2008 Woodie Awards
Bolivar Connection transforms lives
Jade Enoch
Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: In the Spotlight
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Ten months ago, Carrie Manser, a young stay at home mother of four, began her ministry with a carport, some boxes and a dream. Bolivar Connection, a free store that donates food, clothing and other items to those who require them without the usual income requirements began with a collection of donations in Manser's carport outside her home.
The response was massive. Soon the amount of donations had literally exploded, and the project had to be moved to a storage unit. Even still the items kept coming, and a warehouse space was found at Countryside Church.
Now the warehouse is full of items from blankets and clothing to baby beds and food. It even provides prescription medication that may not be covered by insurance for those with health problems.
"We always seem to have what we need," said Manser. "It's as if donations just fall from the sky sometimes. The community has responded beautifully."
Bolivar Connection is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Daily visitors number anywhere from 50 to over 100, many traveling from towns as far as three or four hours away.
Manser credits the store's success with the unique quality of its ministry.
"We are the only free store around," said Manser. "We don't go by income. It doesn't matter how much you make. We let you come in. If you're going to pay ten dollars at Wal-Mart, we'd rather you come in and pay a dollar and get what you need."
The Bolivar Connection ministry's mission statement reads, "Connecting those who have extra to share with those who have a need. We care." It is that purpose that connects those who are in need of a fresh start with those who are able to help.
The ministry is always in need of donations and volunteers to give their time. Gently used clothing, baby items, nonperishable food items, blankets, cooking utensils, pots and pans, and the like are all items that are always required for those the ministry helps start over.
According to Manser, however, time is the most valuable service the community can provide.
The response was massive. Soon the amount of donations had literally exploded, and the project had to be moved to a storage unit. Even still the items kept coming, and a warehouse space was found at Countryside Church.
Now the warehouse is full of items from blankets and clothing to baby beds and food. It even provides prescription medication that may not be covered by insurance for those with health problems.
"We always seem to have what we need," said Manser. "It's as if donations just fall from the sky sometimes. The community has responded beautifully."
Bolivar Connection is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Daily visitors number anywhere from 50 to over 100, many traveling from towns as far as three or four hours away.
Manser credits the store's success with the unique quality of its ministry.
"We are the only free store around," said Manser. "We don't go by income. It doesn't matter how much you make. We let you come in. If you're going to pay ten dollars at Wal-Mart, we'd rather you come in and pay a dollar and get what you need."
The Bolivar Connection ministry's mission statement reads, "Connecting those who have extra to share with those who have a need. We care." It is that purpose that connects those who are in need of a fresh start with those who are able to help.
The ministry is always in need of donations and volunteers to give their time. Gently used clothing, baby items, nonperishable food items, blankets, cooking utensils, pots and pans, and the like are all items that are always required for those the ministry helps start over.
According to Manser, however, time is the most valuable service the community can provide.
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