Name change planned for NIN

By Sam Waller

Neighbors in Need will soon be known as the Local Exchange as the ministry looks to streamline operations.

“For now, the name change is just for Neighbors in Need,” Lori Reames, director of Closet Angels, said. “However, the new phone number we have is also for Closet Angels.”

The new number for both ministries is 325-762-0335.

“If they call my personal phone, I’m going to redirect them to that number,” Reames said. “We’re trying to streamline things for both ministries on the one phone, then the call will be directed to whoever needs to handle it.”

Reames said the single phone number will help organize matters instead of several people having information on their personal phones. Prospective donors may call to make appointments and send photos of items they wish to donate.

“If they’re on the list, we don’t have to coordinate with five other people,” she said. “The only waiting list will be kept on that phone. That way, we know who’s next after somebody drops off an item.”

Reames said the Local Exchange plans to be open 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Mondays, but she added that availability of volunteers may make it difficult to maintain that schedule. She also hopes to be open the second Saturday of each month when possible.

“We will announce when we’re going to be open,” she said. “We’ll try to have it in the newspaper, on the marquee, and on the Facebook page.”

Reames said several items are available after last Saturday’s fundraising sale.

“We have a whole section of Christmas decorations and a section of fall decorations,” she said. “We have items that are strictly for emergency situations – people starting over or in urgent need.”

Reames said it will take time to get things operating the way she wants.

“We’re asking people to be patient with us and hold on to donations until we can match them up with recipients,” she said. “Then those items can go straight to the recipient.”