Charity in desperate need of donations

A ministry that fills the needs of local families with repurposed furniture in area homes is at its greatest shortage of donations since its beginnings in 2005.

Outreach McPherson, based out of McPherson Free Methodist Church, is most in need of beds, dressers, kitchen tables and chairs and sofas. There are currently about four requests for twin beds, nine for adult-sized beds, six for couches, eight for dressers, and three for tables and chairs.

“I don't know that we've ever been this empty,” Jeff Odermann, volunteer, said.

The dry spell has lasted all summer, which is unusual for the ministry. Typically the need comes and goes, and the storage facility has even had to overflow into local garages while they disperse items to families. But lately volunteers are seeing much more of the floor in the storage shed than they’d like.

“In the past, when we’ve been low, it’s always been temporary,” said Odermann, who has been with the ministry since its beginnings. “That just hasn’t happened this time.”

It is typical for more needs to surface as the school year begins, however. Requests for twin beds often mean children are sleeping on the floor.

In hopes to inform the public and increase donations, ministry volunteers have plans to visit local churches and service clubs.

“I don’t think people realize how much of a need there is,” Odermann said, citing many typically think McPherson is better off than some towns. For some families, even though they have a job, car and home, they have no choice but to leave their house unfurnished.

“Furniture is sometimes a luxury,” he said.

For those families who have expressed need, many have cited the economy as a factor, especially as food and gas prices continue to rise.

“I think it’s just getting tougher to make ends meet,” Odermann said.

Donation recipients have typically been those within or close to McPherson city limits. No qualifications are needed for requests.

“If they need something, we'll give it to them,” Odermann said.

However, those who give can be located farther away, depending on the situation. This is true especially now that the ministry is in such great need.

“It’s just an active love,” Gayla Green, volunteer, said. “We do it out of love for the Lord and people in need.”

To donate or express a need, call 241-7179.