When one thinks of the Good Samaritan Clothing Store, what comes to mind? Do you see a dirty warehouse with haphazard piles of old clothing scattered along the floor? Do you cringe as you imagine dirty floors, tattered clothes and general disorganization?
If that is what immediately comes to mind, you’ve never been to the GSM Clothing Store where shoppers are greeted by neat rows of clothing, hung and organized by style and type as marked by the hanging signs directing shoppers to their area of interest: Misses, Women’s, Men’s, Sweaters, Jeans, Shoes.
Shoes line part of the back wall, purses, belts, scarves and other accessories adorn another. Bed linens and the like occupy one section. There are changing rooms near the front.
But perhaps, one area that shoppers enjoy the most, and, unfortunately, most who donate items to the store don’t even know exists, is the housewares department. The small area toward the front of the store contains various items shoppers can use to frugally decorate their home. There are various cups, saucers, pictures, frames, dishes, candles, etc.
Clothing warehouse manager, Pat Jackson, said the store could really use more household items but she’s afraid people don’t realize they can donate those.
“We can use dishes, glasses, pots and pans, bakeware, anything our shoppers can use to decorate their home,” Jackson said. “The people who shop here have pride. They want nice things, they just can’t spend a lot.”
Having this section in the store allows our friends and neighbors who have fallen on hard times to decorate their home, provide a nice space, and feel proud about their choice without adding additional stress to their finances.
In addition to the housewares section of the Clothing Store, full sets of dishes, pots and pans or bakeware is also put aside for GSM’s Disaster Closet, used to help our friends and neighbors whose homes have been destroyed by fire or other disaster.
Just about the only thing GSM cannot use or resale is large pieces of furniture since there just isn’t storage space available.
But, if you are in doubt about whether something you want to donate can be accepted or not, just ask. If there’s any way at all we can use it, we will!
“We still want to remind everyone to please only donate items during our regular business hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or Wednesday from 1 to 5 p.m.,” said Misty Bowers, Public Relations director. “When things get dropped off and left outside while our offices are closed, the items get picked through and scattered.”
And, please, also keep in mind that GSM does not have the facilities to wash clothing and bed linens so make sure items are clean and in good working order when you bring them in.
“We respect our shoppers enough to give them the best. Just because they may not be able to afford retail prices, doesn’t mean they don’t want to look their best,” said Jackson. “If it’s not something that I would wear, then I won’t put it on the shelf. Our shoppers deserve some dignity.”
Every donation is important and appreciated as are our friends and neighbors who need assistance deserving of honor and respect.
Pictured above and below are photos of the household department at Good Samaritan Ministries.
Photos contributed by GSM
