Seeley Lake’s only thrift store might just seem like a small retail outlet, but the nonprofit also helps with paying bills and getting teachers’ school supplies, according to its director Mary Newpower.
Loving Hearts operates twice a week from its building behind the Mission Bible Fellowship Church. While Newpower is a member of the church, she said Loving Hearts is independently funded, and only focuses on bettering members of the community.
“There’s a lot of new people in town that don’t know that we have a benevolence program,” Newpower said. “If people come to us, we can help them meet their needs.”
The program offers up to $1,000 annually to cover bills. Since the program started, it has given out more than $250,000, Newpower said. The need is there, she said, as there is a wealth gap in Seeley Lake.
According to the U.S Census Bureau, the average annual income in the Seeley Lake area stands at $76,386. The median, or middle number, is just $46,865. There are also roughly 50 people living under the poverty line.
People in need can also get items simply by requesting them through Loving Hearts. There are also several projects the thrift store works on including backpacks for students, scholarships for graduating high school students, the Christmas toy sale and diapers for Sparrow’s Vine.
All the work is done by volunteers, Newpower said, and there are openings to get involved.
“I would like people to know we are here, we have money and we would like to give it out,” Newpower said. To learn more, call Newpower at 406-670-5526.
Reader Comments(0)