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TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - On Monday, the East Texas Crisis Center recognized Dayspring Methodist Church for raising over $34,000 so the center could buy a new van.

“It’s just a blessing,” Nichole Henry, executive director of the East Texas Crisis Center, said.

The van, which ETCC got on June 26, is already being used by survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault to get to medical appointments, court appearances, job interviews and anywhere else they may need.

“We started using it the day after because it’s a big need, and so we’ve already had several rides,” Henry said.

This fundraiser began with a phone call in December, when Dayspring’s pastor asked the center what they needed. Henry knew exactly how to answer.

“‘What do you need? Is there something that’s pressing that you need?’ And, I immediately thought we need a van,” Henry said.

With this answer, Dayspring’s Lead Pastor Rusty McKee told his congregation what the goal was and asked them to help however they could. In about a month, they had surpassed their $30,000 goal.

McKee is proud of his congregation for coming together for this fundraiser, and he urges others to take steps to help however they can.

“Whether that’s just for your own personal gain or whether it’s for the glory of God, if you go above and beyond, you will always be fulfilled and blessed in a way that you could never ask or imagine,” McKee said.

The East Texas Crisis Center is thankful for the help from the community, especially when they have so many people to serve.

“Intimate partner violence, domestic violence, family violence is a pandemic. It is an epidemic in itself, and so we need the support of the community. We can’t do it alone,” Henry said.

If you need help, call the 24-hour crisis hotline for survivors of intimate partner violence, family violence and sexual assault at 800-333-0358.

Executive Director of the East Texas Crisis Center Nichole Henry tells us about the van the Dayspring Methodist Church fundraised for them to be able to get.