Donated goods head to Action Thrift Store in Saginaw

"I'm so excited! These donations are wonderful," Jean Schluckebier, manager of the Action Thrift Store in Saginaw, Michigan. "The resale of these items will provide much-needed funds for the programs and centers of Lutheran Social Services of Michigan."

On Nov. 13-14, 2010, during the first LSSM Used Goods Donation Drive, an effort that will be modeled in other parts of the state. Faith Lutheran Church at Fuller Ave. and 3 Mile Rd. in Grand Rapids graciously provided the use of an old fire barn adjacent to the church for collecting and storing the items. People dropped off their used furniture, working large and small appliances, bedding, electronics, kitchenware and more.

The Lutheran Social Services Refugee Resettlement program came in and took away warm winter clothing, bedding, furniture and more for the setting up of homes for incoming refugees. Six apartments need to be made ready in January 2011 alone. Foster Care was also invited to look over the collection and take what they needed for the children in their care.

After the West Michigan LSSM programs took what they wanted, whatever was left over is going to the Action Thrift Store. Jean and her three helpers, Mike, Tyrone and Jermaine, met Lutheran Social Services Advancement team members Doug Lachniet and John Elmore to box and bag donated goods and load them on the 28-foot rental truck and in the store's van. "You'd be surprised at the things that we can sell," she said. "For instance, we can bundle 10 plastic hangers together and sell them for a dollar."

"To all who contributed to this donation drive, we thank you," Jean said. "You are an important part of this work, and we couldn't do it without people like you. Your kindness will go a long way to touch many lives being helped by Lutheran Social Services of Michigan.