Stories from Door #128

This is the door where we receive most of the donations that our friends and neighbors bring in so that we can stock the Community Closet Thrift Store. If the back door at 128 TownsEdge Drive, Quarryville could talk, there would be some very interesting stories that you might hear.

 

Some days Door 128 would tell you happy stories.  Someone lost weight and is donating clothing that no longer fits them.  The kids are getting bigger and a parent drops off clothes that are too small and toys that are no longer played with. A couple got married and doesn’t need all the pictures and decorative items that they accumulated.  Christmas is coming, and a family will be getting new items so they are cleaning out some things that they no longer want.

 

Some days Door 128 would tell you stories of grief and sadness.  A loved one passed away either suddenly or after a long illness.  Those who are donating do so with a heavy heart and a weary look.  They bring us things that belonged to their mom, dad, husband or wife.  The unspoken words are of missing someone who means so much to the person who is donating these items.

 

Some days Door 128 would tell you angry stories.  A relationship fell apart and they no longer want to remember the other person.

 

Some days the stories from Door 128 would make you laugh.  Clothing comes in that was in style 20 or 30 years ago and today makes us smile.  People hide things in their shoes and we have stories of dentures and bullets found in these hiding places.

 

But every day, Door 128 tells stories of our neighbors' generosity.  They donate their little or their much to help their neighbors who cannot afford faith based counseling.  They donate so that the Strengthening Families program can run and families can learn how to communicate better with each other.

 

We don't always know the stories that are behind the donations.  But, we hope that when you donate to the Community Closet Thrift Store, you are greeted with kindness.  We thank God for you and we pray for you often.  Thank you that your story is part of our story.

 

Deb Riddell

Closet Manager