By Renee Hobbs

A new facility opened in earlier this year in Gibsonton, hoping to help the economically and physically challenged in the area. Daystar Faith Center and Thrift Store is housed behind the United Methodist church off U.S. Hwy. 41 and serves the Riverview and Apollo Beach areas.

Visitors to Daystar almost always run into "Mouse," a client who really enjoys giving back. Mouse says he loves the people at Daystar and likes helping those in need. 

"This place saved my life," says client and volunteer is "Dan the Man," who is very proud of the garden where he and other clients work to grow their own vegetables.

Another local is Ella Cobb, a volunteer who makes lunch everyday for the clients, accompanied by Honeybun and Shadow, who welcome everyone with a wag and wet kiss.

Daystar executive director Sue Sutko and assistant director Sister Kathleen Keck worked together at a local thrift store in Ruskin and saw a need for this facility in the area. The two approached Pastor Wayne Kato at United Methodist about using his property and were answered with a resounding, "Yes." 

According to Keck, when Daystar moved in, the building was full of clutter and the first item on the agenda was to clean.

The next order of business was to hold a garage sale. The proceeds of just over $400 opened the center. 

The goal of Daystar, according to Sutko, is to help clients become self sufficient by providing information and referrals, along with helping them to get valid identification so they can work. It offers a place for the homeless to receive a daily bag lunch, make phone calls or just hang out and enjoy the company of others.

Also available through Daystar are daily bus passes so clients can go on job interviews, get medical attention, go to school and deal with emergencies.

The thrift store is open to clients and offers a place they can purchase a variety of items, mostly for less than a dollar.

"This is a vehicle to give the clients their dignity by letting them choose what they need and pay what they can," says Sutko, who adds that in the near future, Daystar will be a center for food stamps. Currently the closest place to pick them up is in Valrico.