Serving Together with Love: What's Happening at ACS 403 Center This March

Serving Together with Love

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2

February may be the month of love, but at Adventist Community Services (ACS) 403 Center, love for our neighbors is a year-round commitment. As we step into March, we're excited to share what's been happening at the Center, how the community has shown up for one another, and how you can get involved.

Making a Difference, One Family at a Time

Every day, the ACS 403 Center provides clothing, food, household items, and hygiene supplies to individuals and families navigating some of life's most difficult moments. The impact of that work is best told through the people we serve.

Recently, a family came to us after suffering severe storm damage. They had lost so much and didn't know how they would get through the week. We were able to provide warm clothing, hygiene items, and food, and their response stayed with us:

"We had no idea how we'd make it through this week. You gave my children help when we had nowhere else to go. God always provides what we need, right when we need it, and we thank God for you."

Stories like this are why we show up every single day.

A Fresh Look at the Store: Thank You for Your Patience!

Over the past several weeks, our team has been hard at work reorganizing and revamping the Center's layout. Change isn't always easy, but our incredible volunteers embraced the process with grace, teamwork, and encouragement. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to:

• All volunteers who collaborated through the transition
• Each person who welcomed the new vision with kindness and support
• Our Tuesday evening after-hours volunteers who continue the transformation week after week

As the saying goes, "Change is the doorway through which growth enters." — Roy T. Bennett

We think you're going to love what's taking shape.

Spring Is in the Air: Seasonal Items Available Now!

Stop by and check out our newly stocked seasonal section! We currently have:

• 🍀 St. Patrick's Day items
• 🐣 Easter items

New items are arriving regularly, so come browse and see what's new!

We Need You: Volunteer Opportunities Available

One of the greatest ways you can support our mission is by giving your time. We have a wide variety of volunteer roles available, and whether you prefer working behind the scenes or directly with guests, there's a place for you here.

Behind-the-Scenes Roles

• Donation Sorting — Process incoming donations efficiently
• Linen Organization — Sort and hang towels, sheets, and blankets
• Food Box & Lunch Sack Preparer — Prepare daily distributions
• Clothing Processing — Sort and prepare garments for display
• Pricer — Assign fair, consistent prices to store items
• Hygiene & Supply Organization — Build kits and stock Help Center shelves
• Upstairs Sorting — Handle overflow and bulk donations

Client-Facing Roles

• Guest Services — Greet and check in guests, assist with the voucher process
• Voucher Order Fulfillment — Gather requested items for each guest
• Cashier — Operate the register and assist voucher users
• Store Organization — Keep the store clean, orderly, and well stocked

Outdoor Roles

• Exterior Maintenance — Keep the building's exterior clean and welcoming

Can't make it during the day? The Center stays open every Tuesday until 8:00 PM for volunteers only. Contact Director Shannon Lundeen-Kreuzer for more details.

Urgent Needs: Please Help If You Can

We're currently in immediate need of the following donated items:

• Small rolling luggage
• Small and medium women's underwear and bras (various sizes)
• Pots and pans
• Tarps
• Hygiene supplies: shampoo, conditioner, shaving gel, soap, individual mouthwash, small deodorant, and body cleaning wipes

These items make a direct, tangible difference for people experiencing hardship. If you're able to donate, we'd be so grateful.

Hours and Donation Drop-Off

ACS 403 Center Hours: Monday through Thursday | 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Help Center: Monday through Thursday | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (first-come, first-served)

Donation Drop-Off: Monday through Friday | 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM Please, no after-hours drop-offs.

Mark Your Calendar: March Dates to Know

• March 9 — Daylight Saving Time begins (spring forward! )
• March 17 — St. Patrick's Day
• Coming Soon — Easter outreach and seasonal preparation

Keep an eye out for any weather-related schedule updates.

Thank You, From the Bottom of Our Hearts

To every volunteer, donor, and supporter: thank you. Your faithfulness in time, energy, and resources is what makes this ministry possible.

We ask for your continued:

• Prayers for this ministry and those we serve
• Volunteer support
• Donations and financial contributions
• Shopping with us, as every purchase directly supports our community programs

Together, with God in our hearts and hands working side by side, there is nothing we cannot accomplish for our community.

To learn more about volunteering or donating, contact Director Shannon Lundeen-Kreuzer. We'd love to have you join our team.