Found: Charity is the trend

By Ashley Branch

The greatest finds at St. Lucy’s Church’s thrift shop, located on the West side of Syracuse, are the volunteers.

Head coordinator, Samera Frank, and 10 volunteer staff, do more than sort apparel and housewares at the Agape Shop every Wednesday. Located in the basement of the West Side Learning Center, they provide a welcoming environment rich with style, and more importantly, hope.

“If they can’t afford it and we do realize there’s a need, we give them clothes,” said Frank.

However, Frank and the rest of the volunteers do believe in empowering their shoppers, who range from new immigrants to displaced families. “We feel that it gives a person dignity to buy it instead of just giving it away,” she said.

All items from the Agape Shop range from 5 cents to $5.