Crafts Mall Booth Benefits Hope for Healing.Org
At a time of shrinking funds and budget cuts, one nonprofit has found a unique way to help make ends meet.
Many organizations operate thrift shops to help provide job skills and operating funds through the sale of donated items. The staff of Hope for Healing.Org wanted to open a store but found affordable retail space to be in short supply in Strawberry Plains.
That's when they turned to the Heritage Crafts Mall with an idea. After conversations with the business owners a deal was stuck that allowed the nonprofit booth space.
Volunteers and staff of Hope for Healing.Org manage the inventory for booth number 213. The staff at the mall handles the sales and recordkeeping as they do for the other vendors. Checks are issued monthly which are then used by the nonprofit to help meet expenses.
What kinds of tantalizing items can you find?
Currently the booth offers a small but wide variety of items. You will find older cookbooks, vintage glassware and other collectibles as well as household items. There are also small appliances, birdhouses and jewelry pieces made by volunteers. The space is small but may grow as demand increases.
The mall itself offers something for everyone. It is an eclectic mix of artesian crafts, art glass and collectibles. Storage buildings and carved bears are prominently displayed outside of the building. Kids of all ages will enjoy the opportunity to mine for gems.
Hope for Healing.Org operates the free community clothing closet, serves as a Restorative Justice worksite for kids serving court ordered community service hours, is an Angel Food host site and makes referrals for victims of sexual or domestic violence and those in need. The office is inside Strawberry Plains United Methodist Church at 3173 Old Andrew Johnson Hwy. The organization is quick to point out that they are not a denominational ministry and are not yet financially supported by the United Methodist Church denomination.
All members of the Strawberry Plains community are welcome to utilize the services offered by Hope for Healing.Org. This includes residents of the counties Knox and Jefferson. The office is open on Tuesday and Thursdays and other times by appointment. The number is 933.8769.
The Heritage Crafts Mall is conveniently located at 8106 Asheville Highway in Knoxville. Store hours are from 10:00am - 5:00 pm. The phone number is 932-6688.
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