HUNTLEY – In spite of frigid air outside the morning of Jan. 8, volunteers at Sweet Repeats Thrift Shoppe were shuffling about to stock the store’s shelves with spring and summer merchandise.
The team, as always, was motivated by the knowledge that their work – and all of the store’s proceeds – go toward helping McHenry’s Pioneer Center for Human Services, an organization providing aid, housing, and resources to individuals with behavioral health issues and developmental disabilities.
Volunteer Linda Robinson arranges glasses for display in the home decor section. (Victoria Diamond I Sun Day Photo)
They also may have been further warmed up after a group discussion with Sam Tenuto, director of Intellectual and Developmental Services for Pioneer. Tenuto explained some of the organization’s goals for Sweet Repeats, including having Pioneer clients inside the store making specialty items and crafts.
For this effort, Tenuto said Sun City residents who can help teach special skills or guide others in making items would be a great help. Tenuto called the relationship between Sweet Repeats and Sun City – about 25 volunteers come from the community – “critical” to the store’s fundraising success.
“I have not seen this level of volunteer support for a program,” he said.
Many of these volunteers have taken up a specialty of their own, from stocking merchandise to offering personal customer service.
“I’m a cashier and that’s fun because you meet the people and help them out if they’re interested in something,” Linda Robinson, Sun City resident, said.
Volunteers noted that there’s something in it for them as well.
“It gives you a nice feeling, gives you a sense of purpose also, and at our ages, we have a lot of time, so it’s nice to be able to contribute,” Carol Bauer, Sun City resident, said.
Sweet Repeats opened in June of 2010, originally operating from a storefront along Route 47 just north of Reed Rd. In July 2013, the store moved to its new location within the Huntley Outlet Center. Despite the move, the store experienced its best July ever.
“I’m very optimistic about the warmer months coming,” Colleen Hale, retail supervisor, said.
The harsh winter has hurt business a bit, but volunteers are also excited about the foot traffic to come once shoppers brave the outdoors again.
“The last few days have been a challenge, but we’re getting a good flow of traffic over here, and it’s really a nice open area,” Peg Gould, Sun City resident, said.
Hale, who had prior experience working for a thrift store, wanted the items and look of Sweet Repeats to set it apart.
“I wanted to keep it upscale, like a boutique-type of looking store; definitely high quality was always the goal,” she said.
Sweet Repeats is selective about what goes on its shelves; all items are cleaned, polished, and examined. The staff also tests electronics and will even count puzzle pieces to make sure a set is complete.
“Right down to the little tiny things,” Hale said.
Items that go unsold at Sweet Repeats are given to organizations like the Salvation Army and Purple Heart.
The plans for in-store crafters are not the first efforts to create a social environment at Sweet Repeats. The store has become known for its fall and spring fashion shows, and Hale said she tries to host a unique event each month. For January, the store will be hosting a tea party and, in February, an art show.
Creating a special atmosphere for customers is one thing, but Hale said there is a strong connection between members of what she calls the “Sweet Repeats family” and is part of the reason she feels great coming to work each day.
“I mean, how can you not feel good about being around people who are giving of themselves and doing what they’re doing; it’s an inspiration,” she said.
Sweet Repeats Thrift Shoppe
Located in the Huntley Outlet Center
11800 Factory Shops Blvd
815-759-7100
Info: facebook.com/sweetrepeatsthriftshoppe
Sweet Repeats is always open to new volunteers and is seeking Sun City residents to help teach skills like sewing, music, art, etc. to its clients.
