If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn’t have any. If you have food share it with someone else.
– Luke 3:11
Having undergone a number of moves in recent years, a local thrift and gift store is settling into its current location in downtown Palmerston.
Blessings to You Centre opened its doors to customers on March 1, 2006 at its first location on Norman Street. The second store, at the former Wylie’s Pharmacy on Main Street, opened in November 2012.
The two stores were relocated to the present site, the former Blooms N Things store March 6 to 8 in 2015. A receiving depot was set up at the former Bookery from March to July 31, 2015, as the basement and receiving area at the store were unsuitable for use.
“We were on the march in 2015. As of March 1, 2016, we are stable, flourishing and thankful to all of our hardworking volunteers, generous donors, and eager shoppers. It’s our tenth anniversary but we’ve been too busy to notice,” said volunteer Connie Robinson.
The 2,000-square-foot store’s renovations in the receiving area and basement in February, March and April of 2015, included the installation of a hydraulic lift.
A chute previously used for coal was converted by volunteers Dave Burns and David Wright to house the lift. Trillium Mutual Insurance donated funds for the project. A hand release on the lift allows volunteers to bring donations down to the processing area in the basement. Items sorted and priced are placed on the lift and sent up to the main floor of the store by use a foot pedal attached to the lift.
Donations are received during store hours. Sorting crews work Tuesdays and Thursdays. Clothing is sorted and priced and items unusable by the store are donated to the local branch of Christian Aid Ministries. Purses, belts, hats, shoes and fabrics unsuitable for the thrift store are donated to a recycling facility. With limited store space, donations move quickly from the sorting area to the retail store. The store’s retail space is being prepared for the summer season with over 50 bags of summer articles ready for display. Items including dishes, décor pieces and toys are washed and priced for sale.
“Our goal is to keep articles in the store priced below $5. Most of our adult clothing is priced in the $3 range,” explained volunteer Joanne Caughill. “High-end clothing like a full suit would be priced a little above $5. Donated items of more value become part of the silent auction. Items in the auction are changed every six to eight weeks. Jewelry is appraised and priced accordingly. We run a 50 per cent off sale once a month and stuff-a-bag sales whenever needed.”
Due to space limitations, Blessings to You Centre is unable to accept donations of large pieces of furniture. Goods including lamps, chairs and end tables are acceptable. The centre is unable to sell electronics and outdated children’s car seats cannot be sold. A temporary list of persons needing to give away large pieces of furniture is kept in the store along with a list of patrons in need of items. Connecting people on the two lists occurs only by chance.
“Local schools and organizations donate new items to the store at Christmas time. Their donations at that time of year bless many individuals and families who could not afford Christmas presents. Sharing the joy with these individuals is part of our purpose,” Robinson said.
Volunteers number in the 60s, with 11 being board members. Each individual brings their own unique gifts and talents to the centre. One volunteer works at the store on a monthly basis cleaning up books. Two women change the window displays every three weeks. Puzzles are built, games are checked for missing pieces, dolls and stuffed animals are repaired and cleaned by another volunteer in her home.
Others work on maintenance, in the retail shop, serve on the board or are part of the processing team sorting soft and hard donations. Students completing their volunteer hours come after school and contribute to the cause. Home schooled children learn many new skills while volunteering during the school day. Volunteers come from Mount Forest, Harriston, Clifford, Drayton, Listowel, Moorefield, Palmerston and points in between.
As a volunteer-based organization the centre gives 100 per cent of its profits, after expenses, back to the community. The Centre gives to registered charities that fit within its mission statement of “building a better community by embracing people who have challenges in day-to-day life, with love, dignity, compassion and practical assistance, not judgement.”
In the past 16 months, the board of Blessings has approved payments of $37,000 in outreach to the community including Clifford, Harriston, Palmerston and Drayton food banks, Ramoth Living Centre, Community Resource Centre, and snack programs at Minto- Clifford and Palmerston Public schools.
Volunteers are always needed and volunteer hours are suited to the individual’s availability. Volunteer applications are available at the cashier’s counter or by calling the centre.
The store is located at 203 Main Street , Palmerston. Hours are Tuesday and Wednesday 1 to 5pm, Thursday 1 to 8pm and Saturday 9:30am to 1pm. The store can be reached at 519-343-3082.
