Good Neighbor House provides dental, medical and optical care to the under-insured or uninsured in our community. The group also sponsors a Choice Pantry, where clients can come and select food items for their families.
“With our new digs have come new programs,” says chief operating officer Michelle Collier. “We are constantly listening to our clients and trying to offer things that are helpful to their needs.”
That’s exactly how the organization’s new thrift store came into being. “Last year we turned our clothing and household program into a thrift shop,” says Collier. “We have been able to offer very unique and exciting things — not just to those utilizing the other services here at GNH but to the public as well.”
“We offer a variety of wonderful free classes held on most days that are geared around — but not limited to — nutrition, fitness, spiritual guidance and even gardening,” Collier says. “Our clients are able to take a class and earn GNH Bucks to spend in our thrift store.”
At the beginning of each month GNH also offers a pop-up dime store. ‘The Dime Store on First Street” offers clothing and household items for only 10 cents an item (plus tax).
Located at 627 E. First St., the shop is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays.
Here’s what they need. Items can be gently used.
- Coffeemakers, toasters, toaster ovens, blenders, electric grills
- Pots/pans or bake-ware
- Towels, washcloths, hand towels
- Small or large knick-knacks
- Paper products such as toilet paper or paper towels
- Men's shirts, pants, shorts, suits, shoes
- Ladies shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, shoes
- Children's pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, shoes
- Fresh produce for the food pantry
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
“One of the programs we are ‘growing’ is our Wellness Garden,” says Collier. “We have increased our garden size to 5,000 square feet and are hoping to find people interested in gardening that might be willing to commit to a monthly or weekly volunteer shift to help work with our gardener to maintain our gardens.”
If you have an interest and a green thumb, please let Good Neighbor House know how you can be of help with this project.
For further information contact Marcia Ehlers, assistant director of Human Services & Outreach at (937) 224-3003 Ext: 108. More at www.GoodNeighborHouse.org.
NICE FEEDBACK
You’ll be happy to know about the continued impact your donations are making to area non-profits. We received this feedback from Karen Dempsey Volke, chief development officer for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton.
“Your last column about the increased wish list needs for the Ronald McDonald House and Family Room at Dayton Children’s that ran in mid-March STILL is bringing in donations,” she writes. “Two sisters dropped off NUMEROUS items today based on your column. Thanks so much for all you do, not only for RMHC Dayton, but for the many non-profits in the Dayton area. “
Thanks, dear readers!
Columnist Meredith Moss writes about non-profit organizations in our area and their specific needs. If your group has a wish list it would like to publish, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com
Please include a daytime phone number and a photo that reflects your organization’s mission.
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