Have you heard of the New Life Shoppe? I hope so. It's a re-sale shop established in 2008 to support and generate funds for Care Net Pregnancy Center of Schuylkill County through the resale of donated quality clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry and baby items. The shop is open to the public and can be found at 110 S. Centre St. in Pottsville.
Care Net and New Life Shoppe are proud of the active role they play in the community. In addition to the daily services they provide, they're regular participants in Schuylkill County's annual Make A Difference Day.
For the past several years, they've teamed up to hold a coat give-away that has benefited hundreds of people. Each year, the event gathers speed and has grown into one of the biggest MADDay events. I was at a recent MADDay giveaway, and a line of people stood on the chilly morning, patiently waiting for not only coats, but also gloves, hats and other winter accessories, for all members of the family. One lucky lady left the store with her newly acquired clothing and, to her delight, discovered a $20 gift card tucked in the pocket.
I hope they continue to provide this needed community service for years to come.
In 2012, New Life Shoppe underwent an extensive and welcomed renovation project. No longer are donated items stored in the basement. They're now beautifully displayed on the main floor.
As word spreads of the services they provide, their support continues to grow and so are the number of donations they receive, almost more than they can handle.
They're in need of some friendly people to help organize donations. Clothing specialists will help sort and hang items as well as any other light tasks needing to be done. You can work as often as you're needed or as often as you're available. If you'd like to become one of the Care Net/New Life family, you can contact Kimberly Pace at 624-7044. I'm proud to be one of the adopted family members, whether they want me or not.
You can find out more about this vital agency at www.freepregnancyhelp.org. If you'd like to donate gently used items, contact Kimberly at 624-7044 or email newlifeshoppe@gmail.com.
Cat adopt-a-thon
Last week, I wrote of how overwhelmed Hillside SPCA is with animal intakes. To help alleviate overcrowding and find forever homes for some loving felines, they're having a cat and kitten adopt-a-thon for the month of January. For this event, the usual adoption process will apply, but the adoption fee has been waived. If you've been considering adding another family member, now's the time to check them out. Time is running out. The event ends Jan. 31.
The air is cold, the ground is white. Best to stay indoors until spring, yes? Au contraire, mon ami. Schuylkill County is beautiful in the winter and a little outdoor exercise never hurt anyone - as long as they were properly attired.
Schuylkill On the Move invites you to their Frackville Foray at 2 p.m. Jan. 27. Join them for a scenic, easy 3-mile trek. Meet at St. Ann's Church on North Line Street. Call 622-4124 for details.
Mark your calendars. Sweet Arrow Lake and Diakon Living and Learning After 50 will host a Fire and Ice Winter Fest at 2 p.m. Jan. 27 at the lake's clubhouse. Enjoy hot dogs and marshmallows over an open fire, sing campfire songs and play mini ice golf and don't forget the hot chocolate booth. You can enter your chili in the cook off or sample home made ice cream during the making demonstration. The afternoon is free and recommended for all ages. A small donation applies for some activities. Advance registration is required for those entering the chili competition: Call Susan at 624-3018.
For information about volunteer opportunities, call Community Volunteers in Action at 628-1426, e-mail jjohnston@co,.schuylkill.pa.us or go to www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Community-Volunteers-in-Action/217121324987653.
Newsletter writer
Times: As needed.
Responsibility: Contact agency for details.
Skills: Computer skills. Contact agency for specific requirements.
Location: Schuylkill County
Contact: Mary Jo, at SWiC, 622-3991.