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Ray of Hope opening thrift store
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February promises to be a busy month for the Ray of Hope Children’s Crisis Services.

The local non-profit that deals regularly with referrals for youngsters in difficult situations will kick off Diapers & More for the Babies in Crisis Program.

Couple that with the grand opening of Hope’s Closet.

The thrift shop located near Hafers Home Furnishings at 1030 W. Yosemite Ave. near El Portal Avenue is scheduled to open to the public on Feb. 1.

“The store will be a place where although it’s a thrift store for kids, it will feel like a Pottery Barn,” said Ray of Hope Executive Director Laura Vieira-Saunders. “It’ll be as beautiful as we can make it so they can experience shopping with pride.

“They’ll also see how much work we are willing to put in towards bringing this to them.”

Ray of Hope, as always, will be looking for donations.

Thus far, Simply Irresistible Children’s Boutique provided the store with a big lift.

“Naomi Clark (of Simply Irresistible) donated so much to us that it was almost a miracle – it was just as we envisioned the store. We are forever grateful to her,” said Vieira-Saunders.

Clothing donations will begin on the first week of next month.

Another advantage of the Hope’s Closet is giving youngsters the experience of picking out their clothes “so they feel comfortable in their own skin, so to speak,” Vieira-Saunders said.

She added: “It’s hard to go through what they do – everything is out of their control but the least we can do is assure they can wear what they’re comfortable in and not what someone else chooses for them.”

Ray of Hope initially hoped to open Hope’s Closet few months ago. But the COVID-19 pandemic made funding a challenge.

More information is available on social media (Facebook, Instagram) or by calling 209.597.0574.