Many people came to Love INC’s resale store, Renewed Treasures, to “Celebrate Christmas” on Saturday, December 3. They enjoyed Wassail (spiced cider), delicious cookies and a lot of fun shopping. Plus, they could enter a drawing for one of two lovely Christmas centerpieces. As everyone shopped and munched cookies they were serenaded with Christmas music by Kris and Matt Thulson.
Sweaters and coats were on a special sale for the event as well as affordably priced clothing and housewares. Christmas decorations, books, and jewelry were a popular purchase, and many “treasures” were discovered during the fun of the event. When one regular shopper was asked why she shopped at Renewed Treasures, she said “The staff is friendly, there are wonderful things here plus there’s always new stuff.”
Another commented, “The people are friendly and helpful, items are well displayed, and prices are reasonable.” One woman who attends St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (which helped launch Renewed Treasures a decade ago) has been coming because of the nice selection and staff.
“I come once a week because I can afford the things here. The merchandise is nice. Since I am a senior, it helps me since I need to watch what I spend.” Many comments were made on the good clothes, a lovely bell set of Santa Clauses, Christmas wrapping paper and good prices.
Several volunteers were buzzing around filling in merchandise, helping shoppers find what they were looking for and checking people out. Asked why they like volunteering, one said, “I started 10 years ago when the store opened. I like the people and to help people hunting for treasures plus Love INC does a lot of good with any money brought in.”
Another gentleman had only been volunteering for one month. He signed up after hearing Kathryn Roy at an event talking about Love INC’s vision. He now works on maintenance and he and his wife make ARC runs with merchandise not quite up to RT standards.
Part of Love INC’s mission is to “put God’s love and provision on display” and indeed we saw the community experience the way God renews treasures both material and in each of us!
