OZARK SHARE AND CARE EXPEDITION!

I remember decades ago, when I lived in Harrison, Saturday morning was the day of the week set aside for local organizations to stage a fund-raising event in the center of the town.    I first saw this put into practice when my Girl Scout troop would gather up donations from folks who had "too much", or had outgrown shoes/clothing, then have a "Rummage Sale".  Back in the fifties and sixties of the last century, the courthouse lawn was the location for these Rummage Sales.  We would string rope between the maple trees on the lawn, to make a place to hang up the clothes that were donated.  The endeavor taught us girls that something we had grown tired of, could be a treasure to someone else.  Over the years, as the economy flourished and Americans began to experience the "Affluence Affliction" (sometimes nicknamed Affluenza), individuals began to have SO MUCH STUFF, there was no need to wait until an organization was asking for donations for an annual rummage sale.  Instead, they could simply lump their abundant possessions they no longer needed, into piles in their garage, and have the then-trending "Garage Sale".  However, most people who were having garage sales, did not sell everything.  So, someone hypothesized that if there was a central place where people could take these unsold items, and they could be given away free of charge;  or, if sold, the funds received could be used for charitable purposes.  Eventually, a non-profit, 501c3, was formed, that would meet these criteria.  That organization was called "Ozark Share and Care".   A member of their staff is shown below, along with one of the trucks the organization uses to pick up large  items being donated.

But then they found that if they had a bigger truck, they could pick up bigger loads, and hence you see the truck below, that has an elevator lift, for loading large/heavy items.

To maximize the effectiveness of the service they provide where they come to the donor's home to pick up large items, they try to schedule them only on certain days of the week.

The colorful cornucopia basket, with produce flowing out of it, is a familiar logo, for indicating abundance.  It is a reference to the Share and Care main focus, of providing nourishing foods (at little or no cost) for families in Boone County, but will not turn away someone in need from outside the county. 

After the workers finished getting items out of the garage of the donor's home, they determined the items on the bottom floor could be more easily loaded, if they backed their truck down the slope, so that the lift attachment on the back would be at ground level.

These are the two very congenial Share and Care staff members, who came to assist our project.  The photo was taken in front of the empty truck, BEFORE they had worked diligently to fill it to the brim.  However, I can assure you they still had pleasant attitudes to the very end, despite the hard work!

Their kindness is especially remarkable, considering they were loading furniture from three stories, up and down these steps!

And there were several narrow hallways, twists, and turns they had to navigate as well!

So I want to commend the "pioneers" who originally saw the need for  Share and Care, (way back in 1987!), and worked to bring it to fruition.   Ozark Share and Care began, and continues to be "Faith Based".  They are supported by at least 14 local churches, as well as several schools, businesses, organizations, and private donors.  The services they provide, in the name of Jesus, are remarkable! You can find out more at their website, www.ozarkshareandcare.org or phone 870-741-3130.  In addition, they post photos of new donations of items to their thrift store, as well as menus for  the weekly meals they serve, on their Facebook page. 

One of my First Place 4 Health (www.FirstPlace4Health.com)  memory verses relates to this attitude of "Share and Care".  It is the quote from Matthew 19:21 :  Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come, follow Me."  Perhaps this verse can be a reminder that Share and Care also takes CASH donations, and they are tax deductible, since this is a 501c3 entity.  You can find them at 102 Highway 62-65 Bypass, Harrison, Arkansas  7260l, phone 870-741-3130.   I predict helping this organization through donations of physical items, cash, or, your time as a volunteer, will give you "MILES OF SMILES", just as it did for me!  Tricia