Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
- What opportunities are there for me or my organization to volunteer?
- Do you receive any government support?
- Do you have a food pantry?
- Who do you serve in the Community Dining Room?
- Are your employees available to speak at a church or other organization?
- How do I sign up to volunteer in The Chapel?
- When can I drop off donations of furniture and other household / rummage items?
- How many employees work at The Christian Center?
- How long are the residents allowed to stay in your shelter?
Donations and Taxes FAQs
- Where and how can I donate money to the Christian Center?
- Can I donate in honor of, or in memory of someone?
- Will I receive an acknowledgement for my monetary donation?
- What do I receive from The Christian Center as proof of my monetary donation for tax purposes?
- How do I get a tax receipt for my tangible donations?
General FAQs
What opportunities are there for me or my organization to volunteer?
Thank you very much for your interest in The Christian Center! We always have volunteer opportunities available. Some of them include:
Food Items: Perhaps your Sunday School class would like to "Adopt a Shelf" in our kitchen?
We gladly accept donations of the following food items:
- Canned vegetables (corn, green beans, carrots, mixed vegetables, peas)
- Canned beans (refried beans, pork & beans, chili beans, great northern beans)
- Coffee
- Instant potatoes and stuffing mix
- Pasta
- Potato chips, corn chips
- Chicken broth and beef broth
- Cereal
- Drink mixes
- Ketchup
- Sugar
- Paper towels, paper plates and plastic forks
Additionally, we are happy to receive donations of cleaning items, such as laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, and dishwashing soap (over 30 loads of laundry are done on a weekly basis), as well as personal hygiene items including deodorant and body wash (no bar soap, please), men's underwear (all sizes), white athletic socks (crew and ankle), table and board games, puzzles, etc. Table and board games help with mental stimulation as well as assist in the development of social skills, team work and a sense of community.
Chapel: Ministering at our chapel services through music (performing, playing, singing, etc.), or just joining us during chapel services. Sitting together in chapel and letting our residents know you care is more valuable than you can imagine!
Men's Dorm: Conduct classes, cleaning, painting, and general repair.
Thrift Store: Help prepare items to be sold on the floor of our thrift store by sorting, hanging, etc.
Warehouse: Working in our warehouse receiving area side by side with our men (sorting miscellaneous items, hanging clothes, moving furniture, etc.) gives our clients a chance to witness good work ethics. Sometimes just working together for a day and sharing stories can change a life….including yours!
General grounds: We welcome assistance with snow removal, leaf removal, weed removal, sweeping parking lots, clearing our "park," etc.
Holiday Decorating in all areas.
Word of Mouth: Spend time with us. Learn about what we do here and help us serve God by spreading the word!
Bunks & Trunks Drive: Create your own fundraiser by having your group, family, or Sunday School Class sponsor a set of bunk beds and 2 trunks for our shelter (approx. $715.00 for one set of bunks, 2 trunks, and 2 mattresses, all bedding).
Kitchen: Help prepare food, serve meals, and assist with clean up.
Please let us know what area you might be interested in, how many people are in your group, ages (adult and ages of children), number of men, women, date and/or time constraints, and we'll get you set up. Thank you for your interest!
Nearly 100% of The Chrisian Center's support comes through the gifts of individuals, churches and other caring organizations. We did receive one small grant in 2009. The Christian Center received an EFSP grant that amounted to less than 1% of our total budget for assistance with our Community Dining Room.
We do not maintain a food pantry at The Christian Center. However, we do have a kitchen that serves food seven days a week - open to anyone - no questions asked. Everyone in need of a good, nutritious meal is welcome!
Who do you serve in the Community Dining Room?
Our Community Dining Room is open to anyone. There are no requirements for service. We are glad to serve anyone who comes through our door. In fact, this is a great "point of entry" for first time visitors and potential volunteers.
Are your employees available to speak at a church or other organization?
Yes. The Christian Center's staff regularly speaks to businesses, small groups and churches. You can schedule one of our staff members for a speaking engagement through Renée Davis, Executive Assistant. We may also be able to fill the pulpit when your church would have need of a guest pastor.
How do I sign up to volunteer in The Chapel?
Our chapel services are open to the communityand are regularly supported through the volunteer contributions of local church talent.If you would like to preach, share a testimony, lead worship, be a greeter, or just attend our service, you can call us at 765.649.4264 and ask for our Volunteer Coordinator.
When can I drop off donations of furniture and other household / rummage items?
The Christian Center's dock is open Monday through Fridayfrom 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You don't even have to get out of your car -- just pull up to the dock in the alley, honk your horn and someone will come and do the unloading for you.
How many employees work at The Christian Center?
How long are the residents allowed to stay in your shelter?
Donations and Taxes FAQs
Where and how can I donate money to the Christian Center?
You can give by sending cash or your check to The Christian Center, to:
The Christian Center
625 Main Street
Anderson, IN 46016
You can also drop by personally and leave your donation with our receptionist at 625 Main Street. Additionally, you can give online with your credit card or debit card through this web site.
Yes, you can donate in honor or in memory of anyone. Just make note on of the name in whom you are donating, and whether it is in honor of, or in memory of them. You can do this either on the memo line of your check, or with an attached note. Also, if you would like for someone to receive an acknowledgment of this honor/memorial donation, just give us their name and address and wewill send them a notification of your donation with the appropriate honorarium or memorial information.
Will I receive an acknowledgement for my monetary donation?
Yes, all donors who give money will receive a thank you letter within 30 days time--usually sooner--that is hand signed by The Christian Center's Executive Director.
What do I receive from The Christian Center as proof of my monetary donation for tax purposes?
In the thank you letter that you will receive from The Christian Center following your monetary donation, there is a section included that provides the proper documentation and proof of the donation.
How do I get a tax receipt for my tangible donations?
There are two ways to receive a receipt for your tangible donations to The Christian Center:
- At the time that you drop off your donation at the dock, you may request an informal tax receipt. It will be stamped with the date. You (the donor) can fill out the list as detailed as you'd like, and assign your own value to your donation, or;
- After your donation is dropped off or picked up by The Christian Center staff, we can send you a written/typed detailed list of the items that you donated. Be sure to provide us with your name and address. A formal written receipt will be mailed to you, signed by our Executive Director.
Either of these tax receipts are acceptable for IRS purposes.
Thank you for reading our FAQs. If they did not answer your question, feel free to contact us.
