Abby Nadeau
Staff Writer

After spending the last 28 years in the Forest Lake area assisting families in need, Community Helping Hand (CHH) received a little help of their own.

CHH had been planning to expand their building for a number of years, but due to a variety of reasons, including financial, the organization had put off the expansion.

But in the Spring of 2006, the CHH board of directors decided to go ahead with an addition after the Crossroads Men’s Mission approached the directors with their desire to help in the expansion.

The group, with help from a variety of other businesses, started the project Thanksgiving weekend in 2006 and were finished six weeks later.

The newly expanded CHH opened January 3, 2007.

Soon after CHH found out they needed to update their parking lot and landscaping to fit city codes and ordinances.

Once those projects were finished, with help from the community and a loan, CHH had received one big face lift.

And now they are ready to show it off and celebrate. So on Saturday, Sept. 22, Community Helping Hand will be holding a grand re-opening of their newly expanded store.

CHH

Community Helping Hand is an organization that offers assistance to families in a time of need.

Whether through financial assistance or through items sold at the store, CHH tries to help everyone that walks through their doors.

In a company statement, CHH states that they are “supported only through the sales of donated items, supplemented by generous donations from area churches, businesses, individuals, organizations and group fund raisers.”

Approximately $1.3 million has been raised in total sales of items at CHH, and $800,000 was paid out to families in need.

In 2006, CHH Food Shelf served 265 families and they were able to help assist rent or mortgage payments for 39 families, utilities for 32 families, gas for 90 individuals and miscellaneous needs such as medical for seven individuals.

CHH evaluates each situation in which a financial donation is needed. The situation is evaluated to find out if CHH can help the person themselves, or if they should be referred to another organization.

Unfortunately, CHH cannot help everyone that walks through their doors and that is why they are continually seeking volunteers and donations for a variety of situations.

Grand Re-Opening

Even as they celebrate their opening, CHH is keeping in mind the people they can help.

CHH will be holding a silent auction where baskets of items will be available to bid on.

CHH said their hopes for the auction “is to raise funds to help pay down the debt assumed-larger than anticipated, due to building code requirements...”

By paying down the debt of the loan to build the parking lot and update other items, CHH will be able to provide more financial assistance to families in the Forest Lake area.

Beyond the silent auction, food and refreshments will be served and door prizes will be given out.

The celebration will start at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony and will continue through 2 p.m.

Silent auction baskets are still needed for the event. To make a basket donation or a free will donation contact Jennifer or Rose at 651-464-0061 to arrange to make donations.

To learn more about Community Helping Hand visit www.communityhelpinghand.org.

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