Have you ever had a day when nothing seems to be going right? Of course you have, we’ve all been there! As a matter of fact, for me, it’s always a Tuesday when nothing is going right. Thank goodness that leaves me with six other days when things can and do get better.
But what if things weren’t getting better? What if your company were gradually going into foreclosure? Or what if you couldn’t afford gasoline to get to work, and then you lose your job? How are you going to buy groceries or clothes for your kids?
For most of us, our first move might be to call on a family member or a friend for help. It’s hard to imagine one who doesn’t have someone to turn to in times like these. Statistics show, according to “New America,” that at least 5 million Americans are displaced from their homes annually. CNN just reported that 92,000 jobs were lost this past February, which contributed to the unemployment rate increasing to 4.4% just this past March.
What if this were happening to someone you know? Even worse, what if you yourself were in a similar position and could not help your family member, or even your best friend? Who could you turn to right here in Minnetonka, where life is supposed to be good 365 days a year?
I have an answer. Have you heard about a place called Reach & Restore? Located in Hopkins at 1415 5th St. South, but serving our entire state, it is quite possibly “the best friend that you never knew you had!” Founder and graduate of Minnetonka High School, Ronda Oliver, and at least 30 volunteers from all over the Lake Minnetonka, New Hope, Chanhassen, and Eden Prairie areas are there for you; Monday through Friday, 9:00am-3:00pm.
After seeing the devastation from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Ronda rallied volunteers within a local church to step up and help families who had moved to Minnesota to get back on their feet. In addition to her beloved volunteers, donors and financial supporters have helped to facilitate the many needs of families in crisis or transition right here in our area. Many times, it can be about “who you know,” and this organization can put you in touch with someone who can help, and it will cost you zero dollars.
Some may need help finding a new job, transportation, clothes, furniture, household items, office products, or a place to stay temporarily, and some may need emotional counseling and prayers. Reach & Restore exists because there is such a great need right here in the Western burbs.
The physical building is not a thrift store; once you make an appointment to shop, you are on your own to gather items that you need. There is never a cost for these items. Volunteers are available to assist if you ask for help.
If you are interested in donating items to Reach & Restore, they can typically use clothing, living room items, laundry items, bathroom items, kitchen items, bedroom items, financial help, and household items. To let them know that you would like to drop off items, please call 952-933-1393. By going to their site, reachandrestore.org, you can see a list of items that they need right now.
As I conclude this article, I am reminded of a verse from “You’ve Got a Friend,” off Carol King’s Tapestry album.
"When you're down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of US
And soon WE will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night."
Also, a special thank you to the many individuals on Nextdoor who nominated Reach & Restore to be featured in our magazine as a means of getting this very important message out to those in need. God bless you, and God bless Carol King, at times like this, “Ain’t it good to know, you got a friend.”