The Telephone Clearinghouse is the foundational program of Love INC created by the churches to serve the churches in each Love INC community. The Clearinghouse connects people in need with resources in community agencies and/or local churches. Caring volunteers share Christ’s love by meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals and families. Requests for help referred by Clearinghouse volunteers to churches are specific, manageable, and legitimate. Clearinghouse volunteers typically work one (1) three hour shift per week.

Clearinghouse Phone Volunteers interview clients over the phone to collect information about their request. They assess and verify their needs and connect legitimate, manageable needs with resources from churches and local agencies.

Clearinghouse Receptionists take the incoming calls and take basic information to set up client files. They provide callers with basic resource information who have an emergency need of food or shelter.

Clearinghouse Record Keepers enter statistics and other records into client files and help with other Clearinghouse projects as needed.

Clearinghouse volunteers are always welcome. If you are interested in volunteering, call 452-3876.

The Transportation Program began in 1991 as a way to address the growing demand for rides. Rather than finding individual volunteers for each ride needed, the program Coordinator schedules rides into “shifts” staffed by volunteer drivers from local churches.

Each volunteer commits to being available one day a week during their shift. Morning shifts are from 7:30 – noon. Afternoon shifts are from noon to 6:00. Rides are provided free of charge for work, medical appointments and essential errands.

Volunteer drivers are always welcome. If a regular shift driver isn’t needed, volunteers are placed as “Backup Drivers” to substitute when the Regular Drivers are sick or out of town. If you are interested in being a volunteer driver, call 452-3876.

The Create-A-Gift Event began as a way for Love INC clients to make Christmas gifts but quickly grew to be a perennial favorite community event. Volunteers host a table, provide much of their own supplies, and teach a craft to people from all parts of the community. Love INC clients continue to receive free tickets. Each year we offer over 2 dozen craft items plus concessions, and a guaranteed fun time for all!

The Event is held in November, but the planning committee starts meeting in August. Call 452-3876 if you are interested in volunteering either by hosting a craft table, being a helper during the actual event, or if you would like to be on the planning committee.

The Adopt-A-Family for Christmas program began when a local business contacted Love INC desiring to help a needy family instead of the usual office party / gift exchange. The program grew quickly as other businesses heard about it and now an average of 75 families are helped each year by area businesses, churches, civic groups and even by individuals and families who decide they have enough “stuff” and that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Needy families are referred to the program by schools, churches and the Love INC Clearinghouse by the end of October. Clients cannot refer themselves and can be in the program only once. Sponsors must return their sponsor application by November 7th. The Adopt-A-Family Committee begins meeting in August. They interview the referred families and strive to make the best match possible for the sponsors. Matching is completed by Thanksgiving to give sponsors Black Friday shopping opportunities. Gifts are delivered either by the sponsor or by Love INC volunteers approximately one week before Christmas.

If you are interested in being on the Adopt-A-Family committee, or would like to be a sponsor, call 452-3876.