The ribbon has been cut, opening a new thrift store with the lofty goal of benefiting the homeless and the poor of the Central Coast.
Free hot dogs and sodas weren’t the only benefits attributed to the grand opening of the Central Coast Rescue Mission’s thrift store on 306 N. Broadway in Santa Maria, although they were sure to satisfy stomachs.
“This new store will create new job opportunities in the community and make affordable clothing and household items available to low income families,” said Troy West, Industrial Sales Manager for the rescue mission, in a news release.
The thrift store is supported by the Central Coast Rescue Mission, and according to Mark Parke, the director of the mission, “One hundred percent of the proceeds is put to use feeding the hungry and helping people become productive citizens again.”
It doesn’t get much better than one hundred percent. Although many people typically think of clothing being the main item available, household items and other miscellaneous things of quality are sold at the thrift store, as well.
It’s easy to find ways to help the thrift store, whether it’s cleaning out the closet or lending a hand as a volunteer. Donations are always welcome, and because of the weather conditions, nice summer items are most desired at the moment. Digging out those shorts that don’t fit anymore or that forgotten t-shirt from the bottom of a drawer can do more than make extra space in a wardrobe. Finding and donating unused clothing and household items is a serious step towards helping others in need.
According to the news release put out by the Central Coast Rescue Mission, more than half of Santa Barbara County’s homeless people reside in Santa Maria. Issues such as mental illness, unemployment, and drug and alcohol abuse all contribute to the large number of people in need, totaling more than 6,000 in the county. With concerns like these affecting so many people, it’s time that the public took a stand in order to make a real difference. The thrift store is not only a center run by the Central Coast Rescue Mission, but a chance for everyone in the community to give and receive.
The proceeds from the thrift store will be put toward goals for the future of the rescue mission.
“We are working hard to expand the services we provide to include a new shelter facility and an expanded drug and alcohol recovery program,” Parke said in the news release. Along with growing facilities, the store will “help teach job training skills to our men who are on our drug and alcohol recovery programs. They develop good work ethics,” Parke said. The funds may also be used to help prepare for meals that feed large portions of the homeless population, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
These objectives are exciting to behold, especially after the successful grand opening. The thrift store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and closed Sunday, according to Parke.
Whether dropping off donations or making a purchase, giving back never felt so good.
Editorial intern Kathryn Leedom compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments to intern@santamariasun.com. Items for consideration should be sent to mail@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jun 26 – Jul 3, 2008.