Giving back is the name of the game for Assistance and Resources Ministries (ARM).

But with sizeable outreach in the community, having partners does come in handy. That was the case for the facility last week as Medical Care of Elizabethton stopped by to donate various health- and cleaning-based items and other necessities for individuals.

Medical Care representatives indicated that the facility raised items as part of Nurses’ Week and were able to come up with hundreds of pounds worth of items that will be able to go to those in need.

Rob Fritts, ARM executive director, added the donation was an important for the facility with those that utilized the service often being in need of different resources beside just food.

“We have the food pantry, but we often have people stop by that are in need of other items,” he said. “This will go a long way in our mission to help the community.”

Items donated by Medical Care range from toiletries, soap and shampoo, food and school supplies.

Fritts was quick to thank Christi Bryant and Julia Guinn, Medical Care nurses who distributed the goods on Thursday, May 17.

“We couldn’t do this without our community partners,” Fritts added.

It has been a busy few months for the organization, Fritts added. The director and Chris Shreve have been busy making improvements to operation of the facility, including implementing a new online system to help monitor the amount of people that come through the ARM.

According to representatives with ARM, the facility provides services to 700-930 individuals each month by providing assistance with food, clothing, baby supplies, referral for religious counseling, referrals to other agencies, employment counseling, Thanksgiving boxes, and vouchers for school supplies, shoes and coats.

ARM, which is located at 714 West C Street in Elizabethton, recently made a change to their hours of operation. Hours are now Tuesday–Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the facility being close 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. those days due to lunch.

Volunteer opportunities are also  available for the general public, Fritts added. Volunteers have ranged from school children to adults that have spent numerous years with the organization. ARM provides the opportunity for students to receive volunteer hours, the director said. Monetary and item donations are also encouraged when possible. An anticipated rise in services is expected with the school season nearing a close.

To learn more about ARM and how to utilize the resources available, visit www.armfoodpantry.com or the Arm Food-pantry Facebook page on social media.