Friday, March 12, 2004
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Friday, March 12, 2004 |
| Nonprofit boutique opening to public By JENNIFER FAY Don’t call it a thrift shop. It may operate on the same nonprofit business model, but the Wellspring Store, which has its Grand Opening tomorrow at 10 a.m., is more like an upscale boutique — except for the prices. Featuring donated new and “gently used” goods and unique hand-crafted items to the community-at-large, the store is located in the Peachtree East Shopping Center between Publix and The Italian Oven on Ga. Highway 54 on the east side of Peachtree City. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. During the Open House, door prizes supplied by retailers in the Shopping Center complex will be given away every hour. Entrants do not have to be present to win. Shoppers at a preview sale” Tuesday were “blown away” by the high quality and variety of merchandise, according to Becky Smith, Wellspring Store manager. More than 100 customers explored the five store departments and took home dozens of bags of items. The result far exceeded the volunteer staff’s expectations, Smith said. Items available at the Wellspring Store include new/almost new furniture, household goods, women’s clothing and accessories, and children’s necessities and clothing (size 0-6). Most of items stocking the shelves are new and have been donated by local retailers. “We appreciate their support and hope it continues,” Smith said. Some shoppers came in with items to donate and left with bags of items they purchased. Anne Phillips of Peachtree City heard about the Wellspring Store through her church and a friend. “My friend came to the Open House (in February) and said, ‘You better get over there,’” she said. With two children in college, she was looking for items to furnish their apartments. The Wellspring Store is a volunteer-run business sponsored by the nonprofit organization Wellspring of Living Water, Inc., which offers hope to women in need. Proceeds help support the Wellspring Home in Fayette County, a residential program for young women seeking a “new beginning” in society after involvement in the adult entertainment industry, according to Mary Frances Bowley, director of Wellspring of Living Water, Inc. The program provides six months as a resident in the Wellspring Home and three months aftercare in a host home setting. Women who have completed the initial residential program will then work in the Wellspring Store to allow them an opportunity “to give something back to the ministry,” to learn job skills and to develop healthy relationships, Smith said. “We’re turning life’s throwaways into God’s treasures,” Smith explained, referring to the donated items which find new uses as well as the impact on the lives of the women assisted by the Wellspring ministry. Donations are accepted during store operating hours and are fully tax-deductible. Large items may be scheduled with the store volunteers for pick-up on Saturdays. Donated items that don’t make it to the Wellspring Store’s sales floor are given to other local and international charities, so nothing is ever wasted. The store also offers a Community Room that may be used at no charge by members of the local community for support groups and meetings. Upcoming events planned so far include seminars on job skills, investments, parenting, pet care, child safety, legal issues and classes in a wide variety of arts and crafts. To reserve the Community Room, call Becky Smith at 770-632-1788.
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