Barb Kiddoo, St. Luke’s Thrift Shop board president, is pictured presenting a check to YWCA officials Amanda Gesing and Jacqueline Cook.

At its recent board meeting in July, the St. Luke’s Thrift Shop Board approved nearly $20,000 in its summer allocations to support a range of organizations that serve vulnerable populations across the Jamestown area.

The all-volunteer run Thrift Shop, located in a former house for clergy on the St. Luke’s campus at 409 Pine St., is led by Barb Kiddoo, board president. The Thrift Shop transforms donations of clothing and small household items, which it receives on Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., to significant support for the community, offering vouchers for those in need and reselling them at affordable prices. That all generates $35,000 a year in support for community-based agencies and programs.

Baring the St. Luke’s name, the Thrift Shop’s extends the church’s ministry of service into the wider community. The summer allocation of funds was designated to strengthen local efforts addressing homelessness, youth development, healthcare access, and immigrant support.

These allocations reflect the Thrift Shop’s commitment to partnering with organizations that share St. Luke’s values of dignity, hospitality, and compassion:

– Hope Haven Women’s Homeless Shelter (run by Chautauqua Opportunities) – $2,500 to furnish guest rooms

– YWCA’s Legacy House Housing Initiative – $3,500 for interior improvements

– UCAN City Mission–$2,000 to support their efforts in assisting clients in securing vital documents and for the purchase of a large-screen television.

– Boys and Girls Club – $3,000 for CPR/AED equipment and technology upgrades

– YMCA’s Y on the Fly Program – $2,500 for mobile outreach efforts

– New Neighbors Coalition – $1,000 for discretionary immigrant family support

– Meals on Wheels – $1,000 unrestricted to support food delivery to homebound seniors

– Mental Health Association – $1,000 unrestricted for general support

– Arise Chautauqua – $2,000 for leadership development training

“These grants represent the heart of our mission,” Kiddoo said. “Through the work of the Thrift Shop and the generosity of our shoppers and volunteers, we’re able to ensure that local organizations have the resources they need to support those on the margins of our community.”

“This is more than charity–it’s a tangible expression of our faith in action,” said the Rev. Luke Fodor. “These grants help build the beloved community we are called to create.”

For more information about St. Luke’s Thrift Shop, visit www.stlukesjamestown.org. A winter allocation will be made in December.