Our philosophy about "our" charity asking for charity (please scroll down to see complete list)
We started Blessing Barn with the intent of following our heart in doing what we feel called to do. We did not persue any grant money to get started, nor have we solicited anyone for regular funding. We do what we can as efficiently and as effectively as we can with the finances that come our way. We greatly appreciate those who have helped us to this point with financial donations, fundraisers, and fair rents. We also thank the countless people who have donated their goods and services. We trust all have received blessings in return.
We do realize that there are many worthy charities who are deserving of consistent funding streams that have already been established. It is not our intent to interfere with those streams. In addition, there are many who support their places of worship through tithes and offerings, as they rightly should. Those should not be re-directed.
Ultimately, we want to be a blessing to both giver and receiver. So, if you fall into a category of wanting to give, in addition to your current giving levels, or jump into the world of choosing a charity to support, we would appreciate your interest.
Recipient needs
Our most requested items are coats and clothing for adults, children and babies, dressers, kitchenware items, kitchen tables and chairs, sofas, bedding, blankets, diapers
We do accept mattress and box spring sets, but they MUST be in excellent condition, with no stains. They are costly to dispose of if we get them and they are in poor condition. *king size is rarely requested, so please call before donating to see if we have anyone on a waiting list for a king.
In addition to the above list, we do accept most all donated items, except those mentioned below. Please keep in mind that all donated items must be in good or better condition.
We do not take large appliances (washer and dryers, full size refrigerators), exercise equipment, sofa sleepers.
Blessing Barn Needs
More storage space
**** update 10/08 **** thanks to one of our barnlords, the Seegers, for allowing us to expand into the other half of the "white barn", which enables us to separate the receiving of donations from our give-away section (see our need for additional storage tubs below)
**** We can still use more storage space to keep up with the generous donations we receive from the community
We are putting this note in here in the slight case that there would be anyone out there with barn space in the local Crystal Lake area who would be willing to donate the space, or consider a reasonable rent. We are low on space in our two current barns. We are known for cleaning up the space rented to us and fixing things up as we can. We would be considerate renters, however, would have an inconsistent schedule as to when we would be visiting the rented location. This can all be discussed. We are determined to be a blessing to whoever would consider this seriously.
Material handling equipment
- hand trucks, dollies, platform trucks: we are constantly loading and unloading heavy donations and making deliveries of heavy items. They can be new or used.
Storage tubs - We currently have approx. 500 tubs in which we use to store our give-away items, and to store our over-stock. We have recently expanded our storage facility and can use another 150. These tubs are 18 gallon Sterilite tubs. They are grey and run about $5.50 each at Walmart.
In car navigational unit, such as Tom-Tom, or Garmen
**** update 9/08 **** thanks to generous donors, Cara & Shawn, for donating a new Garmen Nuvie GPS navigational system
Pellet burning stove