When driving through Chaska, Victoria, and Waconia, you see an area of abundance. New neighborhoods are popping up all over, even with rising inflation and higher mortgage rates than we’ve seen in years. There are new vehicles in all the parking lots, and the Amazon trucks can barely keep up with the demand for deliveries to our doorsteps. There seems to be enough food, enough money, and enough clothing. This appears to be a place where no one goes without.
It’s what you don’t readily see that gets Al Norby up in the morning. Norby is the executive director of Love INC, an organization that meets the unmet needs of people who are struggling in Carver County. They provide those things that many of us take for granted, like hygiene products, towels to dry off with after a shower, a bed to sleep in, or a nightstand to rest your book on at the end of the day.
Love INC. was started in Carver County approximately 20 years ago when a group of community leaders and clergy heard of a national movement called Love INC. and what it was doing for people. They realized there’s power in numbers when it comes to helping and contributing to people in need, so they pooled together their resources. The Carver County Love INC. affiliate was created in 2006.
“Just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there,” Al says. “Our phone lines ring off the hook. Our email box is full of cries for help. We see it and hear it every day. Please learn and be aware of the needs of your neighbors.”
Love INC. works with local churches that focus on various ministries. For example, in Waconia, Freshwater Community Church focuses on essential household furniture, Trinity Lutheran Church focuses on basic hygiene products, and Parkside Church focuses on mattresses for beds. Several other churches also participate in all the cities in Carver County.
“I do this because I believe in hope,” Al says. “34 churches and 11 denominations have agreed to get the love thing right. I can get behind that.”
In 2023, Love INC. projects to serve approximately 700 households with living essentials. At the beginning of the school year, they provided school supplies to 600 children. The volunteers for Love INC. deliver living essentials directly to their clients’ doorsteps. They currently have one full-time and four part-time employees and 75 regular volunteers, but many more are needed.
“Love INC. needs more people power,” Al says.
They’re currently hiring another part-time employee to help keep up with the demand of services needed. They also need more funding to keep up with the growth of the community and its needs. They need people with compassionate hearts to volunteer to answer calls from those in need. Their helpline is open year-round, three days per week.
“It takes a patient and caring voice to care for our callers,” Al says. “In a time of need, it’s not about the items needed. It’s about needing to feel cared for and loved through hardship. Ask anyone about their transformation experience, and they will tell you what preceded it. Compassion. Compassion first, then transformation.”
Al says most charity organizations struggle in the first and second quarters of the year because people do a good portion of giving during the holiday season. He suggests setting up an automatic withdrawal to an organization you want to give to so you can feel good about giving year-round.
“We rely on the generosity of others to serve those in need,” Al says.
Furniture is currently needed, such as nightstands, dressers, and other household essentials. You can bring your items to their partner thrift stores in Waconia (Furniture Depot) or Chanhassen (FurniShare). They also need volunteers to work at these locations. For an easy giving option, set up an automatic withdrawal to give to Love INC. directly so they can provide help for more people in need.
If you belong to a church, see if they run a special ministry through Love INC. where you can volunteer or give.
If you or someone you know is in need of help with living essentials, call the Love INC. helpline at 952-448-3261 or email Help@LoveInccc.org. Learn more about Love INC. and how you can get involved: LoveINCcc.org