MRD's unique approach has evolved entirely from the compassion and vision of founder Allan Law. Over our 50 year history, he’s led its transformation from a small inner city youth program to an organization serving at risk youth and the homeless community, driven by 8000+ annual volunteers, that provides basic necessities for thousands, and over 600,000 servings of food annually. Since his retirement in 1999, Allan spends each night from 8pm to 11am driving the inner city streets of the Twin Cities in search of people to help. Making as many as 50 stops a night, he provides urgently needed basic necessities and compassionate care to hundreds of people from the back of his minivan. MRD is driven entirely by volunteers and no salaries have, or will ever be paid to anyone working for our organization. All donations are used for general operating expenses, or purchasing program specific items like bus tokens, clothing, and personal care items. LOA does not rent office space and has always been run out of Allan Law’s condominium and five 12x30 rental storage rooms. Alan also maintains 17 freezers in his condominium to store sandwiches, along with 10 others located at volunteer drop sites throughout the Twin Cities.

Allan has spent his entire adult life devoted to helping inner-city youth, families, and the homeless find hope, through much-needed food, basic living necessities, participation in developmental activities, and the companionship help only a trusted friend and mentor can provide. His service has given hope to thousands of people throughout his more than 50 years of service. Allan founded MRD in 1967, and since then has personally volunteered more than 200,000 hours. Over the years he has received numerous awards, including the 2000 National “Jefferson Award for Public Service” presented at the U.S. Supreme Court. He has also received recognition from 3 U.S. Presidents for his Public Service. In 2014 Allan was honored to receive the Hometown Hero award from the City of Edina and the “Service above Self” Award from the Rotary Club of Minneapolis. He also received the “Master & Commander” Award from the Minneapolis Salvation Army Harbor Light Center.