I'm writing to counter a recent review which claimed that our voucher program where we give free work clothes, winter coats & boots, pots & pans, blankets and necessary items to people in need, promotes the sale of these items for drugs.
This concept is completely wrong and illogical. Who could sell used clothing and kitchenware for drug money? Who would they sell such things to, and how much would they reap? It makes no sense and seems a malicious statement. We issue vouchers to 25 local agencies who send us individuals and families in need of help. If a fire takes their home and possessions we help with items to tide them over. If they are coming out of domestic violence homes or from the Children's Shelter, we do the same. We also issue voucher through the Douglas County Jail System for brand new work boots, for men and women who are on work-release and require steel-toed boots for the job. How is this a bad program?
Secondly, it is unfair to call the store a dusty cramped space. We invite anyone to come in and decide for themselves,. We have only two employees, our general manager and our donations manager. They work very hard to keep the store clean, interesting and inviting. I've added some photos of how they decorated the store for the past election season-- we had dozens of compliments. It takes an enormous amount of work to run a store like this with just two people. We have had many people give us positive feedback on our general manager, but if you have a specific complaint that you would like to discuss, write the board at our 905 Rhode Island address, we will get back to you promptly. We would also be happy to meet with you in person.
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The Social Service League is one of the oldest non-profit organizations in KS. Established in 1863 when a group of citizen came together to help the survivors after Quantrill's raid, the League set up the first two bed hospital. Throughout the ensuing decades the League established sewing and knitting rooms where sweaters and blankets were made and shipped to US soldiers in WWI and WWII. A canning kitchen was established during the Great Depression and at the peak of its usage 10,000 quarts of food per month were put up to help the citizens of Lawrence and outlying areas store food for the winter. Since the 1930's the Social Service League has owned and operated a thrift store in their historic building at 905 Rhode Island. Their Mission is to aid no and low income individuals and families by providing them with necessary clothing and household goods (for no or low cost) in an effort to help them get back on their feet and ultimately sustain themselves. The thrift store self-subsidizes its voucher program, free eye glass program and the standard low pricing on general merchandise by selling high value donations in a Boutique area. The store is run with minimal employees, using volunteers, community services workers, and Board members for much of the day to day maintenance and work. The Social Service League has the good fortune of being supported through the generosity of socially conscious donors and customers who enjoy knowing that 100% of the proceeds from donations and purchases are used to benefit the local population. I have been a member of the Board of Directors for 3 years. We have an excellent Board with members who put an enormous amount of effort and energy into the organization. This level of dedication takes a true belief in the Social Service League as an organization with a rich history and a bright future.
The voucher program results in clients selling the items they were given to get cash for drugs. This needs to be circumvented.
A manager at the thrift store can be very, very rude. It is challenging to shop in the cluttered dusty space which needs an overhaul. It is a unique location which could be made into something neat, historical and enjoyable to visit.
Hopefully the org moves forward and resolves issues and continues their mission.
Review from Guidestar