Shop, volunteer at Minnie’s Maison

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By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger

DAVENPORT — Inside shopping at the Clothing Center at Minnie’s Maison has returned. The center, an outreach of Sacred Heart Cathedral, distributes clothing, houseware and more items two days a week to those in need and people who are homeless.

Carol Harrison
A volunteer with Catholic Service Board sorts clothing at Cinderella’s Cellar resale shop in this file photo.

Initially, when the center reopened after the COVID-19 shutdown, volunteers did “personal shopping” for clients (with no in-store visits) and the center offered limited items outdoors as weather permitted, volunteer Connie Moreno said. Now clients may opt to fill out a form to pick up clothing or shop inside.

The center requires masks and limits the number of clients inside the building at one time because of the center’s small shopping space, volunteer Angie Kicksey said. “During the pandemic, we established a large network of great community organizations that assist clients.” The collaboration continues.

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Minnie’s Maison is open to clients on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers contributed 1,543 hours of service last year and the center seeks additional volunteers to work once a week, once a month or more often if desired, Moreno said. Volunteer hours are 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Volunteers sort donations, fulfill personal shopping orders for pick up at the center and prepare outfits for online orders. Individuals who do not want to volunteer in person may choose from other opportunities, such as grant writing, marketing, social media and data analysis or small building maintenance.

Moreno encourages potential volunteers to spend a day with volunteers before committing. “Come see what we are about.” Adults who volunteer on a regular basis must complete a background check. Contact Carol Haines at the cathedral office regarding background checks at (563) 324-3257.

For more information about volunteering, call (563) 362-0915 or email clothingcenterQCA@gmail.com

Donors may drop off donations at a shed located in the center’s driveway, which is open during volunteer hours when staffers are present.


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