"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:34
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Volunteer Highlight: DeDe Matthies
"The woman who makes THE Infamous Carrot Cake"
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DeDe is officially retired, but that doesn’t mean she’s done working. When she isn’t coordinating luncheons at The Reach Church in Alexandria, this woman of God helps her husband run the family farm, and she has blessed us for the past four years as our Fall Fundraiser head decorator. This year, she creatively reused past fall décor and turned a banquet hall into an autumn show for under $100! That’s not all. She bakes the famous Love INC Fall Fundraiser Dessert Auction Carrot Cake, aka THE Carrot Cake.
How she got started:
DeDe was encouraged by her husband to volunteer at Love INC. After filling out a short application, she notated areas that she had gifts, like event planning and being a self taught baker! DeDe shares, “That sparked Tammy into asking if I’d be interested in decorating for the Fall Fundraiser. So I did. Then I thought, why not bake a cake too for the dessert auction?” She now makes a carrot cake each dessert auction and even offered a live auction item called “DeDe’s Delights”. That’s one year’s worth of monthly desserts to the lucky winner!
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How much for a cake??
Last year, one of her cakes was auctioned off for $900. She said, “Are these people crazy?? I have to keep reminding myself that these people are supporting Love INC.” The generosity of the bidders is sometimes staggering, but she feels God working through each bid and it warms her heart that so many people want to help. “I want to give as much as I can, do as much as I can to raise money for Love INC.” This year her carrot cake was auctioned for $3,600. The room went electric; you could feel the energy growing with each bid. “One woman was next to our table, and she dropped out at $1,500. I about fainted. When the number reached over $3,000 I just went blank.”
The “Why” she serves:
“I love doing this because God gave me a servant’s heart, it thrills me to give back what He’s given me. (I want) To use what’s been given to me to help others. By serving him and obeying him, doing these desserts and what else I can do… it makes a big difference. Believers make other believers.”
How serving with Love INC has transformed her:
“I never saw the need before, and now that I know about Love INC and what they do and what the need is, it’s made me more humble. Wow! It’s a joy to do His work. I appreciate what you do every day, working with all of those folks, helping so many. I’m happy to do my part, what I can.”
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Do you have a gift or talent to share?
Did you know that God gives them to believers? (Matthew 25:14-30) We encourage you to share your talent! Grow His kingdom work by doing a special part He designed just for you. We never know how big of a blessing it might be!
Thanks to the generous event sponsors,
100% of the proceeds
raised are going to help local families in need. The grand total from all of the wonderful desserts (11 total) raised over $10,000. In addition, there was an anonymous donation that matched $5,000. Praise the Lord! Check out our website for more on our Fall Fundraiser!
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"Through this ministry, we talk, hang out and get to know people that ,quite frankly, we probably never would have ever done so! We're creating a family!" Gene Ward, Board member, Volunteer and Faith & Finances Class Facilitator
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Volunteer, Jess, makes sure the delicious desserts got delivered safely to the winners' tables. Desserts, made with love from 9 volunteers,were auctioned from $200 to $3,600 each!
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Pastor Jim Black, led the night in prayer. Prayer is the foundation of this ministry and key to starting, sustaining and finishing each day. Would you continue to pray for all of those part of the ministry?
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Volunteers worked for hours organizing the silent auction and setting up the generously donated items!
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The silent auction was packed with home made goodies, custom jewelry, many unique items and gift certificates from the community! Thank you for your generosity!
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There were 11 desserts, made with ooey goodness and love from 9 volunteers. This special cheesecake brought in over $1000!
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Fundraisers: It takes a small army to pull it off!
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Nearly
65 Volunteers donated 415 hours. Some worked months in advance gathering donations and table hosts, others worked on spreadsheets to keep everything accounted for, decorated, and created incredible testimonial videos, all contributions created an incredible night. God bless each of you, know that you made a difference in your community! The Lord is very pleased as we unite the body of Christ to accomplish what we pray is his will. The families we serve together are very grateful!
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Clothing Ministry for our Neighbors!
We are so blessed by donations for our clothing ministry. There are nearly 20 volunteers who help sort, label, and even steam and press donations to be hung in our clothing room on site. We are able to supply 5T children's clothing all the way to XXL for men and women. After completing an intake of questions to help assess and verify a need, our clients are matched with a volunteer who comes in during special appointment times to help them find what they need! We serve individuals, families and even those who are coming out of jail or rehab and need a second chance at getting back on their feet. Everything is FREE to help our neighbors in need.
To thank our volunteers, we held a "Give Thanks" lunch with homemade soup and had time of fellowship. Even the decor was handmade! We are so appreciative of these volunteers. They represent an average of 100 hours a month and are from 10 different churches! In addition, some clients are eager to pay it forward and keep this ministry thriving. Thank you for your servant hearts!
If you'd like to volunteer, or have a need for clothing, please call our dedicated Clearinghouse at 320.759.3022.
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Thank you Pope Douglas Solid Waste!
A volunteer helped us find ways to be even better stewards, by helping put waste in its place. Pope Douglas Solid Waste Management works with local businesses and nonprofits through grant money to supply proper (and attractive if we might say) receptacles. We've learned so much already about what's ok to go in the garbage, how to properly recycle and now we even compost food waste, paper towels and other products that don't belong in the main trash. It's changed how we think about our waste, and feels good to be doing our part! For more information, check out their website. It's easy and even fun!
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Our mission:
Our mission is to mobilize local churches to transform lives and communities In the Name of Christ.
Who do we serve?
Any church within Douglas County can partner with Love INC. We serve them and the residents of Douglas County.
The benefit?
Connecting the churches with as many resources available. Unity in the body of Christ is a powerful thing!
Who are our clients?
The church. The Body of Christ. Any resident in Douglas County regardless of religion.
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Alexandria
Belle River
Brandon
Carlos
Farwell
Forada
Garfield
Holmes City
Kensington
Leaf Valley
Miltona
Nelson
Osakis
Rose City
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Ways to Give:
- Mail or drop off your donation in person at our office.
- Designate Love INC for your Required Mandatory IRA Distribution
We are a 501(c)3 non profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.
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Churches, we need you!
Sponsor an incentive next Spring to support the families in our Life Skills Classes: Transformational Tuesdays.
We have it all laid out each week what we need. Examples: personal care baskets, gift cards for gas and food, a special graduation gift like a quilt or devotional, and so much more! There is room for personal touches from your congregation!!
For more information how your church or service group can participate contact Chelsea at: ministry@loveincdouglas.org or call 320.760.3966.
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Donations Needed
As we listen to our neighbors in need, here are requests for support:
- New underwear for boys/girls all sizes
- New women's underwear-all sizes
- Men's small, medium and 3XL underwear
- sports bras for pre-teen and teenage girls
- full sized body wash for our client sundries pantry
- Heavy duty black 30 gallon garbage bags
- Hair conditioner for men and women
- Toilet Paper
- Paper Towels
- Young men's clothing L & XL
- Children's Clothes 5T and up
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Caring and Sharing Room
We partner with the Church of St. Mary to help process requests and meet furniture needs in our community.
If you would like to donate to the Caring and Sharing Room, please call 320-760-8084.
They have need of the following items:
- microwaves
- vacuums
- toasters
- chest of drawers
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Bike Repair Volunteers Wanted @ LOVE INC OFFICE!
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Volunteers Needed
There are many different ways to serve! Some areas we need churches to be mobilized include:
-Prayer Warriors
-Tuesday Night Life Skills Classes
-Youth Group Projects
-Appliance Deliveries
-Bike Repair
-Special Event Help
-Clothing Ministry sorters, shoppers and organizers!
-Intake Workers
-Receptionists
Contact Love INC today for any of these service opportunities and more. Everyone has value, gifts and a God-given purpose. Be blessed as you bless others!
Call 320.759.3022
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Stay Connected!
Phone:
320-759-3022
Email
:
ministry@loveincdouglas.org
Monthly Newsletter
Church Bulletin Inserts
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