Hi everyone! I'm Carla Sue and I'm the Executive Director of a small, local nonprofit in Bluffton, Indiana called Elevate Wells County. (You can check it out on Facebook or Instagram.)

Part of what Elevate does is provide a safe space for marginalized youth in our community. The youth programs are called Above (ages 12-16) and Beyond (16-20). For over a year, Beyond has been planning a community service project and with the help of an amazing grant (YAR at Family Centered Services) and work by kids in Above and Beyond (A&B), the project went from an idea to a reality!

The Resource Pantry was placed on Perry Street behind the DCS office this summer. This metal storage space was restored, painted, weatherproofed and sealed by the A&B youth. The Resource Pantry was created as a supplement to the various Food Pantries around the county with a goal of providing non-food items: personal hygiene items, menstrual items, self-care and art supplies, pet supplies, school supplies, socks, hats, gloves, puzzles, games and toys, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, plastic dishes and cups, and so much more!

Part of the funds received through the grant paid for a large quantity of items to stock the pantry (and there are still boxes of items being added bit by bit) and the best part is that we are seeing it be used! It does not stay stocked long, and a number of community members have begun donating and contributing to the Resource Pantry as well.

But we need help! Our little storage cabinet has not held up as we had hoped against the continued use! Slowly, we have seen it receive some damage, falling over, then the hinges were bent, some different dents appeared, and most recently, the door has fallen off.

Please help us purchase a new, sturdier (and larger) pantry that is made of durable and weather resistant materials. It will be painted and sealed like its predecessor, and it will be secured in place. Funds raised will be used to purchase the unit, hardware to secure it, paint and sealant, and then any extra will purchase additional items so that Elevate can continue to fill it for those in need.

If you cannot contribute financially, we would love for you to still show support for our youth in Above and Beyond, and for this amazing project that they have done for the community by sharing the link and asking others to donate. Thank you so much!