Reaching Out, a closed online group, gives away a wide range of items for those in need. Some of those items include furniture, clothes, and household items. Co-Founder Angie Henke explained that she was joined by Johanne Goodwin in developing the program in August 2013.
“We thought there was a need for a program like this in the community,” said co-founder of Reaching Out Angie Henke.
They are also supported by Karyn Fleming and Rita Prosser.
Henke explained that there are 763 members on Facebook that belong to the group and anyone is welcome to the join. Some rules that are enforced when joining the group include a ban on selling any of the items, contacting members via private message in order to offer items for sale is prohibited, tagging on the site is prohibited, and members are not permitted to be “no shows” when collecting items.
During Christmas, Henke noted that Reaching Out helped about 25 families with providing food boxes and toys for those in need. “It was incredible and it is such an amazing feeling to see the reaction people get when they receive these items,” said Henke.
“A woman contacted us about a man who didn’t have a coat when the temperatures were below freezing and we were able to deliver him a coat. They are just so thankful and grateful for the help,” said Henke.
Reaching Out will be helping during Easter by providing food boxes, Easter baskets, and household items.
On Saturday, at the Richland County Young Marines HQ from, Reaching Out hosted a give-away to anyone in need. She said that this was the second give away that Reaching Out has hosted.
“The first one was successful. Our storage right now is overloaded and that is why we want to have this give away. We have had a great response from the community,” said Henke. Henke shared that members of Reaching Out will deliver items to those who are in need. “We will load up our car and take the items. We will also meet up with people who wish to donate any items,” said Henke.
“We thought there was a need for a program like this in the community,” said co-founder of Reaching Out Angie Henke.
