Sheltered Workshop Re-Sale Shop Has New Look

Thursday, October 15, 2020
Re-sale shop supervisor Jessica Billings (left) and new workshop manager Courtney Sanders show some of the many items now available in the re-sale shop at the Current River Sheltered Workshop east of Doniphan. The re-sale shop has undergone a complete facelift in the past few weeks and features a variety of children’s and adult’s clothing, coats, shoes, housewares, furniture, books and more.
Ron Smith

Whether it’s more barn or more boutique depends on the eye of the beholder.

But the Current River Sheltered Workshop as well as its re-sale shop is moving full speed ahead under new guidance.

Big things have been happening in the past few weeks at the workshop located on U.S. Highway 160 about four miles east of Doniphan.

On Aug. 31, Courtney Sanders began as the workshop’s new manager. Developments so far have included a new state grant and an application with the county for CARES Act funds.

“Things are really picking up and we are excited,” said Sanders.

One of Sanders’ first tasks is making the community aware of the workshop’s location and the services it provides.

“People don’t know where we are anymore,” Sanders said.

Another early chore has been a full makeover of the workshop’s re-sale shop where items donated by the community are cleaned and re-sold to raise funds for the workshop’s operation.

“Most of our clothing items cost no more than $3-$4,” said shop supervisor Jessica Billings, a single mother who enjoys helping families.

Special items like leather coats and new Tony Llama boots may run into the $10-$15 range. Discounts of up to 50 percent are offered to families who received Medicaid and food stamps.

Re-sale shop hours are 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Hours may expand to include one Saturday per month.

Donations of used items are welcomed.

“We have an abundant supply now and we still are taking donations,” said Sanders.

Items for sale include clothing for children and adults, shoes, housewares, furniture, books and seasonal items like Halloween costumes.

Sanders said she hopes to see the re-sale shop enlarged in the future. She also would like to see the workshop take advantage of its outdoor space to occasionally host flea market sales.

Since August, additions have included eight dress racks, spools turned into merchandising tables and an entertainment center that has been remodeled into a sales counter.

For more information call 573-996-2707.

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