I have tried to write this piece for months. MONTHS. It should be simple – talk about The Family Place Resale Shop and get Frisco fired up to support this non-profit philanthropy. But it’s me, and I can’t because that idea is just too…simple.  Because sure, we can donate items we’ve finally decided to sever from our lives, and we can make the drive to the shop and pick up a few things… But what if we could do even better? When I was a sophomore in high school, a classmate eagerly came through the door, grinning ear to ear. “You won’t believe the deal I got. I went to the Goodwill yesterday, and found these flawless Doc Martens for only $10!” I wanted to scream. Even though I knew I should have kept my mouth shut, I immediately called her out, “(name redacted) what the heck? Why would you do that?” “What do you mean,” she defensively squawked back, “It was a good deal.” “Because,” I began, trying not to fly out of my seat, “It’s not for YOU to find. The entire point is so that someone who could have never have afforded those, to find and enjoy them.” To say she was angry is an understatement (and embarrassed, although I promise you it wasn’t for the right reason.) See, she came from a family who could easily afford those shoes…plus she already had a pair. (This was the 90’s, they were a thing.)  But ultimately, she missed the purpose of a resale shop. It’s not just a place for someone to find crazy cheap deals on gently used clothing, it’s an outlet to give people a safe and dignified place to shop. An opportunity to purchase better items, inexpensively, not cheaply. And there’s a difference.  A quality top lasts far longer than a $9 Old Navy shirt (not trying to start nothing with Old Navy, but they know it’s true…it’s also why it’s only $9) and when you’re in a position where money is so tight, and it’s between a shirt on your back or a hot meal, you CANNOT AFFORD TO BE CHEAP.  Donate. Shop. Change a Life? That memory kept biting at me when, in February, I went to The Family Place resale shop for a tour. Nestled in a lively shopping center, I walked in to find it’s set-up like a Marshalls: apparel on one side and home goods on the other. From what I spied right away, it had some really cute stuff, and quality items, at that. Open daily to the public, I was told it gets quite a bit of traffic.  Despite the urge to drop everything and start shopping, I had a job to do. And with a wistful sigh,  I went to the back to find Meg Bittner and meet the team behind the scene.  Meg immediately introduces me to Belinda Medez, who can best be described as Superwoman. And I’m not even kidding. It only takes me five seconds to gather that a place like this takes brains, guts, and heart.  She’s tasked with processing the families who apply for need, as well as, managing the whole operation – and it’s an impressive one at that; people sorting through loads of clothes and household items, large furniture making its way in and out through the back, the basic hustle and bustle of a retail store. Many items are even brand new, from very generous retail donors.  And for a minute, I forget the whole point, and think, “Man, it looks like they’ve really got a hold on things. It seems like they’re effectively meeting the needs of the community. Problem solved!” Then I saw the folder of processed families from the last 18 days. I didn’t get a photo of the overflowing folder of families still waiting. I look at Belinda and I’m afraid to even ask how she copes because I don’t want us all to start weeping. Then she leads me the closet where they make the emergency packs, and I’m humbled by the items I take for granted. Toilet paper, soap, shampoo, deodorant…things you leave behind when you’re dropping everything and escaping to a new, safer, life. These items have to be new, obviously and are purchased with the funds (and direct donations as well) earned through the store itself. My throat gets tight, and although I should get a photo, I’m worried if I try to mess with my phone, they’ll notice my hands are shaking because that’s what happens when I start to get upset. But this situation doesn’t need my pity, it needs my attention.  I look back and notice a rack of wedding gowns, and we exit the closet and talk about their more luxury-type items. Designer bags, shoes, et al. Those are priced higher, but the really high-end donations go to the online Poshmark store. We walk back toward Belinda’s office, and I ask about what they’re in short supply of: “Pots and pans, cooking utensils, and household goods,” she replies, and I can’t help but think of how many unused pans I have in my kitchen.   They also reveal that it’s difficult to fulfill clients needs for kids clothing, most of all, shoes. Especially toddler to mid-teens. I get another pang of guilt because I always donate these items around the holidays, but completely forget the other 11 months of the year.  Once a family has applied for assistance, been approved, and is processed, (an action Belinda and her team works as hard, and as fast, as they can to do) they get credit to purchase items in the store.  My breath catches a bit when I hear that part, and I immediately think of the items out front, and how I was going to shop just for pleasure, not for need. Now I’m feeling like maybe I shouldn’t shop at all. While we’re chatting, the team is constantly fielding calls from generous people all over the city trying to … Continue reading This is How Your Closet Can Change Someone’s Life