As the year comes to end I wanted to tell you about the place I started volunteering at back in April. Every spring and fall I like to do reorganizing and sorting at my home. This timer I wanted to donate to a worthy cause and called Caring Place to see if I could drop off my donations. They sent me to First Presbyterian Resale Shop, saying that women and children from the shelter would be supplied with things from those donations.
I called and dropped off the things I had and I am not sure how it came about, but I asked if the are looking for volunteers. "Always', cheerful voice answered, and that is how I met Pam, second in charge. Pam is always there, cheering us on and smiling. If we have questions, we ask Pam.
I came following Monday, and met Dotty. She is 92 years old and has been a volunteer for many years. Dotty is in charge of shoes, she sorts and prices them. Karen, prices clothes, sorts toys and makes sure they are in working condition. Chris and I bonded over our love for dogs. She takes blankets we can't sell to local animal shelter. She is also in charge of hats and scarves. Bina is Indian woman who was born in South Africa and loves crafts! She is very talented at sewing and knitting. She also loves purses and is in charge of sorting them. I met many wonderful people who are kind and generous, and have been volunteering for many years.
This year has been the most amazing year yet for the Resale Shop, over $40,000 was donated to the community! We were able to donate over $7,000 to VNA, $5,000 to Housing Opportunities, $5,000 to Mental Health of Porter County and many more local organizations.
A lot of people do not know that we are volunteer and donation based organization. Whatever we make we put back in our community.
Some of the places that First Presbyterian Resale Shop supports are Boys and Girls Club of Valparaiso, Caring Place, Caring Place - Amanda Program, Christian Food Pantry, Dayspring - Housing Opportunities, Family House, Geneva Center, Giant Paw Rescue, Hilltop Food Pantry, Kids Alive, Mental Health of Porter County, Moraine House, National Disaster Relief Presbyterian Church, Red Cross NWI, Reigns of Life, Salvation Army, Lake Shore Paws, Valparaiso Humane Society, Valparaiso Woman's Club, VNA Phoenix Center, VNA Respite Care, VNA Christmas for the Elderly, VNA foundation, Kouts Shop Class, Blanket Sunday and many others.
We want to thank you for all your support! Cheers to 77 more years of serving our community!