A Community Effort…
To say the community has come behind us to support the launch of Merriment would be an understatement. They have not only shown up to shop, but they have also shown up to make sure we have plenty of inventory. They have offered encouragement and advice. They have shared stories and ideas with us. They have fully backed us and we are so thankful that we have been able to fill this need in our community.
One of our regulars at Porkland asks me every Friday what types of things are selling well at Merriment and what we need more of. I always give him a few items and every week he delivers. He has a friend for any item we could ask for, need glasses? toy figurines? hats? he has a guy for each thing and always wants us to have it. We have another friend from Porkland who has come to Merriment a couple of times. On our first day she was one of the first customers, and having used to work at Crystal’s, the old Portland discount store, she was able to offer us some advice that she learned from working there. One day she overheard us talking among ourselves about needing another display mannequin. Yesterday she showed up with a hanging display mannequin. We have had considerable support from outside of the neighborhood to help us get started, but it is beautiful to see our neighbors pitching in as well, because that is the way it is supposed to be, they should be involved as well.
The way Merriment should work is that our community is able to come and get great affordable goods, but the flip side is that we expect that when they have things that they no longer use but know somebody else could benefit from, they bring it to us so we can help give that item a second life with somebody who could really use it. They understand the mission and are coming behind us to support it. Last week a lady came in who used to own a thrift store in Portland for many decades before she got tired of doing it in the early 2000’s. She said she has a whole building of stuff still in great condition that she just hasn’t been able to get rid of. When she heard about us she came in. After shopping for a while she felt emotional thinking about it but said she would love to give what she had left to such an impactful cause and that she would give us a call as soon as she was ready.
This is the way the community should work. And it isn’t just physical donations, it is also verbal encouragement that we have been getting about how proud they are of how nice the shop is. One of the most encouraging stories happened last week. Paiman immigrated to America from Iraq. She barely spoke English when she first got here, but life brought her to Portland and she met Shawn and Inga and she became the chef at Porkland for 4 years. She left just before we had to switch Porkland to one day a week but has always stayed in touch with us. Last week she stopped by Merriment to tell us that she had finally gotten her dual citizenship status and she wanted to celebrate with us. It was such a beautiful moment that we got to celebrate with her and she encouraged us in what we were doing at the shop. Our neighbors have come behind us to support our mission and we are excited to see how they continue to support that mission into the future.
Friend and Former Porkland Chef Paiman
Ethan
Merriment!!!
Merriment is open for business Thursday and Friday 11am-6pm and Saturday from 11am-4pm. Donations can be dropped off Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am-4pm. If you have any questions or to confirm a drop off time please call (502) 901-1105. We hope to see you soon!!
Open Enrollment!!!
Mighty Oak has opened our enrollment for the year. If you or someone you know has a student in grades K-9 you can apply now. Remember, applicants must live in the Portland. All grade levels of students will be evaluated but there will not be space for every student that applies. APPLY NOW!!!
Fish Fry OPEN!!!
Stop by the Fish Fry to grab lunch, or bring the family for dinner. Churched Up Tots or a Fried Fish Sandwich. However you do it, We’d love to see you!!!
If you are interested in volunteering or to find out more information about supplies needed please email: info@lovecityinc.org or call (502) 272-078.