Giving Tree: New Outlet For Serving the Homeless Community By Denise King

The Giving Tree, which serves the homeless in Tucson, has opened a new thrift shop on 22nd Street and Columbus. Since it is staffed by volunteers, 100% of the proceeds go to Giving Tree programs.

Mollie Moody said the store came together through the combined efforts and hard work of many people since they first started talking about the possibility in November.

The managers of a thriving thrift store in Travers City, the House of Hope, participated in a conference call with them and told them how to run a successful thrift store. The Giving Tree was able to sublease a portion of the 99 cent store next door at a reasonable rate because they "supported the cause," said Ms. Moody. The 99 cent store also donated racks and display units.

Dunn Edwards donated paint. Volunteers from the Compassion Hope Center helped paint and get the store ready to open and continue to volunteer their time at the store. The Family Attic thrift store gave them racks and hangers.

Once they had the building, they had 2 ½ weeks to get ready before the store opened February 1st. Libby Wright, Giving Tree director, said, "When God gives you a vision, pray, get out of the way, and look what happens!"

Ms. Moody added, "We have really been blessed. Just look around. All of this had been in someone's closet." She said once the word got out that they had a new thrift store, good quality clothes and items started coming in. Donations are accepted at the store.

The thrift store has a children's play area and a coffee shop area where people can sit, enjoy a cup of coffee, and read while others shop.

Ms. Wright said that the store also provides a place for job training for Grace Home and Compassion Hope Center clients, as well as for clients from other local social service agencies. She said Giving Tree clients especially enjoy the service. "Once they realize all Jesus has done for them, they want to give back. Not as a way to earn salvation through good works, but out of gratitude for what they have received."

The Giving Tree thrift store is open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 320-KIDS.

It is not far from the vacant lot on 22nd where they distribute free food and clothing to the homeless on Thursdays from 4:30-7:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 4:00-6:30 p.m. Volunteers are also welcome to come help with the distribution.

At "Z" Mansion on May 1st, the Giving Tree will hold a "fabulous 50s" fundraiser from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Please call the number above for tickets and for more information.