Post by Editor on Jun 3, 2009 14:46:17 GMT -5
In these hard economic times, charitable giving becomes a luxury many cannot afford. However, Freedom House’s extended community continues to find ways to maintain its generous spirit through volunteerism, purchases and in-kind donations at Upscale Resale.
Proceeds from Upscale Resale, a resale shop located at 214 W. St. Paul Street in Spring Valley, directly benefit Freedom House clients and their children. Freedom House is a domestic violence and rape crisis center, serving Bureau, Henry, Marshall, Putnam and Stark counties.
“Freedom House, like other agencies, is experiencing budget cuts. We have also seen fewer monetary donations as many people have had to tighten their belts,” said Connie Doran, Executive Director. “People have continued, however, to help in many ways, including calls to volunteer and through donating items to the store. These donations are either given free of charge to clients of Freedom House and other partnering agencies or, if sold to the public, the proceeds come directly back to Freedom House to serve clients.
“No matter what way you look at it,” she continued, “your donations are helping others.”
Thanks in part to sales at Upscale Resale, Freedom House has been able to continue to offer free services to its more than 650 adult, teen and child clients, including a 24-hour staffed hotline, counseling and/or therapy, medical and legal advocacy, food and clothing, violence prevention education, support groups, and emergency and long-term shelter.
“When funds were cut, and there was a threat of having to disrupt or even stop services to our clients and their children, money from Upscale Resale was able to keep the free services continuing for our clients,” said Doran. “There was no break in services, even for a short time, because of the work Upscale Resale does and thanks to Manager Raylene Ferrari, all the volunteers and to our customers. We are very grateful to have this entity as a means of support.”
Freedom House recently graduated 17 new volunteers and its volunteer supervisor, Stephanie Cartwright, hopes more people in the community will follow their lead. “Upscale Resale cannot operate at its maximum capacity without the help of others. We always need volunteers to help us sort and display new donations; to assist customers; and, of course, to help our clients and their children shop for and receive what they need.
“Every hour a volunteer donates—in addition to every item donated—translates to much-needed services, such as free shelter, food, clothing and free counseling and/or therapy for victims of domestic and sexual violence,” added Cartwright. “Your time and effort truly will make a difference.”
Sorting nights are planned for Tuesday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. and Upscale Resale is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pick-up of large donations, including furniture, may be scheduled by calling (815) 664-2414.
“We have not had to cut services to our clients, but we are now having to make our dollars and employees’ time stretch much further to support those who come to us for help,” said Doran. “At this time, we are merely putting the plea out there to help in whatever way you can. We could certainly use monetary donations, gas cards, furniture donations and volunteer help at Upscale Resale, but we equally need the public to shop our store. The generosity of others is evident.”
Ferrari accepts new or gently used donations, except stuffed animals and used mattresses, at the facility’s side door.
“We are fortunate to receive high-quality, brand-name clothing and merchandise, furniture, household items and virtually everything you could need in your home, and we turn around and sell it for just a fraction of what it’s really worth. We oftentimes have articles of brand-name clothing and shoes for only $1,” said Ferrari. “Because of this, we have people come to visit us from all over the area and throughout the state. We even have one customer (from the Chicago area) who’ll make a whole weekend out of shopping at Upscale Resale and the Illinois Valley area just because she likes our merchandise so much.
“We’re more than a resale shop,” she concluded. “Our work helps make a better life for victims of domestic and sexual violence, and your shopping here, directly helps them. Everybody wins.”
For further information on Freedom House’s services, call (815) 872-0087.
Proceeds from Upscale Resale, a resale shop located at 214 W. St. Paul Street in Spring Valley, directly benefit Freedom House clients and their children. Freedom House is a domestic violence and rape crisis center, serving Bureau, Henry, Marshall, Putnam and Stark counties.
“Freedom House, like other agencies, is experiencing budget cuts. We have also seen fewer monetary donations as many people have had to tighten their belts,” said Connie Doran, Executive Director. “People have continued, however, to help in many ways, including calls to volunteer and through donating items to the store. These donations are either given free of charge to clients of Freedom House and other partnering agencies or, if sold to the public, the proceeds come directly back to Freedom House to serve clients.
“No matter what way you look at it,” she continued, “your donations are helping others.”
Thanks in part to sales at Upscale Resale, Freedom House has been able to continue to offer free services to its more than 650 adult, teen and child clients, including a 24-hour staffed hotline, counseling and/or therapy, medical and legal advocacy, food and clothing, violence prevention education, support groups, and emergency and long-term shelter.
“When funds were cut, and there was a threat of having to disrupt or even stop services to our clients and their children, money from Upscale Resale was able to keep the free services continuing for our clients,” said Doran. “There was no break in services, even for a short time, because of the work Upscale Resale does and thanks to Manager Raylene Ferrari, all the volunteers and to our customers. We are very grateful to have this entity as a means of support.”
Freedom House recently graduated 17 new volunteers and its volunteer supervisor, Stephanie Cartwright, hopes more people in the community will follow their lead. “Upscale Resale cannot operate at its maximum capacity without the help of others. We always need volunteers to help us sort and display new donations; to assist customers; and, of course, to help our clients and their children shop for and receive what they need.
“Every hour a volunteer donates—in addition to every item donated—translates to much-needed services, such as free shelter, food, clothing and free counseling and/or therapy for victims of domestic and sexual violence,” added Cartwright. “Your time and effort truly will make a difference.”
Sorting nights are planned for Tuesday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. and Upscale Resale is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pick-up of large donations, including furniture, may be scheduled by calling (815) 664-2414.
“We have not had to cut services to our clients, but we are now having to make our dollars and employees’ time stretch much further to support those who come to us for help,” said Doran. “At this time, we are merely putting the plea out there to help in whatever way you can. We could certainly use monetary donations, gas cards, furniture donations and volunteer help at Upscale Resale, but we equally need the public to shop our store. The generosity of others is evident.”
Ferrari accepts new or gently used donations, except stuffed animals and used mattresses, at the facility’s side door.
“We are fortunate to receive high-quality, brand-name clothing and merchandise, furniture, household items and virtually everything you could need in your home, and we turn around and sell it for just a fraction of what it’s really worth. We oftentimes have articles of brand-name clothing and shoes for only $1,” said Ferrari. “Because of this, we have people come to visit us from all over the area and throughout the state. We even have one customer (from the Chicago area) who’ll make a whole weekend out of shopping at Upscale Resale and the Illinois Valley area just because she likes our merchandise so much.
“We’re more than a resale shop,” she concluded. “Our work helps make a better life for victims of domestic and sexual violence, and your shopping here, directly helps them. Everybody wins.”
For further information on Freedom House’s services, call (815) 872-0087.