EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County Catholic Charities (MCCC), has opened a new facility in downtown Edwardsville. Thrifty Threads, Etc. is the name of the new resale shop located at 500 N. Main St.
"We are very pleased to establish a stronger and more visible presence in this part of the county," said Maureen Robinson, area director for MCCC. "The mission of the resale store operation is to provide quality, gently worn clothing and household items at a very low cost to those with limited financial means. Of course, we also welcome a lot of shoppers, including many college students who are looking for a good bargain on vintage items."
The resale store is also offering a voucher program that honors and accepts referrals from other community organizations and area churches to provide free clothing and household items to individuals in crisis situations. "The voucher program allows us to partner with other social service agencies and faith communities in an effective way of providing necessary services to people in dire situations," said Robinson.
In addition to Thrifty Threads, Etc., and the voucher program, MCCC will soon offer its MedAssist and Professional Counseling Solutions programs at the Edwardsville facility. MedAssist is a prescription assistance program that helps secure free medication for chronic and life threatening illnesses. Marriage and family counseling is provided by licensed therapists through the nationally accredited Professional Counseling Solutions program and fees are based on the client's ability to pay.
Future programming at the Edwardsville site includes developing a financial assistance program which is dependent upon securing both public and private funding resources. "Wherever you find Catholic Charities making a significant impact on people's lives, you'll find a very giving and compassionate community that embraces and fully supports the mission of Catholic Charities," said Madison County auditor Rick Faccin, who serves on the MCCC board. "The programs of Catholic Charities are there to help all people regardless of race, religion or background."
Madison County Catholic Charities will continue to provide counseling, MedAssist, financial assistance and the voucher program at its Granite City office at 2105 State St., although the basement resale operation recently closed. MCCC also continues to operate the MedAssist, foster care, counseling and Guardian Angel Food Pantry programs through its Alton office located at 3512 McArthur Blvd. Catholic Charities is also a licensed and accredited adoption agency.
Thrifty Threads, Etc. is open to the public from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays. A formal grand opening is planned for Saturday, Feb. 23.
Donations of clothing and household items are accepted during business hours only and there will be no "drop off" donations accepted on the premises during non-business hours. Donors are encouraged to call the store at (618) 307-5420 or (618) 307-5421 with questions or to arrange pick-up service at their homes.