Double the Impact

Article By Sam Boyer, October 15th,2009 for the Sun News

Double the impact.

That’s what happens when people shop at Berea’s Second Mile Shop. You not only find great bargains, but all the profits benefit others through Church Street Ministries. The shop recently relocated from Church Street to 398 W. Bagley Road in Williamsport Plaza, so it’s now in a place most area residents can actually find. The space was formerly occupied by the license bureau.

Everywhere you look in this neatly arranged store, you can find a great deal. All items come from generous donors who receive a receipt for their taxes. Items are thoroughly checked and then sent to one of several places. Some household items go directly to people in need through area church outreach programs for people who may have been burned out of a home or are fleeing from a dangerous country. That’s where donations of bedding and household goods are especially helpful.

Furniture goes to the Church Street Ministries store now located at 1480 W. Bagley Road (we’ll visit there in the future). Most items are cleaned and arranged in the Second Mile Shop.

Some items that don’t fit into any of those categories go to Easter Seals and Purple Heart Veterans. So donations always go to a nonprofit agency.

Amary Makari is the manager of the shop with her assistant Bobbi Cavanaugh. Five volunteers from churches around the area run the shop from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Donations are also accepted those days.

Because hours are limited, the store is usually packed with customers looking for that special item at very reasonable prices. It’s pretty likely you will find it.

Shelves are filled with sparkling glassware, pictures and frames, shoes, purses, jewelry of all kinds, candles, knickknacks, puzzles, toys, stuffed animals, hundreds of clothing items and even sewing patterns. "People often come in looking for them," Makari said, "because they still make clothing at home."

During holidays, there will be a special themed section. This month Halloween items are featured.

There are even books and CDs, not originally in the store, but because of requests from customers, they were added.

Makari said that collectors can be found each week sorting through the newest items looking for something they want, perhaps to resell it elsewhere. "That’s great," she said, "everyone benefits."

For those who can’t pay, outreach ministries will provide them with vouchers, she said. Those people can pick out three complete outfits with a voucher.

The biggest event of the Second Mile Shop year is the annual Christmas sale. This year it will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 20, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 21 in Suite 6 at Williamsport Plaza. It’s so huge a special space had to be used for it.

Stop by the shop when you get a chance — it’s worth a look. If you need information, call Second Mile Shop at (440) 825-4531.