After many years of volunteering for a number of good causes in the Penticton area, a lady by the name of Della Volden decided to try to raise funds to donate to the Penticton hospice for their use. Della Volden started to collect clothing and small goods in her basement that could be sold in the community. Her efforts were so successful that she and other volunteers soon had to rent space and open a facility to display and resell these donated goods.
As the years progressed, bigger areas were needed, a location rented, and The Care Closet came into being. A board of directors was established to help in the administration of the store. The Care Closet eventually moved into the present location at 574 Main St. The building was purchased some time ago to cut down on the expense of paying rent each month.
Twenty-two years later, with a staff of about 50 volunteers and only two part-time paid managers, the Care Closet workforce cleans, sorts and prices ladies’, men’s and children’s clothing, small appliances, antiques, books, records, tapes, CDs, household goods and many other items. The funds raised through these efforts, after expenses, are evenly distributed by the board of directors through the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation, the Penticton Regional Hospital Auxiliary and the Moog & Friends Hospice House, with all the funds remaining in this immediate area.
From a small start in the early 1980s, working out of Della Volden’s basement, the Care Closet has become a huge supporter of these causes and the profits from the work of the volunteers has increased dramatically over the years, with their latest annual donation totaling over $84,000.
As with any organization, volunteers are always needed, with shifts of three or four hours a week. Stop in and talk with one of the managers for further information,
The Care Closet accepts donations of usable good quality items and resells them for very reasonable prices. Due to space limitations, no furniture is accepted. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday, stop in for a bargain at the Care Closet today.
Chris Templeton
Penticton