What is
The Ark Community Resource and Assistance Center?
The Ark Community Resource and Assistance Center is a
non-profit 501© 3 organization offering assistance to those
in need in South Cheatham County.
What types
of services are available to those in need at The Ark?
Financial assistance with utility, housing and prescription
drug bills
Clothing and household goods
Food Pantry
Transportation to and from doctor’s appointments and errands
Meals on Wheels
Be Smart Kids
Thanksgiving Food Baskets
Youth Workcamp
How does
an individual qualify for assistance?
The Ark provides assistance to those that live in Kingston
Springs (zip code 37082) and Pegram (zip code 37143).
When is the Ark open?
Monday through Thursday from 9:00 until 12:00. However,
because of meetings that occur during this time, the
director is not always in the office. Phone calls will be
returned Monday through Thursday. The Ark is closed Friday,
Saturday and Sunday.
Do I just show up to apply for assistance?
No. You must make an appointment first. You can call the
office at anytime and leave a message and your call will be
returned. Calls after 12:00 noon on Thursday will not be
returned until Monday. Or you can come to food pantry on
Tuesday evenings from 5:00pm until 6:30pm (except for 5th
Tuesdays when the food pantry is closed) and apply for
assistance.
How can the community help The Ark help those in need?
There are several ways to contribute to The Ark.
Volunteers make up 99% of the organization. There
are many opportunities during the daytime or evening and
weekends to volunteer. Most activities are kid friendly and
welcomed. Click on the Volunteer link for more detailed
information.
Monetary Donations to the general fund can help any
of our services. Checks can be mailed to: The Ark, P.O. Box
224, Kingston Springs, TN 37082. A tax receipt will be
mailed to you.
Utility
Round-Up: Add $1-$5 to your Dickson Electric System
or Second South Cheatham Utility District bill.
Food
Panty Donations: One of the most used services of
The Ark is the weekly food pantry. We are always in need of
food. A container for food donations is on the front porch
of the Ark. Please contact the Ark if the items you are
leaving are larger than the container or are perishable to
schedule an appointment to drop them off. As well as
individual donations to the food panty, we rely on local
organizations and businesses such as the scout groups,
churches, schools and others, who hold food drives for The
Ark Food Pantry.
We have 2
major food drives a year, the Thanksgiving Food Drive in
November, and the Postal Food Drive in May. We welcome food
donations at any time.
What items
do you need most for the food pantry?
Peanut Butter
Crackers
Canned Meat
Spaghetti Sauce
Soup
Canned Fruit
Mac n Cheese
Cereal
Oatmeal
Dried Beans
Rice
Canned Vegetables
Canned or Dried Milk
Baking Items
Toiletry Items
Cleaning Supplies
Please check
expiration dates on donated food items. The Ark cannot
distribute expired, partially used or homemade items.
Will the
Ark offer other services in the future?
Yes! The Ark will expand services in response to the needs
of the community. If you know of a community need that you
think needs to be addressed, please share it with us.
Does the Ark take clothing and household item donations?
Yes, but you must call the Ark first to schedule a time to
bring in these donations. Please do not leave any
items on the front porch other than food donations.
Also, we do not accept any used computer items.
Are
clothing and household item donations to The Ark tax
deductible?
Sometimes, but the tax laws have changed regarding donations
of clothing and household goods. The new IRS rules state:
To be deductible, clothing and household items donated to
charity after Aug. 17, 2006, must be in good used condition
or better.
In addition
you must have a detailed record of what was donated and a
receipt from the organization you are donating to stating
the value of the donation. If it is a household item, you
cannot get a tax deduction unless it is worth over $500 and
you get it appraised. Because of these strict rules, unless
you are donating basically new clothing, The Ark does not
issue a receipt for tax purposes.
