The Main Place

Yesterday, I was blessed with the opportunity to volunteer at The Main Place. Prior to learning about their services through my employer, I had never heard about them. Now, I can share their story to my fellow Unilocalers!
To begin, The Main Place is a non-​profit organization that provides clothing to homeless teens in the area. Their unique motto is «A retail store without a cash register.» Let’s face it, there are many, many people who do not have a home, a place to call their own. Families live in their vehicles, kids «couch-​hop» from one friend’s home to another. These kids have no options and are stuck to make the best of their situations. Since there are other organizations that provide assistance, this organization opened to help clothe these teens.
The Main Place originally started as a means to provide attire for proms for these kids. If you really think about it, it is such a loving idea. Most of these homeless kids who still attend school wear the same clothes daily, so of course, they would not have nice clothes to attend school dances that we all take for granted. Soon, the organization realized daily clothes are needed, as well. As mentioned prior, The Main Place is non-​profit and is SOLELY run by 100% volunteers. NO employees.
How it works: school counselors refer these kids to TMP, the kids are given vouchers, and it works by appointments only. The store is divided by little «stores” — a boys and girls dress clothes area, a girls prom wear, casual clothes for boys and girls, and items for infants.
What I think is a great idea is that they have those areas that provide nice, dressy clothes that these kids can wear for job interviews. They, too, need to dress to impress.
The director of TMP is a gal named Jennifer. Wow, I was so impressed with her. Her excitement was infectious! It was obvious just how much she loves this organization and helping those less fortunate. A couple of families arrived while we were there, and the volunteers got busy helping them, like a personal shopper! They put together entire wardrobes, right down to shoes, jewelry, and hats. It was wonderful to witness the joy on the teens’ faces!
If you have it in your heart (and closet), I ask that you please help this great, little «store.» What they need: new and gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories. And, of course, money to pay for utilities. For those who work in the business world, they really need dressy clothes so these teens can look nice for interviews. Also, they really need new undergarments (would you wear used undies?), socks and shoes – especially ladies shoes that are small, like sizes 5 – 6.
I thank any of you who have read this and I apologize for the lengthiness, there is just so much info to share! And remember, pay it forward!