Some people coordinate all the behind-the-scenes details to make life seamless and easier for others. In an imaginary world, we would clone these people to enhance our lives. Until that sci-fi dream becomes a reality, the best we can do is learn from people who have these heroic abilities and support their efforts to further spread goodness into the world.Meet Valerie Lee, Executive Director of the non-profit 5013c organization, Second Hand Heros (intentionally spelled as such), located on the historical Crystal City, Missouri cobblestone Main Street.
On January, 26 2023, I wrote an itty-bitty piece about Second Hand Heros (SHH), unaware of how this charity worked. I gracious accepted Valerie‘s offer to meet her and receive a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about her operation that provides FREE clothing, food, household products and more to individuals and families in need. This valuable resource is available to anyone in our community, FREE of judgement and stipulations.
Valerie’s equation for how her team impactfully assists others is simple…Community donations
+ her “store”
= anyone can “shop” to pick out what they need, anonymously, restriction-free, with full dignity intact.
It is genius and seamless; however, a lot goes into making this all work. To ensure this mission can come to fruition, additional help is needed:
Please consider bagging and boxing up your unneeded clothing and household items. Purging and simplifying our closets and our home feels good. It feels even better when we know our beloved items could be equally loved and used by someone else. This time of year, SHH are looking forward to seeing prom and bridal dresses/suits/tux donations. Valerie lit up talking about how this can brighten so many lives.
SHH needs volunteers! Anyone can drop in, anytime, to help in a fun environment to sort and organize items. I am legit when I use the word “fun!” I observed the volunteers laughing and being silly. They were all so sweet and compassionate. Extra people are especially helpful when seasons change to swap out seasonal clothing and items.
Valerie also pointed out other uncommon ways people can assist with their time and skills to improve the function and flow of the building space/operations:- Shelves and racks to be built/donated.
- Security lights/systems to be installed/donated.
- Those who can help with “home improvements” to fix things up/build walls/organizational stations.
- Artists/creators who can paint and add beauty to their space.
- Extra food! When organizations/events, restaurants and/or stores have extra, unsellable produce, bakery and/or cold/frozen food items, Valerie knows people who are hungry! Non-perishable food items are always welcome.
- Spreading the word…online and in our circles…to encourage more people to get involved, specifically when leading up to events like their First Annual Fashion show on July 22, 2023.
- __________ fill in the blank for an itty-bitty idea you have for how you and/or your group/work place can contribute to this fantastic organization…ultimately helping those who need a little help during a rough patch in their life.
Second Hand Heros welcomes an average of 30 to 50 people PER DAY, who walk through their door to get some sort of assistance.Thank you, Valerie, and all of your dedicated volunteers and supporters, for showing up every day to live in alignment with genuine kindness and generosity. You inspire hope and allow us to believe in the power of community. May we each attempt to clone a fraction of your passion and efforts.
Please see the flyer picture and/or visit the Second Hand Heros Facebook page for more information/contacting Valerie directly.
Check out another local organization who has a mission to help our families within our community:
