From Oregon Live
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Spending on Yourself to Help Others
by Laura Faye Smith
Wednesday, July 13th, 2005
I will never forget the sneering ex-boyfriend who surveyed my shopping spree purchases and scathingly commented, "Isn't this kind of a selfish hobby? Always buying all this stuff for YOU? Why don't you do something for someone else for a change?"
Oh.
Did he really say that? Yes, he did. Hence why he now wears the prefix "ex".
But, looking back, I have to admit that maybe, just maybe, he had a point. At the time, I returned from a shopping trip with purchases that only brightened my day-forget about anyone else's. And while I still think there's nothing wrong with buying goodies for yourself, I am happy to report that through the avenue of nonprofit resale, I have since discovered that shopping CAN benefit not only you., but those in need as well.
There are several local stores in Portland specializing in resale merchandise (often antiques), run by individuals or organizations that donate all the proceeds to a worthy cause. Not your typical Resale Store, these businesses accept donations of higher end resale items (books, china, jewelry, art, antiques, furniture, etc.), and staff their locations with volunteers, keeping overhead costs to a minimum, and donated profits to a maximum.
One such place is The Albertina Kerr Economy Jar, located at 424 NE 22nd Ave. in Portland. The Economy Jar specializes in consigned antiques and collectibles, including valuable porcelain, china, jewelry, and some furniture. Consignment items can be brought in on Wednesdays and Fridays between 10:00am -1:00pm, where trained pricers work with consigners to find an agreeable sale amount. Items can cost anywhere from $10 on the low end, up to $5,000 for more valuable merchandise, and at the time of my visit, some of their treasures included a gorgeous early 20th century brocade sofa for $595, a 105 piece Blue Danube china set for $1,850, an exquisite 1880's cameo for $995, and a stunning cranberry glass chandelier $1,300. Tuesdays, however, is a "white tag sale" day, which issues the buyer 25% off any merchandise with a white tag.
The Economy Jar is staffed by volunteers (to contribute your time, simply visit their store and provide your contact information-they'll send you through a brief informative session and then put you to work), and all proceeds benefit the Albertina Kerr Foundation. The Foundation supports a school on 162nd, a day care center, and several group homes all over the valley serving severely abused children, families in crisis, at-risk teens, and adults and children with developmental disabilities.
Another great place for soul "salevation" is The Needle just off SE Hawthorne, tucked in next to Buffalo Exchange on SE 37th Ave. The Needle was opened by David Morrison to raise funds for Juvenile Diabetes Research. Morrison's daughter was diagnosed with the disease at age five, and the name of the shop was inspired by the many shots she's endured in an effort to combat her illness. Morrison, a rare book dealer, has filled the shop with books, records, art, stained glass windows, furniture, and other vintage oddities, including an extensive collection of globes.
Some of the eclectic items in his store include a huge handmade model of a spitfire airplane with a 5' wingspan, a large collection of excellent condition antique tools, and a painting by Portland artist Tom Kramer. The Needle is staffed by volunteers, but they're always looking for more help in an effort to keep longer shop hours. If you'd like to donate items or volunteer time in the shop, contact Louanne Moldovan 503-230-8827, or email her at louloum@comcast.net.
Hope Dolls, located at SE 50th & Division, specializes in quality resale clothing, and has a passionate mission to help troubled teens gain self esteem. Hope Dolls receives most of their donations through organizations such as The Buffalo Exchange and Dress For Success, so the clothing in their store is a mix of career wear and teen clothing, and it must be of stringently high quality (no stains, rips, tears, or damage), current style, and often name brand labels (Gap, Old Navy, Calvin Klein, Roxy).
Hope Dolls gives away 1,500 articles of clothing a month to low-income adults, and unlimited free items to teens based on referrals from reputable assistance organizations that the teens are either job-hunting, have recently been hired, or are attending school. Having survived a childhood of abuse and neglect, owner Lea Lakeside-Scott (check out her own touching background story at www.hopedolls.org) has committed her life to reaching out to troubled young people with the message that you're responsible for your own happiness, and that being poor does not mean you have to look bad or stop taking care of yourself.
The store is staffed with a mix of teens, volunteers, and about five paid employees. The small kitchen in the back of the store is stocked with free lunch and breakfast items for her hardworking volunteers, and the entire shop is designed to cultivate a warm, family like atmosphere. Lakeside-Scott says that they can always use more volunteers, and she stresses QUALITY clothing donations (not damaged or out of date merchandise) are always welcome, especially in sizes 12 and up. She also encourages area businesses to donate items for their youth Ebay center, where she trains teens in how to post, sell, and deliver items on Ebay. This teaches them all the basic elements of running a small business.
So the next time you have an urge to splurge, but want to do some good at the same time, consider dropping some cash in the arena of nonprofit resale. Your heart will be so well dressed!
