What a year 2013 has been!!!!!
The list of places we use as agencies grew to 23 this year.
The first donation we gave was is in December 2009. The first 3 full years saw the Reserve
give aid to 112 families.  2013 we had 75 families come to the C.R.I.B. (Community Reserve Inventory Barn).  We attribute the large growth to  many things but the 2 that seem to drive growth the most is word of mouth.  Many people know of the Reserve services.  That has been vital.  The other driver seems to be a slightly relaxed real estate market, more housing available.

It is necessary to say that we are located in a very generous area.  The public has taken the Reserve to heart and has supported us beyond belief.  Thank you so much. Without the donations we could not do what we do.

Another area that needs mention is the great core of volunteers that work at the Reserve.  There is a large group of people that give willingly of time and resources to the effort.  We wish we could name them here but that is not possible.  Anyway most of them would tell us to not use the names

They do what they do not wanting publicity.

Thank everyone for all you do for us.

Marv Larue
The Community Reserve

This year has been a very busy year.  In the first 3 years of operation we were able to give aid to 112 families.  We just gave furniture to family number 63 in 2013 alone. That makes the total 175 since we started.  

The Reserve has grown and expanded.  Harmony House, a division of the CASA group is the latest new agency.  They join the list that includes the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Hannah's House, three different Township Trustees, Lamb's Chapel, Apostle's Feet, The Oncology Department of the La Porte Hospital, Hope Ministries, and The Refugee Relocation Program in South Bend.

Today's family was one that experienced a total loss in a fire.  They received a dining table and 4 chairs, 2 dressers, a double reclining sofa and matching stuffed chair, one bed frame to complete a bed, another complete bed, (mattress, box, head and foot boards and the linens that came with that bed), many kitchen items, towels, and a child's high chair.

Anyone that would like to help The Reserve can go to any 1st Source Bank Branch and get a nomination form for the 2013 Non-Profit award.  Cash awards range from $1,000 to $15,000. This would  help toward paying our lease and utility bills. We operate under the Non Profit umbrella of the New Carlisle Wesleyan Church.

It is an honor to serve in this great organization.  The community is very generous and we are grateful for all you have given.  The hugs we get from people because of such giving keeps us going.  On behalf of all the dedicated volunteers at The Community Reserve we say THANKS for all that you do.

Marv Larue, President
The Community Reserve

Two of our favorite volunteers have moved back to China.  May and Alec Tang became involved with pickups and delivery and quickly became active and now they are missed.  We wish them well as they return home and thank them for their time, talents, and generous donations as they left the USA.

News of the day.   We are about to start the dressup of the CRIB. New stain for the exterior, new roof eves, and downspout drains.   The place will soon look like a new place, (really ???).

New agencies abound.   The Nazerine Church of Shipshewana, Bridge of Hope, Lamb's Chapel, and Hannah's House are now finding clients for the Reserve.   Thank everyone for all that you do for us. A simple word at church and the building gets powerwashed, ready for staining.  Thanks to Mitch H.  That was a hot job.

This community is such a giving community.  Donations of all kind keep coming and allowing us to meet the needs of, to date, 149 families.  We will get pictures of the new set-up as soon as we can.

Thanks to all for your generous support

Marv Larue, President
The Communithy Reserve

The Community Reserve C.R.I. B. (Community  Reserve Inventory Barn) will be the gathering place for the Faith In Action day May 18. The location is 801 W Michigan Street, New Carlisle, Indiana. Check out the New Carlisle News for the days events

The May 18th ads have been published and sadly one important item was omitted.

There will be a TRASH DUMPSTER located across the street from the white town wall.
Gather up that trash the has been collecting and drop it off between 9 AM and 1 PM.
Any trash except HAZARDOUS MATERIALS will be accepted.

Come to New Carlisle and enjoy the activities.

Marv Larue
The  Community Reserve

Rev. Jay Loucks and Skeeter

Your recommended Allisha Mendoza made it the the CRIB today (Community Reserve Inventory Barn).
She left with the following items, sofa and love seat, lots of kitchen gadgets, dishes, pot and pans, silverware, a lamp, an entertainment center, pillows and some blankets.   She will soon return to finish her pick up of a washer and dryer.

One of your members donated a front load washer today and another gave a nice cash donation last Sunday.

It feels like we are becoming the COMMUNITY RESERVE

Sincerely
Marv Larue
The Community Reserve

The Community Reserve has been busy.  So far this year we have given inventory to 7 families.  The most touching client was a young military veteran.  The poor fellow was injured and after he got home he lost his wife and a child in an auto accident. very sad. The accident and the aftermath has put a serious strain on his finances.

With all the activity we have run short of a few things
Chests of Drawers
Dressers
Beds and bedding
Towels
Cooking pots and pans
Baking pans
Silverware
Tables and chairs

Keep the Reserve in mind as these items become available.  We need some help in these areas.

We now have 2 furniture stores handing out our literature as they sell new furniture. Naturally Wood in Michigan City and Andy's Furniture in New Carlisle are both great businesses.  Great community involved personnel work at both locations

Marv Larue, President
The Community Reserve

The above picture shows the latest improvement at the C.R.I.B.  We had a great crew a few days ago and look what they built.  This new loft will make it easier to operate.  Thanks to the able crew.   Roger G, Larry M, Richard G, and  Ron Z.  The entire project took about 2 hours.

Thanks to all the generous people who donated furniture, cash, time and talent to make 2012 a successful year.  The outreach is getting larger and larger.  New agencies include Hannah's House and La Porte Real Services.   We look forward to continued service growth in 2012

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Marv Larue
President
The Community Reserve

On November 2nd The Community Reserve gave aid to the 114th family since we organized in December 2009.  This family was a victim of long term disability.  The home situation has gradually declined till they finally asked for help at one of our agencies in La Porte.   The social worker called with some details, contact was made, and pickup happened Friday afternoon. 4 mattresses, sofa and matching love seat, refrigerator, kitchen table with chairs, futon, and many pots and pans later this fine family has a new start.  Again, thanks to all the generous donors, volunteers,  caseworkers, and supporters who make this ministry possible.

Speaking of donors that make things happen----------- A person came to the C.R. I. B. while we were doing some work the other day.  The person spoke of our mission statement that no child should have to sleep on the floor.  We were told that if we get a stated need for a mattress for a child, and if we have none in inventory, we should go to Andy's Furniture and pick up one.  It was then stated that an account has been established where this person would pay the bill.   ????????????? WOW..  Andy's has offered this person good pricing on the selections so we have a triple win here.   Keep Andy's Furniture in mind for your own furniture purchases.  The manager and his staff have been a great help before this mattress deal.  We encourage shopping there. This is a great group of people.

We will continue to use our inventory first but we now have backup for requests for beds for kids.  God has kept his hand on this ministry and with Him leading it continues to grow.

Marv Larue
The Community Reserve
574-654-9367
574-387-7312

Today we had two more examples of how God looks after his people.
The Oncology Department of the La Porte Hospital identified a man needing
a refrigerator.  He had to move into his mom's home and they had no working
fridge.  He received a very nice, like new unit.

The next case was a woman leaving Hope Ministries.  She has a new job and a
new apartment.  She needed a bed.  What we had was a little picked over but we
could have made do.  While waiting for the appointment, the phone rang and
the lady wanted to know if we took mattresses and box springs. ???????
Long story short, the donation came while the client was making other choices.
She received a beautiful new bed, top to bottom.  There is no explaining how we
often need something and it comes in just in time.  Yes there is.!!!!!!

Marv Larue
The Community Reserve

Today a young, underemployed family received a large donation.  double reclining sofa, recliner,  microwave and stand, blender, coffee pot, TV, dishes, washing machine and kitchen odds and ends.

Our name is the Community Reserve.  This event was truly a community event.  It started at the food pantry at the Methodist Church in Rolling Prairie.  The young lady asked the leader of the pantry where she could get some help. A man from the Christian Church in Rolling, who has been helping at the C.R.I.B., told her  about the Reserve and today it came together.  This family received a boost toward an easier life. This makes 15 families being helped in 2012.  It is a blessing to see Gods work every time we open the door of the storage unit.

We have not posted for quite a while and tonight's post is quite different from any before.
I met a man from Rwanda through our work at The Reserve. His family received much of the furniture in his Habitat house from us. We have become friends and we occasionally break bread with his family.
His name is Elyse Gasigwa and he is my hero. He worked through the Rwanda genocide delivering water to the orphanages during the 100 days for total terror. He faced gun fire, death, injury and total fear but yet he struggled on.  To really know the man, read the genocide account written by Carl Wilkins titled "I'm Not Leaving"  It is in that account that I realized what a hero he is.  He seldom left Carl's side as they worked to help those needing help the most.

In the States, Elyse has found work at Healthwin in food service. His English is broken but he is learning. Until a short time ago things were going well.  However a new employee at Healthwin is attacking Elyse.  He screams at him for no reason, calls him stupid, and wonders aloud why Elyse is in the States taking up jobs Americans could have.
 
To the point of this blog.  Does anyone have a job for this gallant man.  He refuses to fight this attacker.  He simple wants to work and support his family.  He lives in Mishawaka and I have contact information

Any leads can be directed to The Reserve's number at 574-383-9367 and we will see that they get the Elyse.

Marv Larue President
The Community Reserve

Moving day

The Reserve has moved to the new building.  the C.R.I.B. (community reserve inventory building) is 5 times larger than the old units.
Saturday was the big move and this place is going to be much easier to use. A great group of volunteers helped with getting the inventory moved. Many thanks to all of who helped and also to those folks that helped clean the new building the week before.  This has been an unbelievable event with so many people helping out.

This picture shows the large space we have and as you can see it is not close to being full.

Remember to use the Meijer Rewards tags when shopping. The organization number is 707220 and you can apply at Meijer.com/rewards. At no additional cost The Reserve will receive a small rebate.

On to phase 2 of The Community Reserve

Marv Larue

Good day

Today we were able to furnish an apartment for a man who had no furniture at all.  He starts a new job Monday and his income will start in two weeks.  When we arrived at his place he had only his clothes, no bed, no place to sit, no TV, no music.  After loading the apartment the young man was taken to lunch. The great thing about this opportunity is, the furniture we gave to him was never in storage with us.  It went directly from pick up at one house to donation at this apartment.  God knows what is needed and allows The Reserve to be of service..

We have a larger storage area that is being cleaned for use in the very near future.  We are going from 400 sq.ft. to 2000 sq. ft. This is going to make the work much easier.  (No stacking furniture etc)

A funding source for us is located at Meijer.com/rewards   If you go to the web site and sign up, costing nothing, The Reserve will get a small rebate from each purchase.  When registering use organization code, 707220. A keyfob and card will arrive in about two weeks and the rebates can begin.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Marv Larue
The Community Reserve

Year End Report

The year 2011 was a busy year for the Reserve.  We helped in 38 cases, up from 27 cases in 2010.
A case is any help from one needed item up to and including a truck full. We had 3 cases for one item and 5 full trucks for total burn downs.  The rest of the work was for something between the extremes.

I want to thank anyone who donated to The Community Reserve during 2011.  Without that generosity there would be no Reserve.  I wish all donors could be on site when people who have suffered disasters receive your valuable donations. The look on their faces is more than words can explain.  Thank you.

Today a young lady from a total burnout received a large donation. Sofa, sofa sleeper, small refrigerator, swivel rocker, 2 toddler beds, play pen, mattress and box springs, and more.  A real blessing to see her and her family get a needed boost after a horrible fire.

Next order of business is, we qualified for MEIJER'S COMMUNITY REWARDS program. They will rebate a percentage of any purchase to the Reserve.  To help us you only need to register using organization number 707220.  Go on line at Meijer.com/rewards.  When you get to the organization name enter 707220.  In a short time your Meijer card and keytag will arrive.  Use those item at the time of purchase and The Reserve will get a rebate.  This program costs nothing just shop as you already do.

For problems call  1-800-962-7011    They do a great job at that number.

We hope to continue this work in 2012

Marv Larue
The Community Reserve

Busy December

We went into a quiet period as we retooled the operation.  One always wonders, when things are changed, if the changes will be correct.   We feel that we are on track once again.

In the last 24 hour period The Community Reserve has helped in 4 needy situations.

Case #1     Because of a divorce this lady needed help and she received a nice donation.  She is trying to help herself by starting a cleaning business. The name is BJ Mag Cleaning Service (Residential and Commercial).  Call 219-575-1971 to give this brave lady a chance to get her business going.

Case #2   Fire victim:  This family had a pickup filled with furniture and bedding.

Case #3   Fire victim:  This family came with a trailor and it was filled as well.

Case #4   This one really touched our hearts.  We had received a like new, modern walker from Hamilton Grove. At the food pantry a lady that had an old-fashioned walker came for food.  She has problems with her legs that make it hard for her to walk and the old walker made things worse.  She now has a modern, nearly new walker. It has adjustable handles, larger wheels that adjust to travel needs, baskets and a seat if needed.  She said that she had wanted one like that but she had no  money for it.

What a 24 hour period.  Several volunteers working in the cold, donations being taken off trucks and going directly onto clients vehicles, prayers being given, and a few tears have been a part of the last day.  This is great work, helping very needy situations, especially during this season.

Marv Larue,
The Community Reserve

UPDATE

The Community Reserve has been busy.  The storage bins are full again and today we have the 32nd client for this year.

We have several agencies that we work with.  The Door Church, Apostle's Feet, The Red Cross, The Salvation Army and Emerge Ministries.(www.emergeministries.info)

Another contact has been made and we encourage going to www.worthyrecovery.org to read about this great program. We met the president, D.E.Sonshine, at a recent event and found her to be a ball of energy. The Worthy Women Recovery Home Inc helps return women to sobriety and healing.

When this recovery home is ready for occupants we hope to help with furniture.  Also, as these women leave for homes of their own, we want to help with furniture as well.

Marv Larue
The Community Reserve

WOW !!!!!

We have been partners with The Elkhart Red Cross since we started The Community Reserve. Mr. Frank Connelly has called several times.  This time The Reserve was able to lend a hand.  Frank received a call from  Emerge Ministries Transitional Care Center, a division of Emerge Ministries. This organization houses battered women and their families.  An unusual situation had developed in that 6 women had completed the program  and were ready to move into new housing.  Never before had so many ladies arrived at that point at the same time.  Frank Connelly called The Community Reserve and today we gave a truck full of furniture.  A 14 foot U Haul truck left filled to bursting with very nice furniture.
6 families representing 25 people received a great start at a new beginning.

www.emergeministries.info   Check out their web: Cora Brown and her staff are doing great work.

We have changed our operation a bit.  Any donation that we give must come through an agency. We can not respond to any request for a person to help a friend. An agency must be consulted.

The Community Reserve continues to grow.  Today's gifts makes the family count 29 to date, 2 more than all of 2010. 

Thanks to all who work and donaate to this work

Marv Larue
The Community Reserve

Collection Saturday

Working in the Community Reserve is like nothing else.  Three weeks ago we made a large donation along with a rather small one and the storage units looked empty.  Forget that.  Today we received donations from three sources.  Now the units are so full that the last pickup had to be left in the truck.
Two sofas, two mattress/box springs, one love seat, five recliners, a coffee table and some smaller items.
So it goes and it has since the venture started.
Thanks to all who give to The Reserve.  We hope you have an idea of how much your donations mean to the people that receive them

Welcome to another new worker, John C. Good job.  During the day we had Frank R, Larry M, Dave K and his brother Mike K..  The group gets larger and larger

Before I end this messsage I want to give a shout out to Mike Garoutte from Garoutte's Garage. We needed our car to be running because of an important obligation in Ohio.  The night before leaving the battery died.  Mike had us up and running before he closed. Great job, Mike, thanks a bunch.

Marv Larue,
The Community Reserve

Fire relief

Thursday, 8/25/2011, with help from the Wesleyan Church and county trustee, Mr. Machalski, a very deep need was identified.  A family from a total burn down was living in a tent at Mini Mountain Campground.  That manager rented a house, next door to the campground, to this family and when we got  to the house we found 7 people sleeping on the floor.
Volunteers were called and the truck was loaded.  Now 7 people are sleeping in beds.  They have a table to gather at for meals.  They have sofas to sit on to relax.  They have a TV and a few dishes and many other things.
From this contact a Reserve worker has helped all 5 children enroll in school
Another Reserve worker helped a shipment of food to be delivered Friday morning.

God is leading this work.  This level of assistance would not be possible without his leading.

We will try to continue this work.

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Marv Larue
The Community Reserve