The phone at LOVE INC rings some 450 times every month as more and more people seek help to keep the lights on, feed and clothe their children and keep a roof over the family’s head.
And while the need continues to increase and fewer people are in a position to give, service agencies like LOVE INC are struggling to meet the growing need.
That, said Sandy Weaver, Executive Director of LOVE INC in North Oakland County, is why the agency decided to forgo some of the overhead costs associated with maintaining its own space.
‘Two churches called and said ‘we’ve got room, why don’t you put it here,?? said Weaver. ‘So that’s what we decided to do.?
Established in March 2007, LOVE INC’or, Love in the Name of Christ’helps by providing local families with clothing and basic household necessities.
The Clothes Closet will now operate from St. Mary’s in the Hills Episcopal Church in Lake Orion.
Donations, Weaver said, are welcome.
‘Right now we’re really low on toddler clothing,? she said. ‘You wouldn’t believe how much clothing goes out the door here every week.?
And, she noted, with winter rapidly approaching the agency also needs items like winter coats, hooded sweatshirts and other warm gear.
The agency requests all donations be seasonal and in good, clean condition.
The Household Goods Ministry and the Personal Needs Ministry will now be housed at Christ the King Church in Oxford.
Items needed are include bedding, blankets, small appliances, towels, wash cloths, pots and pans, dishes and glasses.
Donations of personal items’such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, makeup, personal hygiene items, perfumes and colognes’are also needed.
‘The need for everything is so great right now,? Weaver said. ‘A lot of people are calling for assistance with rent and utility bills. A large number are losing their homes to foreclosure.?
In addition to working in affiliation with 18 churches to provide families with clothing and household essentials, she explained, LOVE INC also directs people to other organizations who can help with other needs.
The agency also welcomes volunteers to take in clothing donations, as well as those to help serve clients who come in to pick up clothing and other necessities.
‘We’re also always looking for people who are good listeners,? she said, noting such individuals serve as intake workers for new clients. ‘We need caring, compassionate people who can listen without being judgmental.?
We thank our partner churches for their overwhelming support of volunteers to staff these ministries at our two new locations.
The Clothes Closet will now be handled from St. Mary’s in the Hills Episcopal Church at 2512 Joslyn Road in Lake Orion. Items can be dropped off for donation Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-Noon
The Household Goods Ministry and the Personal Needs Ministry will be housed at Christ the King Church at 1550 W. Drahner Road in Oxford, with donation hours also on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-noon
The Furniture will be handled through Oakland County Furniture Bank at this time. Donations may be made by calling 248-332-1300.
Those wishing to volunteer with Love INC may call the clearinghouse at 248-693-4357. Financial donations may be sent to Love INC, P.O. Box 104, Lake Orion, MI 48361.
All clients must get a pre-approved voucher from Love INC in order to obtain items from the organization’s ministries. To obtain a voucher, call 248-693-4357.