews and to other places.

For more information, call Chester at 352-434-1832.

From Shawna L. Hazlett, First resident of the Samaritan Inn shelter for homeless families in Leesburg.

This is to everyone who has sent prayers, kind words, donations and gifts to me and my two daughters. After the newspaper article came out, there was an overwhelming response from people who wanted to help in any way they could.

Our needs are being met and exceeded in every way, shape and form. Every person reading this should feel a sense of pride in belonging to a community filled with people who are so kind and caring. I feel grateful beyond words, and it would take a whole other lifetime to express my feelings in actions.

What I want people to remember is the awesome dedication, strength and faith of the people who started this shelter for individuals like me. Without these wonderful people, success would not be possible. God sure knew what he was doing when he gave these individuals the capability of putting together a project of this magnitude for the good of others.

May God bless everyone, and again, from the bottom of my heart, Alivia, Kira and I say a million times over, thank you to all.

Shawna L. Hazlett