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a A local business charity was left empty-handed after all the warm clothing someone had donated was taken away.
Still, the company is asking for donations to replenish supplies before winter weather arrives.
JOMO Bazaar (1504 E. 32nd St.) has been offering a free clothing program for about three years. Courtney Maresh, co-owner of JOMO Moving and his JOMO Bazaar, said that every winter the store stocks shelves with winter clothing, hoodies, sweaters, beanies, socks and anything warm. Comforters and blankets are the most popular items.
Goods are given away for free and uncritically, asking people to take only what they need and leave the rest.
However, on December 29th, someone took all the items at once. Maresh said that usually happens once a season.
“It’s unfortunate that something like this happened so early because there wasn’t any snow or anything yet,” Maresh said. “They want warm things like hoodies, jackets, cardigans, anything they can wear to keep them warm.”
JOMO Bazaar started with JOMO Moving, a local moving company. Maresh said people will move, but they don’t want to take all their belongings with them. JOMO Moving offers a small discount on the moving cost of these items and sells them in our retail stores.
Every quarter, JOMO Bazaar donates a portion of its sales to local nonprofit organizations. Recent donations went to Lafayette House and Fostering Hope.
Maresh said the store accepts donations of warm items from the community, especially around Christmas when children get new jackets and bedding sets. Other items arise from moving, such as when people move into an assisted living facility and don’t want to take all their clothes with them, or when a spouse dies and family members donate clothes.
“The community is always so kind, dropping off supplies for us,” Maresh said. “Some women stopped by with handmade crocheted scarves.”
A rack of warm items is placed at the front of the store 24/7, so even the shyest or those who work during business hours can find warm clothing.
Maresh said these items are frequently used by people. Most of the items are gone by the end of the winter season, she said.
“It’s so gratifying and heartwarming to see people happy that something is being given to them,” Maresh said. “We don’t want anything from it. We just don’t want anyone to get cold feet.”
On December 29, JOMO Bazaar caught a man on camera grabbing an entire tote bag containing clothing items. He then brought back all the hanging items, including children’s clothing and toddler jackets, complete with hangers.
“It was on camera, but I don’t want to criticize him because it’s a free item,” Maresh said. “I hope he’s doing something good with the items. Maybe he has an area he was going to take them to. But I don’t know if it was good or bad he did it. For whatever reason, we have retreated and the winter months have just begun.”
Maresh said this incident alone won’t stop the store from running. If things continue like this, the store will continue to ask for donations.
“It’s going to happen. It’s okay,” Maresh said. “I hope it’s on the right track. But if it’s not, I might be selling it because I need the money. I don’t think I was going to throw it in the trash anyway.”
You can donate during store hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If that is not possible, you can also leave a donation at the door.
At JOMO Bazaar, all coat hangers were removed last Friday, so donations are also being sought. Although the store receives a lot of donated clothing, they still need something to hang the clothing. Maresh said old coat hangers, even if they’re made of metal, will help keep the program going.
Despite these setbacks, Maresh didn’t have second thoughts about continuing with the program. As she drives through the city, she sees the need for someone, whether it’s a single mother struggling with rising clothing prices or just a man sitting on a bench without a jacket. can.
“I want everyone to be warm. That’s the bare minimum, whether it’s warm or cold depending on the season,” Maresh said. “You never know what situation people are in or how they got there, and it doesn’t matter. That’s the least people should ask for, just be warm.”
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