She called on the phone, apologetic and broken.
“I called 211, and they said you would help me. He won’t let me back into the house to get my things, and I have no clothes to wear.” Her voice cracked, and she started to cry.
“Of course! That’s what we do! Can you get to our shop?” I shared our address and that we’re located on a busline. She said she’d come the next day and that she was so thankful.
True to her word, she came the following day and asked for me. I filled her in on the layout of the store and that we were giving her gift certificates to cover the cost of everything she needed.
Like a kid in a candy store, she started shopping, trying things on, and gathering up items that she loved. She approached the register hesitantly.
“I can put things back if I need to. I have a LOT,” she explained.
“That won’t be necessary,” I stated confidently. I had eyed up her pile, mentally applied the discount, and knew she was within the “budget” – give or take a few bucks.
“I could give up the boots,” she bargained.
“In this weather, you NEED boots,” I countered, and I continued ringing up the merchandise and applying the discount.
She was stunned by the amount and quality of clothing she received…a bit overwhelmed…and started to cry.
“How ’bout a hug?” I posed and wrapped my arms around her. She returned the expression fiercely.
“Thank you so much,” she exclaimed, clutching her stuffed bag of newly acquired clothing.
She almost skipped out the door, holding her bag and smiling broadly. Mission accomplished! Another need abundantly satisfied with encouragement and dignity.
That’s what YOU make happen at our House! We just want you to know…
Mission Accomplished!
