Brauer explained
that he had met with church officials a year ago on the
project, but there was no available space at the time.
When the building became available, the trustee
revisited the idea and contacted Iorio.
“I think it’s
fantastic,” Brauer said. “The need is there, with the
economy being broken, for people to have a place to go
and purchase good, quality products at a reasonable
price.”
Lorio explained that
the shop’s mission is to “help those who need help, not
to make a lot of money. Our real mission is to clothe
people who need to be clothed.”
The inventory, all
donated, includes men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and
a room for children’s clothing, toddler on up. Also
available are purses, books, some books, and children’s
games. The general public is welcome; the shop also
accepts vouchers for those in need. “We’ve
collected items from all the four churches,” Iorio said,
noting most of the proceeds will return to the churches
for specific ministries or missions. The facility has
been incorporated for nonprofit status. A retired
educator whose father worked in retail, Iorio schedules
35-40 volunteers on a weekly basis. “I have met some
wonderful women here,” Iorio said of the ecumenical
effort. “I’ve found we’re more alike than different.”
Cecilia Kenny, a
Holy Spirit member volunteering at the shop for the
first time, said, “People are so appreciative,” citing
one patron who spent $80 earlier that day. Kenny added
that volunteers ensure that donated items are in good
condition for resale. “This group of women has grabbed
the bull by the horns and done a fantastic job,” said
Brauer, whose office is paying for utilities the first
year of operation. “I’m really excited that we were able
to provide the space. It’s a small space, but it’s a
good first step.” Lorio would like to average $100 in
sales daily, with 20 percent of that going for
development of the shop and the remainder going to the
four churches. Sales have been steady, she said, adding
that the shop is primarily intended for “anyone who has
a need, we’d like to fulfill.”
Vouchers, Lorio
explained, are available from these locations: Winfield
Township trustee’s office, the four sponsoring churches,
Jerry Ross and Winfield elementaries, Chicagoland
Christian Village, Burns, Rees, and Geisen funeral
homes, and Arc of Northwest Indiana, which is helping
clients with work clothes.
Note: The
Winfield Resale Shoppe is located at 10645 Randolph St.
in Winfield. Hours are Thursdays through Saturdays, 10
a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information contact Fay Iorio,
306-7907.
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