We've opened the new Shelterhouse Resale Shop just in time for the holiday shopping season. The Resale Shop is now open in the Kmart Plaza at 1830 South Saginaw Road. It features gently used clothing at value prices, with a boutique feel that redefines resale shopping in the area.

The store will be open Monday through Saturday from 10am - 6pm, with extended hours on Thursdays until 8pm. Clothing and household donations can be dropped off at the rear of the shop anytime during store hours, or can be left in the marked shed behind the shop after hours. Clothing should be clean, free of stains and odors, and with no tears.  

 
 "Our goal is to attract a broad clientele that includes students, families, career people and everyone in between," notes Store Manager, Shelly Bartosek. "We have been very selective about the merchandise on the floor, and have carefully chosen items that are high quality and fashionable - and we are selling them at reasonable prices!"

For more than a year, the Shelterhouse board researched the resale shop concept and found it to be a proven way to generate a steady source of income, while at the same time, provide gently used, quality items at affordable prices. All profits of the Resale Shop will support Shelterhouse's operations, and clients of Shelterhouse will be able to choose needed items at no cost. 

The Shelterhouse Resale Shop has opened in record time. A silent fundraising campaign was launched in June of this year, and enough funds were raised by September to cover start-up costs. The project came together with financial donations from many supporters, including 33 local individuals, and several local foundations and businesses. There were also several in-kind donations received, along with the help of numerous volunteers who all came together to get the shop ready to open.

"I am so appreciative of the community for supporting the Resale Shop," commented Shelterhouse Executive Director, Janine Ouderkirk. "Our financial donors saw the wisdom to invest in this concept and community volunteers readily helped with everything from wall painting to floor installation. It has been an amazing journey and very rewarding to be a part of."

We would like to recognize the following foundations and businesses for their generous financial donations and community leadership:  

• Midland Area Community Foundation
• Charles J. Strosacker Foundation
• Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation
• The Dow Chemical Company Foundation
• The Dow Corning Foundation
• The Herbert & Junia Doan Foundation
• Fabiano Foundation
• Accenture
• Chemical Bank
• Trinity Lutheran Church
• Warner Norcross & Judd
• Wildfire Credit Union
• Wolverine Bank.

In addition, the following companies and their employees provided in-kind contributions that helped transform the building into the new Shelterhouse Resale Shop:  

• A. Chiodini Design & Drafting
• Art Van - Mt. Pleasant
• McVittie Construction
• Wolgast Construction
• Home Depot.