We started from scratch. Immediately people began dropping things off - and they were nice things. Our goods are gently used. We are not a junkyard or garbage drop.

Almost from the start, people were asking for furniture, and things were coming in so fast that we needed more space. So, Ernie put up at 40-foot by 50-foot metal building next door. He paid for it himself. We opened that space around Christmas 2005 and since then have filled it, too.

We would like to continue to serve the neighborhood and to help poor people, of whom there are many.

All the merchandise is donated by the community, and all the money goes back into the community. The two pantries get a check monthly from us.

This was the first time someone has 'reverse-engineered' the process to find out what it takes to get on an airline without identification.

It's better than nothing, ... but why take this risk?