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Jessica Nelms

The Rev. Tim Whited explains the focus and work of REST at Monday's Walhalla Rotary Club meeting. The budding organization helps seniors and others pay their delinquent property taxes in Oconee County.

WALHALLA — The Rev. Tim Whited of Salem United Methodist Church is enjoying his retirement from secular work doing what he likes most: helping people.

On Monday, Whited shared his latest cause — Relief Effort For Senior Taxation (REST) — with Walhalla Rotary members.

Whited said the purpose of the organization and how in the past few months it has made a difference in the lives of nine people in danger of losing their homes because of their inability to pay their property taxes.

REST was born from the decision of Oconee County Councilman Wayne McCall to donate his councilman’s salary to help pay delinquent taxes for someone who’s fallen on tough times.

“You may or may not agree with Wayne’s politics, but I can tell you his heart is in the right place,” Whited told the large Rotary gathering at The Depot.

In the spring, when McCall looked for someone to oversee the use of his donation, Whited stepped up to help. It has become a time-consuming outreach ministry for the pastor.

One of the toughest decisions for Whited is deciding whom to help. He’s been contacted by 18 people and only has had money to help nine.

Walhalla Rotary President Brian Cassell, who is the dietary director at Oconee Medical Center, handed a donation from the Rotary to help the cause. Cassell presented Whited with $500.

Whited said the focus is to help seniors on fixed incomes who sometimes are faced with meeting their tax obligations or buying their prescription medicine. He said sometimes their dilemma is between paying taxes and putting food on the table.

“We all want to retire, but it means living on a little less than what we’ve been accustomed to,” Whited said. “It means some people have to sell their homes and downsize.”

However, Whited said there are younger people falling through the cracks because they’ve lost their jobs during the bad economy. He said REST tries to help them too.

According to the Delinquent Tax Office, 402 properties were sold in auction to pay for delinquent taxes in 2008. Of those sold, 246 were redeemed by property owners who have one year after the auction to pay their taxes and fees so they can keep the property.

However, 95 properties were eventually deeded to the highest bidders, and another 42 properties were deeded to the county’s Forfeited Land Commission.

Whited said he hopes REST will be able to expand its funding source. He said anyone wishing to contribute can do so by writing to REST, c/o Salem United Methodist Church, PO Box 42, Salem SC 29676 or calling Whited at (864) 944-5470 or (864) 944-1726.

“I need donors,” Whited told the Rotary.

carlos@dailyjm.com | (864) 882-2375