The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) was fortunate to be among several organizations and the Jamestown Public Schools to receive generous donations from St. Luke’s Thrift Shop. Fr. Luke Fodor, rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown (pictured on the right) stopped by the MHA to present a check in person to MHA Executive Director Steven Cobb.

At the end of the year, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Thrift Shop in Jamestown likes to spread cheer among populations that may struggle during the holidays.

This year the shop made gifts totaling $10,500 to UCAN (United Christian Advocacy Network), Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA), Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, Jamestown Community Learning Council, and — via the PTA — to the discretionary fund of every school principal in the Jamestown Public Schools.

Recently the Rev. Luke Fodor, rector of St. Luke’s, stopped by the Mental Health Association to present a $1,000 check in person to Steven Cobb, MHA executive director.

“The hard work and dedication of our thrift shop volunteers is amazing,” Fodor said. “These women and men work tirelessly to keep the operations running smoothly and efficiently, even in the midst of a pandemic. Even with several months of being shut down and during difficult working conditions, our volunteers find a way to take donated items and make a profit they can give back to the community.”

The Thrift Shop and the Mental Health Association have a longstanding partnership. St. Luke’s provides clothes and household items to peer coaches as they work with participants in recovery and life transitions and can sometimes provide professional attire for those reentering the workforce. St. Luke’s Thrift shop is located at 409 Pine St. and is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Off-street parking is available in St. Luke’s parking lot off East Fifth Street. For more information about the Thrift Shop, call 664-1887 during the shop’s normal business hours or visit its Facebook page.

The Mental Health Association is a peer recovery center offering support groups and individual coaching for people looking to improve their lives, deepen wellness, thrive in recovery or support those on a recovery path. Peers use their personal stories to help people find recovery in their own lives in their own way.

Anyone with questions or in need of services for themselves or a family member or wanting to obtain free Narcan — the nasal spray medication that can save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose — can call or text 661-9044 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mental Health Association services in Jamestown are provided in the Gateway Center, Door 14, 31 Water St. The North County center is at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle St., Dunkirk.

All Mental Health Association services are free. Wearing face coverings and safe distancing are part of all in-person experiences at the MHA. To learn more about the Mental Health Association, visit MHAChautauqua.org or facebook.com/MHAChautauqua, or see the most recent newsletter at MHAChautauqua.org/newsletters.