Local garage sale and food pantry helping Michiana

When old man winter is in full swing so is the Center for Restoration in South Bend.

The program started almost three years ago and has seen a lot of growth throughout that time.

It has grown from the garage at Dan Kiefer's home to a storage unit and a booth at the Amish Mall.

The idea came to Kiefer years ago and he believes it is part of his calling in life.

“I can see God up there right now smiling. I can see God up there saying you're not where I want you to be, but you're well on your way, good job, my boy," said Kiefer.

He sells donated items from his garage and now additional locations, to fund the food pantry which also operates out of his garage.

“It hurts me when I see people coming in needing food, or needing help because they lost everything and sometimes they lose it and so do I because I've been there and it hurts," said Kiefer.

The program originally started as a way to give assistance to families who have fallen victim to natural disasters, such as fires, floods, or tornadoes; however with the brutal Midwest winter, he says the center is now open to anyone in Michiana who needs help or may be stranded in the cold.

Over two decades ago, Kiefer went through his own type of restoration.

"I'm a recovering alcoholic, it's been over 22 years since I drank," he added.

He says he wants to help people because he has been in places before where he desperately needed help.

In addition to his material support, he holds weekly Bible studies along with his 12 Step Drug/Alcohol Program.

The Center for Restoration is located at the corner of 36th Street and Marshall Avenue, and the garage is located on Marshall Avenue.

The hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; as well as Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

If you are interested in getting involved in the center or donating to the food pantry, you can check them out on Facebook by clicking here.