Tender Hearts: York nonprofit brings hope to those in need

YORK COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – “Good to go. How about that?”

In the middle of discarded toys, old lamps, and items people thought were no longer worth saving, Daniel Parton has found what he’s been searching for.

“Anything I can find is good enough,” said Daniel.

The lights and dishes are complimented and cared for by a man who has no problem talking to anyone or anything.

“I’m always talking to somebody and it’s mainly Jesus, here in the back while I’m working,” said Daniel.

The piles never seem to go down at Tender Hearts Ministries in York, South Carolina. But the non-stop work never dims Daniel’s spirit.

“You can’t help but laugh when you’re around him,” said Tanya Knight.

Tanya has known Daniel for the last two years. She came to run the donation warehouse right about the time Daniel started.

“They all laugh, say y’all bicker like an old husband and wife!” joked Tanya. “I’m just like, how do you do it? Every day, you come in just a delight, just joy. Happiness inside you all the time!”

It may seem like happiness comes easy for Daniel, but that’s not the case.

“I was an alcoholic and I was homeless, very troubled, very troubled inside,” said Daniel. “I felt empty. my spirit was very empty-very shut up and closed up.”

For a while, Daniel lived in his car.  Then, he lived in a tent in the woods along I-85.  He too was tossed aside, until he found Tender Hearts and went through their special program.

“Almost two years! Almost two years, October 13 will be two years,” said Daniel.

Now, he’s sober and has a home and a job.

“I feel very special,” smiled Daniel. “They love me and I love them.”

“You don’t find many people with that happiness inside and that joy,” said Tanya.

It seems like a contradiction, but it’s true that some of the happiest people have been through the hardest times. Those who find beauty in the overlooked, are often well acquainted with the ugly side of life.

“You always think everything’s beautiful,” said Tanya, holding up an item they found in a box. “Oh look that is cute.”

“See, I told you!” joked Daniel.

“Happy. Joy. Peace and love. That’s how I would explain it when I walk through these doors,” said Daniel.

Daniel proves that it all comes down to this, it’s not what he sees but how he sees it.

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