Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
It's A Gift That Keeps Giving; Santa To Visit Quite Often
The Quarter Store, home to inexpensive Christmas gifts for those who need them, returns Saturday for another holiday season.
Utilizing that which God provides, members of the Bushnell Calvary United Methodist Church help economically disadvantaged children experience the joy of giving a Christmas gift to someone they love.
Since 2006, the group has hosted the pop-up "Quarter Store" in the Kimball community during the holiday season. The store is so named because every gift available for purchase costs only a quarter.
Founding member Jean Laboray explained that the idea literally came from a dream she had about a way to downsize her possessions and raise funds to help those in need. Others at her church shared her vision – and this is the 13th year that the shop is being hosted by the Kimball community.
As the use of the structure that houses the store has to be donated, every year or so the location of the store "changes as God wishes," said Laboray. Since its beginning in the small back room of Bemis Drug, the store has been housed in churches, schools and refurbished buildings in Kimball.
This year, the "Quarter Store" will be housed in the old Viaero building just north of the Kimball Public Library.
Organizers Christine and Bill Lindsey are looking for volunteers to help receive donations, display items and assist customers. Most importantly, donations of gently used gift items, toys, trinkets and items for men are needed. No clothing is accepted unless it is brand new and never worn.
The grand opening will be Saturday, Nov. 30, immediately following the Parade of Lights. The store will be open Mondays through Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Christmas Eve.
For the first week, only children will be allowed to purchase items, although an adult may accompany them. After that, everyone is welcome to shop.
Santa will be stopping buy quite often to help out with gift suggestions, and gift-wrapping will be available.
"This is the only fundraising event of the year, and all proceeds from the Quarter Store will go back into the community to help those in financial need," explained Laboray.
Trinity United Methodist Church at 305 E. 4th St. and Jennifer's Barbershop at 206 Birch St. will also be accepting items. To arrange a donation, Bill Lindsey can be contacted at 308-225-0703.