GRACE Place Looks To Expand

LINCOLN — GRACE Place in Lincoln is a ministry that has served those in need for almost 30 years.

The acronym stands for Groceries, Resources And Clothing for Encouragement.

The ministry was started in 1988 by Jim Snarr and is supported by 15 area churches, mainly churches in Lincoln but also some in Prairie Grove.

Everyone involved in the ministry is a volunteer, including Kim Igo, who serves as director.

Igo said churches donate monthly to GRACE and church members also serve as volunteers. The support is used for the ministry’s food pantry, located at 200 W. Park St., in Lincoln.

On the average, the food pantry serves about 1,000 people each month.

“Everything is free,” Igo said. “We give it to whose who need it.”

Someone who comes into the food pantry first meets with a counselor to discuss specific needs. The pantry provides non-perishable and perishable foods, including fresh produce sometimes, hygiene items and homemade laundry soap.

Usually, a family or individual is helped once a month unless an emergency arises and then the ministry will help out more frequently, Igo said.

“We helped out one lady with furniture because she was having to start all over,” Igo added.

The services are available to anyone in the area, not just to Lincoln residents.

Along with the food pantry, the ministry operates a thrift store across the street at 120 W. Park St. The thrift store offers clothing for only a quarter a piece, excluding jeans and Halloween costumes.

Proceeds from the store are used to pay utilities for the two buildings and to purchase items for the food pantry.

Future plans for the thrift store include expanding the building to provide a dropoff place for donations. Igo said she is researching grant opportunities and seeking donations to help pay for an expansion.

Volunteers and donations are always in demand. Items needed include non-perishable food, hygiene items and diapers.

For more information, call Igo at 479-824-5496 or email graceplace8890@gmail.com.

LYNN KUTTER ENTERPRISE-LEADER Cindy Seward is one of many volunteers at GRACE Place in Lincoln. The thrift shop is open 9 a.m. to noon, Monday-Saturday. Most clothes are only a quarter each. This will give more space between cutline and the article.