A Store Full of Stories...
Yesterday was the first day of Merriment Thrift. The thrift store that is designed to raise money for Mighty Oak Academy while also serving neighbors with a place for nice, affordable clothes and home goods. It was a day that we entered into with excitement. With all the hard work that has been put in over the past few months; it was a beautiful day that allowed us to see the first glimpses of the vision we had for the space.
It was fun to see the range of emotions from customers. I think that is one of the unique aspects about Love City. I don’t know if many shops would think about the emotions of their customers on the first day, but to us they aren’t customers, they are neighbors, who through summer camps, school, Porkland, and living next door, we have built relationships with. Because of those relationships, there were no facades when people walked into the store for the first time. We saw people whoop and holler, laugh, and cry. Who would think you would see so many emotions from customers on a first day?
One of the most excited customers yesterday was a pair of younger women from the neighborhood. When they saw the deals they couldn’t contain their excitement. They were jumping up and down and hollering about how good the prices were. She was finally able to justify the cost of a toaster for her apartment. One of them bought a scooter for their kid. It was beautiful to see such a reception from members of the community. In their words Merriment is “Like Goodwill, but better, with nicer stuff to offer”.
We also had people come in and share sad news. We learned one of our friends from the community who we have known forever and who battled addiction passed away from an overdose. We had multiple neighbors come in saddened by a recent loss in their families. Portland’s neighborhood hairdresser Ms. Donna came in and introduced herself and shared some things from her life with us. Somehow, we had never met Ms. Donna before. Her parents used to own the most popular liquor store in the neighborhood, right across the street from our building, and her brother became our friend as he did pest control for all of our properties for many years. Yet, somehow, we had not yet crossed paths with Donna. It was a beautiful moment to connect with her and get to hear her story.
It really shouldn’t surprise us at this point, we get to see the same things at Porkland every week. It is called community. But a day like yesterday helps remind us that we aren’t building restaurants, or stores, or even a school, what we build in everything that we do is community. Everything we do aims to fill a need in the community so that it can be built up more. Because this has always been our focus, the community always comes to support us. In return for that support, we do not have a cashier behind registers or opening the doors at the school, we have neighbors, who are there to listen, laugh with you, cry with you, and support you. We have neighbors loving neighbors, and we are excited to have a new avenue in which to do that in Merriment Thrift, and are grateful to all who helped support the startup.
Ethan
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.