Helping self and others a cooperative effort

The Angel Trees have been put back into storage. Christmas wishes have been
fulfilled for another year. But basic needs go on. The Gwinnett Cooperative Ministries continue to be in need of food, toiletries and cash to help people out with their bills and to pay their own. And in this cash strapped economy, even the “haves” find they have less to give to the “have-nots.”

But it doesn’t have to be about giving money or food. The Lilburn Coop offers
people many ways to help the needy, and themselves.

The coop welcomes coupons that they put out on a table for people who come in for assistance. And when the coupons expire, they send them to the military.
“The manufacturers offer a six-month extension for the military due to shipping
delays around the world,” assistant director Patty Kosolapoff said.

Their thrift store, Lily’s Cloak, also accepts cast off clothing, books, furniture and
household goods that they sell for rock bottom prices. And this brings me to one of the coolest ways people can help others while helping themselves.

“What we really need are more customers,” cashier Charles Sievering said.

“I love it when new customers come in and discover what bargains we have. Children’s clothes are fifty cents, adult clothes one dollar, and new clothes and all coats are three dollars.”

“A lot of painters and construction workers buy their shirts and jeans here. If they get ruined on the job, who cares?” he said, “And we have drama teachers who come in looking for costumes.”

Well, I’ve done that myself. Last fall I agreed to take part in a skit at church that
required a cheerleading outfit. I found a one-dollar dress that was perfect. The only problem I had was in cutting up a garment with an L.L. Bean label inside. However, I’d have had even more of a problem paying six dollars a yard for fabric, plus a zipper to make a costume from scratch.

“Firemen come in and buy our fifty-cent stuffed animals to keep on their truck to
help comfort little kids when they need them,” Sievering said, “and there’s a man who comes in to buy men’s shoes to ship to Africa.”

While we were chatting, David Bolton, the volunteer building manager charged
up to the counter.

“I just had to show you what just came in!” he said, as he handed me a John
Varvatos men’s shirt, with a $165 leather price tag from Bloomingdales still attached. None of us had ever heard of John Varvatos, but I’m sure some savvy shopper was thrilled to snatch that one up. Even from the expensive three-dollar rack!

And for those of you whose office holds an ugly Christmas sweater contest every
year, Bolton said now’s the time to buy. Every day they’re getting in some real winners.

(Lily’s Cloak is located at 5329 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lilburn.)

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