KNOX COUNTY – The preceding year has been tough for Knox County, but 2021 is looking much brighter, said Joy Harris, executive director of Interchurch Social Services, a nonprofit organization.
“Our thrift stores were closed for a few weeks a year ago when the shutdowns all took place,” Harris told the Mount Vernon News. “We made some changes. We put up sneeze guards and those kinds of things and reopened. Many of our volunteers were in that older age group, so they didn’t return at the time.”
But with vaccines becoming more widely available, volunteers are returning.
“This spring, they are slowly coming back as they are getting their vaccines,” Harris said.
Interfaith operates four thrift stores open to the public, selling donated items such as clothing and housewares. The sales support other programs offered by the organization.
Interchurch also provides clients with vouchers that can be used at the thrift stores, located in Mount Vernon, Centerburg, Danville and Fredericktown.
“At this time we are actually very blessed,” Harris said. “We have donations coming into the thrift stores every day.”
Donations of toiletry items would be much appreciated, she said.
“Deodorant, tooth brushes, toothpaste,” she explained. “We have a huge need for dish soap. Going into the summer months, we’ll need sun screen. Those kinds of things would be very helpful right now.”
Harris noted that there is a perpetual need for large men’s clothing at the thrift stores.
“Also, lightweight jackets or sweatshirts for this transitional period,” she added.
Currently, the stores have an ample supply of shoes, and there isn’t much demand for suits.
“Occasionally, we will have someone come in who is wanting a suit to be able to attend a wedding or a funeral,” Harris said. “But there’s not a lot of need for suits anymore.”
Towels and bed sheets of all sizes are always needed.
“Socks are always needed also,” she said.
If donated articles don’t sell at the thrift stores within a few months, they are donated to the Salvation Army, Harris said.
The Fredericktown thrift store is expected to reopen in May after completion of a new building.
Interchurch, a United Way agency, also offers food pantries for its clients and financial assistance to help with rent, deposits or utilities. It also helps clients pay for prescriptions and provides gasoline vouchers for out-of-county medical appointments.
“We are all locally supported and do not receive state or federal funds,” Harris said.
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