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Member Since: 04/11/09 | Login Count: 4 | Profile Views: 386 | Last Login: 07/11/09
Biography
Free Stuff In Quincy
Our Mission
To create a place where people in need are welcomed and cared for and about with dignity and compassion.
Our Vision
The Pantry will be widely recognized as a progressive innovator for meeting the needs and addressing root cause of poverty.
Services we offer
Postings via the internet of offerings and requests and operating the Pantry with distribution of clothing, house ware, and other material items; resume writing and job search skills; and directing clientele to proper places for additional help.
We will be a channel for community participation in the provision of services, while enhancing social awareness.
Our Core Values
The services developed and decisions made at The Pantry are driven by the drive and desire of its members to help others, without making them feel less humane, and offer the following core values:
Respect
Dignity
Quality
Service
Compassion
Our Purpose
The Pantry is a local organization whose purpose is those in the Quincy and the surrounding community. All contributions are utilized for the betterment of our immediate service area. We serve the needs of a very diverse population with the many programs sponsored by The Pantry.
Thank you for your support!
Lori Koontz, Owner/Moderator,
Debbie Gibson, Diane Stump, Jami Dryden, and Kim Hoaglin, Moderators
Moderator Biography:
Lori Koontz
Owner of Free Stuff In Quincy since itâs founding, May 22nd, 2007
I am the mother of one daughter, Brandy, who is currently living in
Springfield, Mo, attending MSU, earning her masters in Psychology.
My mom, Polly and I live together, along with my three babies, Buffy,
a mixed breed, Jasmine, Chihuahua, and Pepper, a Min Pin. I work a full time as a telemarketer, yes I call people and bug them! I have been there several years, and enjoy it, (sometimes!). I enjoy eating Mexican food, playing darts (although I'm not very good), reading, and spending time with friends. I am seeing a great guy, John, for many years now. I founded Free Stuff In Quincy with the hopes of being able help others.
Debbie Gibson
Moderator since August 21, 2007
I am a mother of 4, Scotty, Kayla, Jordyn, and Mikel, My First
hubby Scott Baldwin, passsed way in 1999 in a motorcycle accident and
I found Larry who is an awesome guy we have been married going on 6
years now. My Hobbies are building webpages, playing darts, doing genealogy, and going to karaoke. Currently other than helping Lori and the great bunch of girls out with Free Stuff, am the genealogy host for Adams County, Illinois on Genealogytrails. I love Cheeseburgers and pizza and just about anything that Larry cooks. I joined Free Stuff at first to get rid of items I nor my kids no longer needed and found out so many people could be helped through our desire to help others and we have found an extended family.
Diane Jordon-Stump
Moderator since May 19, 2008
I am a wife, mother & grandma. I have two sons, Christopher & Tyler.
Three great grandchildren, and a wonderful husband. I moved here three years ago this August from Kenai, Alaska to be closer to family. I met and married the man of my dreams this past May, when I married Randy I gained a teenager (Tyler), what can I say he was part of the package! I happened upon the free stuff in Quincy site while surfing one afternoon, ask to join the site & the rest is history. I started to volunteer with the group, to get me out of the house and to do something constructive with my time. I have a great time with the girls & at the same time, know that in some small way by doing so⦠I am helping do something positive for our community. I have met some pretty amazing people and they all ROCK as my granddaughter would say.
Kim Hoaglin
Moderator since September 6, 2008
I am mom to 4-Jared 24, Zach 18, Caity 14 and Sterling 9. Jared is
a Sergeant in the Marine Corps stationed in San Diego, Zach is in his
first year at Vatterott studying to be an electrician, Caity is a
freshman this year and Sterling just started 4th grade at Baldwin.
I also have 2 beautiful granddaughters Jaiden and Jaimie in
California, and my third granddaughter, Adeline, arriving any day
now here in Quincy! My other "baby" at home is my 80 pound boxer, Zeus. I teach the young students at Chaddock and absolutely love it.
My hobbies include: needlework, playing on my computer, being
a soccer mom, gardening, bbqs and my latest craze--darts
(Thanks Lori!! LOL). I had played 0 times in my whole life,
and somehow Lori convinced me that I should be on her team! LOL
I am hooked! I came to Free Stuff by way of other free sites (my first bit of participation in the group was the "FreeBee" Whew!!) and have
found good friends, fun, and a group of people dedicated to
unselfishly helping others. I love being a part of this group
and am honored to become a moderator.
Jami Dryden
Moderator since March 15th, 2009
I am a divorced mother of 1 daughter, Ciara, who is in Senior High.
I am in a serious relationship with a wonderful, awesome man, Doug.
He has 2 children, Austin (in Senior High also) and Andrea (will be
in Senior High next year). We have been together for 3 years now.
(We have a house full of âout of controlâ hormonesâ¦â¦ARGHHHHHâ¦â¦.)
My hobbies include watching NASCAR races (GO TONY âSMOKEâ STEWART),
local dirt track racing, volleyball (court or sand) being with family
and friends, and reading mystery / suspense books. I am a past member of the Payson Jaycees where I held the office of secretary for 2 ½ years. I have planned and ran many, many fund raisers and benefits. In 2008 I was certified as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer for Adams and surrounding counties. When needed, I am an advocate (represent) for children who must be removed from their homes (biological, foster, temporary homes) where cases of abuse or neglect have been reported and/or founded. I am THEIR voice in court and THEIR âspecialâ friend. This can be a very trying and emotional journey but since I didnât follow my âdreamâ of being a child advocate attorney, this is the next best thing. I am also a Notary Public for the State of Illinois. I joined Free Stuff with the hope of helping someone in their time of need. I know what itâs like to need something and not have the funds or means of getting it without someone elseâs help and kindness. Now it is MY TURN to return that gesture.
What is the Pantry?
It is a central location where people can come and pick out items that others donate vs going to someoneâs home and picking up an offer or purchasing. We offer everything from clothing to house ware items to toys to scrubs to books, and everything in between! We are similar to a thrift store without the cost!
Who is it for?
Anyone, group members and community alike, whoever wants to look for something they may need or be searching for. Anyone and everyone is invited to use the Pantry, there are no guidelines to meet, we invite and welcome everyone who may be looking for something, or just wants to come shop! We do have limits on some items due to not having much of a particular item, and we do limit community members to one visit a month, group members may come as many times as they want in a month,
What can you take?
We take seasonal, clothing, in good condition, scrubs, medical equipment, toys, books, household items, tools and hardware, and small appliances. We can take some larger items, depending on space availability. We do ask that you check with us before bringing larger items. If in question, please ask what we can/will take.
Members of the group and community members, who do not have access to the computers, can use it for an alternative to getting rid of their unwanted items vs other organizations or the garbage dump.
Where is it located?
It is located in the basement of 1200 North 26th, blue house on the North East corner, in the rear.
What are your hours of Operation?
We are open Monday evenings 6-8 pm, and Saturday mornings 10 am to 12 pm.
We have been helping a young woman who is down on her luck. She is 23 years old, a mother of one child, 5 and another born July 9th.
She is working with the Department of Human Services to get child support for her older child, but if any of you have gone through the system, you know how long and complicated that can be. She gets food stamps and WIC, but is not eligible for financial aid because she has a job.
She lost her step father late last year in a car accident. The father of the unborn baby died in December due to an illness. She just recently lost hersister in a drunk driving accident (her sister was a passenger in a car that was hit by a drunk driver out East Broadway, by Five Points), in which the case is now going through the courtsystem. She is missing work due to having to be in court.
Her mother is not able to help her financially, the grandparents of the unborn baby have been a wonderful help, but they can only do so muc >>>
Description: We have been helping a young woman who is down on her luck. She is 23 years old, of two
children, a 5 year old and one born on July 9th.
My progress: We have not been able to find any of this at all.
This is a one time only expense assistance request for a family of 1 adults & 2 children
My message:She lost her step father late last year in a car accident. The father of the baby died in December due to an illness. She just recently lost her
sister in a drunk driving accident (her sister
was a passenger in a car that was hit by a drunk driver out East Broadway, by Five Points), in which the case is now going through the court
system. She is missing work due to having to be in court. Her mother is not able to help her financially, the grandparents of the unborn
baby have been a wonderful help, but they can only do so much.
Her landlord has been wonderful, and we have successfully gotten her caught up with rent.
He has agreed to build her a laundry room so she can save money by not having to go to the laundry mat, and not have to try to take laundry and the new baby and son out. We are in need of a working washer and dryer for this young lady. If you have a working washer or dryer we can have for her, it would be appreciated!
We are also looking for some outdoor toys, swing set, a playhouse, anything that her 5 year old son would enjoy. I had a girl, so I do not know much about boys! Her landlord has said we are welcome to use the yard to make a play area for her son! Folks, this young woman is in need of help. If we can, as a group, If we pull together we can help!
Supporting Documentation: FSIQ has the following documentation
Do you qualify for any additional help?: She is working with the Department of Human Services to get child support for her older child, but if any of you have gone through the system, you know how long and complicated that can be. She gets food stamps and WIC, but is not eligible for financial aid because she has a job.
What local/other agencies have you contacted?: This young woman is full of pride, and after much pushing, she has gone to several agencies in the area to get help. There is no funding anywhere. She has tried the Salvation Army, Ladies of Charity, Two Rivers, General Assistance, Madonna House, and most recently, Unmet Needs of Quincy.
Did you get denial letters? (if so are they attached to your request?): She did not get letters, but was told there is no funding to help her.
What other sources of income do you or your family receive?: none
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Member Since: 04/11/09 | Login Count: 4 | Profile Views: 386 | Last Login: 07/11/09 
