Garner Area Ministries Inc

Programs: The organization has been serving those in need in the garner area for more than thirty years. In 2017, assisted in need families with the payment of utility bills, rent, prescriptions and gasoline. The organization also counsels clients on budgeting issues and makes them aware of other resources and opportunities. The demographic served by the organization includes individuals residing in the 27529 zip code, and in parts of 27603 and 27610. In addition, the organization's food pantry provided food items for families. The benefits provided by the organization included both food products donated by members of the community as well as financial assistance by direct payment to third party creditors for essential living costs. The organization has formal controls for which it is able to tally and monitor total value of items donated by the community as well as total value of items granted to the organization's beneficiaries. Also, needy individuals are able to obtain clothing from the organization's thrift store which is subsidized entirely via donations from the public. Each family member is eligible to select 2 outfits including a pair of shoes and a coat or jacket (during the colder months).

during the 2016-2017 school year, the organization donated 5,250 to the "backpack buddies" program sponsored by the interfaith food shuttle of raleigh. The donation funded food supplies for approx. 10 children from low income families each weekend throughout the school year.

the organization operates a thrift store that collects its inventory entirely via donations from the general public. The low-cost item prices allow members of the community to adequately clothe and support their needs consistent with the organization's community benefit exempt purpose while also providing an additional funding resource for the organization. Note that in addition to the clothing grant expenditures listed above, the thrift store recorded cost of goods sold expenses = 120,775 as dislcosed on part viii, line 10b. The organization consistently follows irs treasury regulations applicable to thrift store operations by recording revenue associated with donated goods based only on amount of proceeds realized at point of sale.