St. Ignace Area Hope, a charitable organization that runs the Hope Chest Thrift Store and the Hope Hotline, has reported a high number of volunteers and generous donations from the community, which resulted in a successful year in 2009 for the organization.

Donations to the thrift store have been so numerous, the organization's board of trustees reported at its annual meeting October 26, that only the higher quality items are resold in St. Ignace and any remaining items are donated to a partner organization, World Mission, in Grand Rapids.

Hope Chest volunteers ask those donating goods to the thrift store to do so only during hours that the store is open. Dropping off donations after hours has been an ongoing problem there.

The hotline handled about 400 calls in 2009. Operators work to connect people in need with food, shelter, transportation, and help with utilities or medical expenses. It can be reached 24 hours a day and seven days a week at 643- 6780.

Total income for the October 2008 to September 2009 fiscal year was reported at $140,577, up from $123,535 in the previous fiscal year. This income breaks down into $108,954 from Hope Chest customers' voluntary donations, $22,037 from various grants, and $9,595 from other community donations.

The organization celebrated paying off its mortgage on its building at 250 Ferry Lane Friday, December 11. St. Ignace Area Hope took out another loan for remodeling work on the facility, which is still being paid off, but board and staff report the original building debt has been eliminated.

Distribution at the food pantry was up this year, said Hope Chest volunteer Connie Litzner, but the thrift store was less busy than in 2008, something she found surprising with the downturn in the economy.

Mrs. Litzner said donations have been good this year and one thing the store especially needs right now is winter clothing like hats, boots, coats, gloves, and mittens. They most need winter clothing for children, she said.

There is a continual need for volunteers for thrift store and hotline, she said, and anyone interested in volunteering for the organization is invited to call the Hope Chest at 643-7360 during business hours. The organization currently has 199 active volunteers, including those assisting at the St. Ignace Food Pantry.

The food pantry, a separate charity that works closely with St. Ignace Area Hope and is housed in the same building, reported in October that nearly 300 families were given food in 2009, and the pantry remained well-stocked through the holiday season, owing to donations from community members and businesses. Those interested in volunteering or donating to the food pantry may contact the pantry during business hours at 643-7360.

Each church participating in St. Ignace Area Hope designates a representative to serve on the Hope Board of Trustees, which meets regularly to discuss the vision and direction of the organization and to approve any assistance requests of more than $50; such requests require the support of at least two trustees.

Two at-large trustees are elected annually from Hope membership. This year, Trustee Connie Litzner nominated Kathy Lawnichak and Ron Tamlyn, who were both approved by the board to serve as the 2009 at-large trustees.

Officers were also elected at the October meeting. Tom Mc- Clelland will serve as treasurer, Mike Lane will be the xecretary, Tom Penner will be chairman, and Dan Williams will serve as vicechair.

The Hope Chest Thrift Store is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The food pantry is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Both organizations accept donations during these hours at 250 Ferry Lane in St. Ignace.