After a year in action, Love INC shows no signs of breaking off its relationship with Southeast Missouri.

Love INC (In the Name of Christ) is a clearinghouse call center that unites volunteers and agencies with people who need various services. Those who would normally come to a church for assistance are referred to Love INC. The organization verifies the need and matches the person or family to the best sources of help.

"It's hard to believe that a little over a year ago Love INC was just beginning our clearinghouse operations," said Eva Hillis, Love INC director.

"We had so many unanswered questions: Would people in need know to call us for assistance? Would churches step forward to begin or expand ministries? Would Christians in the community step out in faith to provide assistance for people they had never met?"

They've found that the answer to all of these questions is "yes." Love INC has helped with home repairs and built wheelchair ramps, provided meals for families through Casseroles to Go, and distributed clothing to 103 children through Grace Kids Closet, given rides and helped families financially.

Ann Cunningham, a volunteer with Love INC, sorts children's clothing at Grace Kids Closet, a children's clothing charity organization sponsored by Love INC and held at Grace United Methodist Church.

Most things the group accomplished with help from area churches and organizations. Word spread quickly that there was a new Christian ministry in town that could help. The intake workers at the client call center received more than 1,500 calls for assistance since they began taking calls.

"We soon found that the majority of churches in the area are eager to work together to help others," Hillis said. The number of churches participating went from 13 at first to now 26. Twenty-one became full partners with plenty of volunteers to spare.

"In 2008, over 1,500 hours of volunteer service were coordinated," Hillis said. She said 1,151 hours involved direct ministry with clients -- hands-on help.

Volunteers performed a variety of tasks, including raking and bagging leaves, providing transportation to vote, replacing the cord on a table lamp, delivering furniture and just listening.

"While the clients have been touched, the volunteers have been blessed as well. God will bless the acts of service they provide in Christ's name," Hillis said.

Love INC received the Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award on Sunday.

As Love INC begins its second year of ministry, Hillis said the group has many goals. She wants to see the operation increase the hours it can accept phone calls, get the funding for a part-time staff position, add more churches to the partner list and help churches to develop ministries to fill the gaps in services that exist.