VALDOSTA — In giving back to those who give back, Jackie and Kelly Shoemaker have initiated a quest to benefit some of the community’s underfunded nonprofit organizations.

Almost Home Charities was established by the couple about two years ago, and it currently serves seven charities, according to its co-founders.

“We thought we could do so much more on a bigger scale for smaller charities,” Jackie said.

BARC Humane Society, Girls on the Run, Hahira Church of God Food Pantry, Little Actors Theatre, Living Bridges Ministry, Shiloh Equine Outreach Rescue and Retirement and QUOLA are all recipients of Almost Home funding.

To continue their efforts, the Shoemakers will host the first Crafters for a Cause, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 21, at the Valdosta-Lowndes Country Parks and Recreation Authority Senior Center.

At least 20 vendors will be present at the free event with jewelry, woodcrafts, animal products, infant and children’s items, bath items, birdhouses, stained glass, kitchen attire, handbags and more, Jackie said.

DJ Sara Sumner of The Mix 95.7FM will conduct a live broadcast from 10 a.m.-noon, Jackie said. Freshman Jacob Ziegler of Lowndes High School is scheduled to play a piano composition at 10:30 a.m.

Little Actors will re-enact a few songs from its latest performance, “Annie Jr.” Concessions will be available from Daylight Donuts, Starbucks, Walmart and Winn Dixie, Jackie said.

There will also be a ticketed drawing from Kaleidoscope Gallery and Emporium. Other sponsors include Lynn and Vicki Gay, John and Susan Dukes, Kay Jennett and more, Jackie Shoemaker said.

She said there are many charities that don’t receive enough donations and founders are having to put their money into the organizations.

“There’s just so many people and animals out there that need help, and I am blessed that I can do and give back to the community,” she said.

Kelly Shoemaker said he and his wife attempt to incorporate corporate giving through their organization. The organization has given between $10,000 and $15,000 to charities.

“There was a lot of charities local to our community that were just getting by every year,” he said. “They barely have enough to get the doors open.”

The Shoemakers have personal connections to some of the nonprofits they aid. Little Actors has helped their daughter enter into the theater world, and their dog is a rescue from BARC, Kelly said.

Donations to Almost Home are tax-deductible, Kelly said, and a notification is sent to donors pinpointing exactly where their donations have been placed.

Email helping@almosthomecharities.org, or call (229) 244-5870, for more information.

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.