When she starts going around to local businesses in the near future, asking them to help save a charity that helps feed those who can't feed themselves, Joshua's Storehouse president Joyce Pound said she'll have her pitch ready.

She'll tell them that the owners are selling the building, and are offering it to the Storehouse for $250,000.

She'll say the owner is giving the nonprofit, nongovernment-funded charity more than the six months he originally promised to raise $50,000 for the down payment. And then she'll say that Joshua's Storehouse gives food boxes, clothes and more to all who come in the door at 334 S. Wolcott and says they need it.

And then she'll ask them to donate whatever they can into the big barrel she'll be rolling through downtown Casper, because there might be a barrel involved.

All ideas are welcome in an effort to raise the money needed to keep Joshua's Storehouse in its building on First Street downtown, she said. Since it would cost the charity about $8,000 to relocate to another storefront, Pound said it would make more sense to take ownership of the current building. The nonprofit is planning a major donation drive to keep the building downtown.

"It is a good place," she said. "We wish we had a little more space, but it's really functional for us."

So far, though, the building fund has about $9,000 in it, Pound said, and time is of the essence.

"We're trying to do everything we can think of," she said of the fundraising efforts.

Joshua's Storehouse is a nonprofit distribution center. Clothing and household items are also available to those in need.

The store's services are free of charge and everyone who works there is a volunteer. Donations from businesses, churches, organizations and individuals are what keep Joshua's Storehouse running. Pound said she's asking the community to help keep Joshua's where it is.

For more information, or to donate or volunteer, call Joshua's Storehouse at 265-0242 or Pound at 266-4213. The store remains open during regular hours to those in need.

Contact reporter Cory Matteson at (307) 266-0589 or cory.matteson@casperstartribune.net.