NIN born out of community need
By Lynsi Musselman
Albany Neighbors In Need was born out of the realization of the needs from shoppers at Closet Angels, the clothing ministry of Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Several years ago, volunteer Sandy Ingalls added a place for shoppers to write down needs that could not be found at Closet Angels, said Closet Angels director Lori Reames.
“It hit us with the reality that Albany was full of needs other than just clothing,” Reames explained. “I started posting items that were written down and donors would drop off behind Closet Angels.”
Reames said Closet Angels eventually rented a storage unit with the help of Sam Burge, a natural choice for the first director of NIN.
The fire department ended up loaning NIN the current building at 609 Railroad between the two fire stations. Then a sea container was donated when there was no more room, and the covered area was added by another local donor.
“One of the local churches covers the electricity,” Reames said. “It helps so much to be able to run fans and lights.”
NIN has been operating unofficially since 2011 and is now looking to expand.
“My vision is to move into one building that houses all the ministries together,” Reames explained, “somewhere to bring all of the volunteers together to help with all items in need.”
Reames said NIN only has four volunteers.
“Clara Miller, Blanca Sanchez, Brad McBee, and Billy Boland have dedicated their lives to keeping the NIN ministry going, but it is time to expand into an updated building with cooling and heating,” said Reames. “Also, a paid position is needed to keep things running smoothly and to better serve the community.”
Miller commented that this community is set apart from many others.
“We give generously and we genuinely care for one another,” Miller added. “One man, as he and his wife stopped at the door with a box of Christmas lights, a toaster, and a wall plaque with the words of John 3:16, also made the comment that this community is something special.”
Miller said as a volunteer she works many hours throughout the week to clean, sort, and call people whose names are on the waiting list for items.
NIN’s biggest needs are volunteers, heaters, AC units, appliances in good working condition, tables, chairs, dressers, night stands, side tables, and household items for every part of the home.
Monetary donations are always welcome, giving NIN the capability to purchase heaters and blankets needed as cold months approach.
“Albany Chest has been so generous in donating money for the purchase of heaters and blankets,” Reames said. “Local stores have been great about giving NIN discounts on these items. Any money donated to NIN goes to the same cause, helping low income families with heating and air conditioning needs.”
Miller and Reames both explained that the biggest challenge NIN faces is with unusable items that are dumped while no one is around to approve items.
“Heavy couches, beds, appliances, and TV sets are just too heavy for us to haul off ourselves,” Reames said. “None of the volunteers are physically able to lift heavy objects, so they just accumulate and get rained on.”
Reames said NIN is looking at funding to purchase cameras so illegal dumpers may be contacted.
McBee, pastor of First Christian Church, opens NIN on Saturdays from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., when available.
Miller and Sanchez open from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Mondays to sort and organize donations.
Reames said it is preferred for donations to be dropped off during those times, but an appointment can be made by calling McBee at 325-762-6380 or Miller at 325-762-6434.
