Sandra Gustafson, St. Luke’s Thrift Shop board secretary, presents a check to Diane Guzman, COI’s Hope Haven Shelter coordinator. Barb Kiddoo, board president, is also pictured.

The St. Luke’s Thrift Shop Board has announced its winter 2025 community allocations, distributing nearly $18,000 in grants to local organizations that address food insecurity, shelter and the needs of children and families across the Jamestown area.

The Thrift Shop, located in the former clergy house on the St. Luke’s campus at 409 Pine St., continues its ministry of compassion through the transformation of donated clothing and household goods into direct community support. Entirely volunteer-run and led by Barb Kiddoo, board president, the shop generates $35,000 each year in charitable distributions, clothing donations to other charitable agencies, and clothing directly to individuals for those in need. In addition to this winter’s cash grants, the Thrift Shop also gave away 10% of its sales (nearly $2,000) in the form of clothing to individuals and families referred by partner agencies. The Thrift Shop also donates clothing to other charitable agencies bringing the total portion of its donated sales to more than 25%.

“Our winter allocations reflect the real needs of this season,” Kiddoo said. “As temperatures drop, we know that many in our community struggle with food insecurity and the costs of caring for their families. These grants help fill those gaps and offer hope during the coldest months.”

The winter allocations support programs providing meals, clothing, children’s supplies, and emergency assistance across the region:

– $2,000 – Monday Night Café community dinners at St. Luke’s

– $500 – Keep Each Other Warm clothesline at St. Luke’s

– $1,000 – Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

– $3,500 – Jamestown Public Schools Principals’ Emergency Discretionary Accounts (for student and family needs)

– $1,000 – St. Susan Center

– $500 – Chautauqua Blind Association

– $1,000 – UCAN City Mission

– $1,000 – Meals on Wheels of the Jamestown Area

– $1,000 – Hope Haven Women’s Shelter

– $1,000 – Boys & Girls Club of Jamestown

– $500 – 4th Street Café meal ministry at St. Luke’s

– $1,500 – SNAP Assistance Program through the Jamestown Farmers Market

– $500 – Mental Health Association

– $300 – Jamestown Community College Food Pantry (covering one month of food supplies)

– $2,000 – St. Luke’s Homelessness Outreach via clergy discretionary funds

“These grants are an extension of our shared ministry,” said the Rev. Luke Fodor, rector of St. Luke’s. “Through the Thrift Shop’s work, we see our faith turned into action–feeding the hungry, clothing the cold, and helping families meet the daily challenges of life. It’s how we live out the call to love our neighbors.”

For more information about the St. Luke’s Thrift Shop, visit www.stlukesjamestown.org or stop by 409 Pine St. on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to donate items or shop.