THRIFTING FORA CAUSE

By Staff Writer

of domestic violence and human trafficking in San Joaquin County Five years after holding its Ribbon Cutting at 126th W. 11th Street, the popular store recently relocated to West Valley Mall after renovations created parking challenges for patrons.

The proverbial saying "When one door closes, another door opens " never rang more true than it did on July 8th when Chest of Hope held its Grand Re-opening of Treasure Chest Thrift.Theupscalethriftstoreis anaffiliatebusinessofChestof Hope, created by Founder and Executive Director Merlyn Pittman in 2018 to help advance the organization's missionofsupportingvictims would be homeless. I de two friends. I love g so much and cooking do it with Mommy. I oom because there is a nd there are so many memories that I have at place." -X, 9 (age 9)

Pittman is well-known and respectedforpioneeringboldand brave ideas that push back against status quo ideas of accomplishing big goals RelocatingTreasureChestThriftto WestValleyMallwasoneofthose pushes. And despite mixed feelings about a thrift store relocating to a mall constantly struggling to attract communitydesired retailers, the Grand Reopening was very successful. Team Member Jade, who helped prepare the new space, was optimistic just days before the Grand Reopening, "Honestly, everything is going fantastic so far We are really excited about ouropeningthat'scomingup.The setup in the store is looking really great. We wanted to go a completely different route than the floor plan in our prior residence.

"I like staying at the Hope's place home because it's fun and you can make new friends. I made three friends. I like the room because it's big and it has bunk beds. I like to cook garden and play with Mommy. I am grateful that we can stay here." -

L, 7-- (age 7)

Chest of Hope Team Member Pamela

Wineberg was there on opening day to open the store, support, and welcome guests. With the boom of online shopping, like most malls nationwide, West Valley Mall has borne the impact of declining interest in in-person shopping. Wineberg stated, "I was surprised that it was so busy. It was worth all the hard work I know what it goes to, and I see firsthand how it helps and how we are giving back to the community It's a great way to give back and support women, offer them hope, inspiration, and maybe even a job "

Thrift stores are on the rise People realize that mainstream corporate companies are producing products that contribute to our landfills, the toxicity of our environment, pollution, etc. Young people are taking it upon themselves to go to thrift stores and buy upcycled clothes, house products, furniture, and stuff like that because we want to reduce the waste that's happening. It's not only trending, but it's actually necessary It's a great message that we're spreading and bringing awareness to so that people can come and be a part of the revolution, step up and help our planet and get good deals in the meantime We have a lot of name brands that you wouldn't expect to see at a thrift store "