Providence Ministries opens new shop

Date: 7/22/2010

July 21, 2010

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent

HOLYOKE -- Mother Mary's Pre-Worn Clothing & Accessories is the latest venture for Providence Ministries for the Needy Inc. (PMN) to help those most in need in the community.

The tiny shop on High Street, accessible through St. Jude's Used Furniture at 364 High St., features "good quality" pre-worn clothing and accessories for all ages, according to Kathleen Bailes, store manager for both entities. On a recent afternoon there was a steady stream of shoppers -- and with good reason -- everything at Mother Mary's is priced at $1 each. Clothing is stacked neatly and is arranged by age and gender. Angie Carballo of Holyoke volunteers at the shop and especially enjoys serving as a translator for customers.

"I enjoy helping out," Carballo said.

Bailes noted that Mother Mary's is currently in need of summer items -- from children's clothing to skirts for women and shirts and shorts for men. Donations of clothing and accessories are always graciously accepted and all donations are tax-deductible.

Shop hours for both Mother Mary's and St. Jude's are weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends and holidays by chance.

At St. Jude's, Bailes sells good quality used furniture and housewares. She added that furniture is delivered twice a week so there is always something new to view at the store.

Both shops are win-win propositions for PMN, since donations keep items out of landfills and money raised from the store sales benefits PMN programs.

Donations can be dropped off at 56 Cabot St., weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 536-5200.