|
|
Christan Laymen Corps
Thrift Store
by Karen Fetter
What started out as a dream written into a
journal nearly 35 years ago has turned into a
successful outreach program. The Christian
Laymen Corps thrift shop focuses on the needy in
Westmoreland County and surrounding areas to
help them with clothing, furniture, and other
articles donated by churches, individuals and
community groups. Founder Charlie
Cunningham and his wife, Aline, believe in what
they do and are committed to supporting those in
the community.
"I am very happy to help people, especially
those who really need it," said Charlie.
The Christian Laymen Corps thrift shop, an
interdenominational and non-profit organization,
is located at 258 East Pittsburgh Street in
Greensburg. The store covers two buildings
that are filled with donated supplies that the
needy can purchase for a low cost. Items
include clothing for women, children, and men.
There are also books, furniture, toys, linens,
and flea market items. In addition to
goods there is a chapel that people can turn to
when they are in need.
"I established three rules here because this is
interdenominational. No one can preach, no
one can theologize, and we all have to celebrate
Jesus as brothers and sisters," said Charlie.
In addition, there is an emergency food pantry
that serves close to 300 families each month.
And the store also honors vouchers from over 94
organizations in the area to help needy
families. The store does not charge the
person a fee if he or she has a voucher.
Since the store opened in April of 2001, the
store has given to 4, 385 families.
"We are here to give merchandise to people who
need it, not to make money," said Charlie.
"The money we earn from the store helps us with
the costs associated with the store and with our
trucks."
Charlie is fortunate to have over 50 volunteers
that help him run the store. However, he
is currently looking for more people who could
donate their time to help the store grow and
help more people.
************
The Christian Laymen
Corps originally started as a men's prayer
breakfast group in 1983. There were just a
few men who would get together on a monthly
basis and talk about their faith. But all
along Charlie Cunningham felt they needed an
outreach. Shortly afterwards, he became
aware of an outreach in Kentucky called the
Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). It
interested him and he went to Kentucky to meet
with them. Charlie then agreed to gather
needed goods and ship the items to them.
He currently operates Springhill Furniture in
Greensburg. He had a collection station
set up there and he was overwhelmed with donated
items. After a year the CAP encouraged him
to go independent because he gathered so many
goods. Charlie asked himself, "How can I
do this?" That is when he thought of
having the thrift store.
"From the day we opened our doors it has been a
complete success and it keeps growing," said
Charlie.
There are four truckloads of clothing and
furniture gathered each day. The need for
helping others continues to grow. Charlie
is currently working on a project that will
begin in 2008 to will help children of abused
homes. For each donation of $300 a child
will receive a new bed and dresser for free.
These are high quality products that will go to
great use. If you or your organization is
interested in making a donation for this
project, please call Charlie at 724-834-4464.
Donations and other monies are needed as well
for building renovations to increase the space
for more items. Recently, the store
renovated the exterior of the building by
replacing the two signs and repairing the
original brick work on the outside of the
building. If you feel like you can help
the Christian Laymen Corps do not delay and call
Charlie today at 724-834-4464 or stop in at 258
East Pittsburgh Street in Greensburg.
There is still more to do so any help would be greatly
appreciated.
If you are interested in giving of
your time, please call Charlie Cunningham
at 724-834-4464.
Hours of operation for the Christian Laymen Corps thrift shop are Monday through
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
|
