"It's not just the economy," owner Betty Stutzky wrote in an e-mail sent yesterday to Strang Communications, which publishes Christian Retailing. "It's the big chain stores, the Internet and maybe apathy. We have prayed, 'Lord, if you want us to stay open and provide a personal touch, a hug, a prayer, comfort and counseling, you have to provide the monies.' "

The store's rent of $1,700 is due in 11 days, said Stutzky, who wrote the e-mail along with her husband, Harold, and granddaughter, Julie Rastelli--both of whom work at the store. "We have used almost all of our personal savings and retirement funds, so that is no longer available," they said. "The store is about $50,000 in debt. What we need from you is $1. If enough people and churches do this, it will not be a burden to anyone."

The trio added that any donation they receive to help the 1,600-square-foot store would not be tax-deductible. "I hope that we have portrayed in a forthright way, the urgency of our need," they said.

Call His Hand Christian Bookstore at (586) 979-7730 for more information on its S.O.S. campaign.

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