TAKE's Impact on the community

TAKE MAKES PERSONAL, TREMENDOUS IMPACTS!

OUR VOLUNTEERS HAVE SO MANY STORIES TO SHARE ABOUT THOSE HELPED BY TAKE OVER THE YEARS…

One that stands out in particular is the story of Jane from Montana…

When volunteers encountered Jane at TAKE, she had just relocated to Iowa from Montana. Jane had fled her abusive husband and arrived in Iowa with just the clothes on her back. She was in hiding with her school-age children–and she also had a baby on the way. She was starting over and came to TAKE looking for help. Volunteers still talk about rallying around her, outfitting her with all she would need to get started: clothes, shoes, towels, bedding, toiletries, and the like. They found a backpack for each child, and even some toys and books. Jane was grateful for our help and we were so grateful to be able to help set her up to start a new life, safe from harm, in Iowa.

BECAUSE OF TAKE…

The family whose home burned down in the middle of summer… TAKE was able to provide clothing, shoes, coats, linens, housewares, and more, to help them get back to some normalcy while they rebuilt. TAKE happened to have a donated bicycle on hand for the young boy in the family who lost everything–the smile it brought to his face was overwhelming!
The refugee who had fled a war-torn country and arrived in Ankeny with just her visa and a few belongings… TAKE’s translator was able to inquire about her needs and volunteers banded together to help her find basic necessities, including bedding, dishes, and clothes.
The new foster parents who were referred to TAKE by the school counselor… They received a sudden placement of three young siblings who came to them without sufficient clothing or other belongings. TAKE was there for them.

Another story of the personal impact of TAKE is that of Grandma Viv from Ankeny…

Grandma Viv was referred to TAKE after she received custody of her seven grandchildren when their parents went to jail. Grandma Viv came to TAKE during changes of season and growth spurts in order to be able to keep her grandkids in clothes. She had not planned to be raising children later in life, but the assistance from TAKE helped make it possible for her to provide for their needs. Volunteers still talk about the rewards of helping Grandma Viv, who was always ready to share the latest about her now-thriving grandkids. Grandma Viv was so grateful for our help and now is a regular donor to TAKE so she can give back some of the care she received from the community through TAKE!

Testimonials about take’s impact

“We refer students for coats, mittens, and boots regularly. TAKE has been a tremendous support for Ankeny community families to offer them what they need in a comfortable setting. There are items to meet the needs of all ages! Thank you for your service to our community!”

…Ankeny Middle School Counselors and Social Worker

“God Bless you all for all the help that you have done for me and my family. And I wish you all a Merry Christmas. Without you I don’t know what I would of (sic) done for Christmas.”

…A frequent TAKE shopper

“I always prefer bringing my donations here rather than other thrift stores because I know they go to people who truly need them and are given away free!”

…A frequent TAKE donor

“Thank you so much for your kindness in allowing participants to shop for their families this Christmas season! The volunteers who assisted our participants were amazing!! Our participants enjoy this treat you provide for them. Most of them are unable to get out to shop—and have such a low income that they cannot afford to buy gifts for their loved ones. Know that you make a huge difference in many lives!!”

…New Horizons Adult Day Center

YOUR FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS ALLOW TAKE TO CONTINUE making personal, tremendous impacts & serving the most vulnerable in our community!

100% OF MONETARY DONATIONS GOES TO OPERATING EXPENSES

Monetary donations may qualify for tax benefits & receipts are available