By Joe Bachman

What started as a simple idea to help the community has turned into something much bigger than ever hoped.

Saturday marked the opening of the Infant Center inside the Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Center in Wisconsin Rapids. The organization helps low income families with basic household essentials, including disaster relief and household startup. The opening included a picnic lunch for those in attendance.

Hundreds of items are available to those in need at the Random Acts of Kindness Center. (City Times Photo)

“We help low income families get those needed essentials, and everything we have here is free,” said President Jennifer Concklin. “We also have a startup pantry to help supply families.”

The Elk’s Lodge in Wisconsin Rapids will spend $2,000 a year stocking the shelves for anyone that needs infant items or other family essentials. The RAK celebrated the grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony with many in there in support, including Mayor Zach Vruwink.

“The Elks are a big part of this now, contributing annually to make sure the infant center stays open,” said Vruwink. “It takes a community to make sure everyone is taken care of — for those who have fallen on unfortunate times, the community has this available for those who need it.”

The RAK is open on Tuesday and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The center is located at 1430 2nd St. North.