Bringing joy by giving joy seems to be the spirit behind a new “store” in Smithville called Joy House.

Created by Grace Wilson, Jerrie Girard and Barbara Fuentes, all from the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Smithville, the store will serve those in need with free “love gifts.”

The store will be run by donations, ranging from canned goods to home appliances to toys for kids.

“We just want to help people,” Wilson said. “I remember when I was a little girl, I did things like nurture back a pig. I just always had that nurturing sense.”

Wilson, who is from Lee County but has grown up in the Smithville area, has been helping people all her life. She worked in foster care at one time and she took care of an elderly woman in her home for five years.

“With the economy how it is, there are a lot of people out of work, so we know that it’s not just the poor who need our help,” she said.

Girard, also known as “Sister Jerrie”, is known for her evangelistic work.

“I’ve taken people in from all walks of life,” Girard said. “The homeless – really anyone in need everywhere from Austin to Los Angeles. One time the police in Austin roped streets off so I could have a gospel service underneath a bridge where some of the homeless were staying.”

Residing in Fayette County, Girard said that this good cause was started because they all love the Lord and they love people.

Fuentes, a Bastrop County native, has had first-hand knowledge experiencing what the poor go through on a daily basis. She served as the assistant executive director for the Bastrop Public Housing Authority.

“I hope that this will bring people together and get people to know each other better,” she said.

Fuentes said that the three of them prayed in hopes that God would find them a place to serve the needy – and he led them to Smithville.

Joy House, which is located at 105 2nd St. behind Wild Goose Antiques, opened to the public on March 1, and they are already accepting donations.

“We really want to push food – non-perishable for right now, but we are hoping to get a deep freeze,” Wilson said. “Any clothes from newborns to adults, toys for children and house appliances would be great too.”

Just by word of mouth, people in the community have already started donating items, but Joy House is definitely in need of more before they open, Wilson said.

To make any kind of donation, drop it off at the store or call 512-661-8999 to have someone pick it up. The hours of operation for Joy House will be Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the 15th of each month, the store will accept food only donations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Girard said the store will also be giving out Bibles and gospel music tracks to people who want them.

“I think some people have a lot of stuff to give, but they just don’t know exactly how to go about giving it,” Wilson said. “Perhaps this will create a spirit in the community that will cause people to love each other more.”