CRC History

1985
Tennessean agrees to publish Wish
List as weekly column to promote
nonprofit agencies' needs for goods.

1986
Community Wish List incorporates
and becomes tax-exempt 501(C) (3)
agency.

1987
The Volunteer List is added to the
weekly Wish List in the Tennessean.

1988
Moved into donated office space. Volunteer of the Week and Corporate Donor of the Week columns begin.

1989
First clothing drive conducted called
"Warm Up Middle Tennessee" for
coats from 17 area counties. Second Executive Director hired.

1990
Oyster Easter fundraiser, party that
began in 1962, now benefits the
Community Resource Center.

1991
Community Wish List becomes the
Community Resource Center;
name change reflects expanding
mission in serving nonprofit agencies.

1992
Donated warehouse space allows agency to help companies move surplus inventory out of storage into use by nonprofit agencies; Equipment Loan program for nonprofits begins.

1993
Oyster Easter raises $6,000 for CRC.

1995
Agency moves into rented distribution center. Over $2 million worth of goods and volunteer resources donated since 1990.

1996
Materials for the Arts program begins; distributes over $30,000 worth of art supplies to Metro schools in the first year; winner of HCA Foundation Award of Achievement for Management of Productivity.

1997
Computer Connections program begins; distributes $115,000 worth of equipment to nonprofits and schools in the first year.

1998
Third Executive Director hired. Purchased 17,000 square foot warehouse; donated over $1 million worth of goods to Middle Tennessee's nonprofit agencies and schools.

1999
Donated $1.3 million worth of goods and volunteer resources that included Y2K consultations through Computer Connections. Added Volunteer of the Week and Corporate Donor of the Week published in the Tennessean. "Share the Comfort" furniture donation increases capacity for future distributions.

2000
$1.6 million worth of goods and services donated; staff moved into new facility when renovations to office space were completed; recipient of Service Industry/Business Award from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for reuse and recycling.

2001
Lead agency for the 15th Annual Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards. Over $2 million in goods and volunteer time donated.

2002
Fourth Executive Director hired; $2.4 million worth of goods distributed to 242 agencies; Lead agency for the 16th Annual Mary Catherine Strobel Awards. Home Sweet Home program begins with 62 partner agencies receiving $180,000 worth of brand new bed, bath and kitchen items.

2003
$2.6 million worth of goods distributed to 278 agencies; Winner of the Marvin Runyon Leadership Award from the Center for Nonprofit Management; Began the purchase of truckloads of product from Gillette, Duracell and Avon based on partner satisfaction survey results.

2004
$2.8 million worth of goods distributed; Finalist for the Innovation in Action Award from the Center for Nonprofit Management; Supply Central program begins with brand new office supplies, and cleaning products available; Conducted focus groups; Eliminated mortgage on building.

2005
Completed 3-year strategic plan; Tool Shed program begins; Oyster Easter raises a record $92,000 . A new website integrates CRC's database with interactivity for partners and donors.

2006

Fifth Executive Director hired; Community Cares program providing household goods to those entering affordable and transitional housing begins.

2007

CRC opens first satellite store in Crossville in collaboration with the Crossville Housing Authority