LETTERS: THRIFT STORE HELPS A GOOD CAUSE

To the editor:

Just recently I began volunteering at the Teen Challenge Thrift Store. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this ministry, it is a second-hand store on Sprigg Street whose proceeds fund numerous projects of the Teen Challenge Auxiliary.

The generosity of our community amazes me. In the short span of time I am there in a given week, a dozen or more people come through the doors with donations of clothing, housewares, furniture -- you name it. In turn, these items are bought by those in need and others seeking hidden treasure.

The ladies, who by the way are all volunteers, are the kindest, most dedicated women I have had the pleasure of meeting. Week in and week out, they are there without fail to sort, stack, clean and straighten, all with a smile and kind word for the patrons.

The profit, in turn, through the auxiliary, is used at the Teen Challenge Center to provide monthly support for food, to upgrade badly needed computer equipment and to help with the capital campaign to expand the facility to house more young men and numerous other ministries for our boys.

How can you put a price on the restored life of these young men, who through this program and God's help are able to regain their lives back and in turn touch countless other lives? It takes money to run such a noble cause, and I salute you, Cape Girardeau, for your selfless giving tot he thrift store. I speak for all of our volunteers when I say thank you and God bless.

JANE PERRY

Cape Girardeau