For the City Times

The Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Center cordially invites you to attend an Open House at their service center located at 1430 Second Street North on Saturday, Jul. 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The RAK Center’s mission is to provide individuals and families with a source of clothing, basic housewares, hygiene essentials, supplemental food, infant formula, and diapers. They also offer program referrals designed to improve quality of life for those in need in the South Wood County communities. The RAK welcomes this opportunity to tell our story and hope you’ll decide to support the service we provide to area families in need by making a donation to the cause.

The RAK Center relies completely on private donations for the resources needed to operate, and all members of our staff are volunteers. The RAK Center operates based on the belief that our clients’ needs are of the utmost importance, and our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. They provide an infant pantry, newborn gift bag assortment with starter essentials, a household essentials start-up pantry, Christmas For Kids program, and information/referrals to other programs.

In addition, the RAK Center works with Forward Health W2, ODC, and Wood County Emergency Management to accommodate volunteer and work experience short-term staff.

Formerly known as Hope’s Door, they are now a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with new leadership, operated under the direction of a three-member board: President Jennifer Concklin, Vice-President/Secretary Jodie Applebee, and Treasurer Kevin Keith.

But they’re still at the same location of 1430 Second Street North in Wisconsin Rapids, serving area families in need to the best of our ability. And soon their ability to serve will expand as the result of a partnership with Elks Lodge No. 693 of Wisconsin Rapids.

As part of the Open House event, RAK Center staff and Elks membership will unveil the new Elks Infant Center. The Infant Center will provide infant supplies such as diapers, wipes, teething gel, and ibuprofen, to name a few. These items are in great demand by RAK Center clients but in short supply and lacking a steady, reliable source. Infant Center supplies will be purchased and stocked by the Elks, and RAK Center staff will manage distribution of these items to RAK Center clients.

All members of your organization are welcome to attend our Open House, and Elks volunteers are cooking and serving a picnic lunch while food supplies last, also starting at 11:00.