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Path to bargains, part II

A Hernando store joins one in Lecanto in helping the Path, a rescue mission. Some items are brand-new.

By GAIL HOLLENBECK
Published March 17, 2007

HERNANDO - Now bargain shoppers have two places where they can shop and help the Path at the same time.

The rescue mission has opened a second store at 2636 N Florida Ave., Hernando. Like the first Path store, at 1729 W Gulf to Lake Highway in Lecanto, the new store has an eclectic set of offerings.

"We have bargains galore," said store manager Sue Proctor. "The biggest thing I've sold in the last couple of days is several paintings. We have lots of little treasures."

Along with used items, the two stores offer new furniture and other unused merchandise, Path executive director DuWayne Sipper said.

"We take it out of the box, build it and put it on the floor," Sipper said. "This stuff is beautiful. I would purchase this stuff in a second and put it in my own home."

The store also has good quality used furniture.

Although the merchandise changes constantly according to what is donated or purchased, recent offerings in the new store included furniture, knickknacks, seasonal items, rugs, candles, antiques, mirrors, paintings, china, lamps, a console stereo with turntable, baskets, pottery, small appliances and crystal.

"I found the rug I've been looking for for a year and a half," shopper Linda Rigdon said as her purchases were being rung up last week.

Mrs. Rigdon and her daughter, Chelsey, said they were pleased to find so many high-quality items at the store. They bought several.

"We have plenty of overflow from the store on 44 (Gulf to Lake Highway)," Sipper said. "We're finding that both store managers are sending customers back and forth. They have products that are so different."

The Lecanto store, managed by Sherry Knight, also carries appliances and unused hardware and has a children's boutique.

Both Path stores need volunteers badly.

"Our store manager is running around like crazy trying to get everything done," Sipper said. "We just don't have the volunteers to help us sort it and help us get it out of the shed. We're getting plenty of donations (of items). It's getting it sorted, priced and on the floor that is the problem."

Volunteers for the stores are a priority right now, but help is needed to fertilize and water the 10-acre vegetable garden that provides food for those living at the Beverly Hills shelter and provides some cash flow through sales of the excess crops.

Others could make phone calls to let people know that the Path truck will be on their street if they have items they would like to be picked up for donation. There are more projects that need a hand.

"We don't have the help that we need to keep all these different things going," Sipper said.

That's why Proctor's eyes lit up when Mrs. Rigdon asked her a question that everyone at the ministry loves to hear:

"Do you ever need volunteers?"

Fast Facts:

To help a cause

To volunteer or donate: Path store hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. If you would like to volunteer at either store, or get information about pickup of donations, call 746-9084.

To run: Crystal River Mayor Ron Kitchen will help lead a fundraising run for the Path on April 21. For information on business sponsorships, call (352) 522-0514.

[Last modified March 16, 2007, 20:40:26]