Volunteers Linda Weal and Mary Denn hoe out the donation closet at the Mission Boutique. Photo by Marianne Christy
by Marianne Christy
Volunteers at the Mission Boutique at Niccolls Church in Old Forge are encouraging holiday gift-givers to think outside the Christmas box for their last minute shopping needs.
The shelves and racks of the Boutique are filled with great gift ideas…just tap into your inner Pinterest and use your imagination.
Put together an eclectic collection of cocktail glasses or candlesticks. Plates, platters, dishes and cups can be filled with cookies, cakes and candies. Tied off with a bow, they make great hostess gifts.
There is an abundance of gently-used clothing and accessories for men, women and kids; household items, linens, and plush toys—many of which still have tags on them.
If you’re not interested in wearing the clothes, consider re-purposing them for sewing, quilting or wool felting projects.
And for the last minute holiday decorator, there is a variety of home accents…Christmas tree stands, too.
Volunteer Mary Denn suggests shoppers check out the many board games and puzzles that will keep the family and guests busy over the holidays and beyond.
The Mission Boutique is currently open Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon and from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
Shopping at the Boutique is a win-win situation for its volunteers and its patrons.
The shopper simply makes a donation based on what they deem to be fair, and the more they buy, the more room volunteers have to display the ever-growing volume of donations.
The donation closet is literally bursting at the seams with clothes and merchandise.
With the majority of volunteers being seasonal residents, the task of sorting the stock is a little overwhelming for the core crew that remains in the area.
More volunteers are greatly needed and most appreciated, said coordinator Mary Brophy Moore. Currently volunteers meet from 10 a.m. to noon on Mondays, but if that does not work within an individual’s schedule an alternate time could possibly be arranged.
Anyone interested in volunteering can call (315) 369-3475.
