Ellsworth -
At the Ellsworth shop, the Clothes Closet, the business slogan is all about keeping the faith, according to store manager, Bonnie Moretto. "Whenever we need something, we pray for that item and it comes," said Moretto.
It's something she believes in, even when the responsibilities seem to keep piling on. The full time nurse and part-time business owner explained, "The needs are many and we're trying to fill as many as we can."
Her retail shop isn't one that generates business in the usual sense of the word. It's a store where the entire inventory is donated and it costs customers in need nothing.
"It's unreal. People come in so thankful because they feel like they can get clothes here and put their money towards electricity or food," she said.
The initiative has helped put clothes on the backs of hundreds, but has made putting a roof over a business, with no profit, tough.
"When you pray, you pray for the things you need, and we need something as big as this or larger," Moretto said.
She's been allowed to stay in her space on High Street rent free, thanks to a generous landlord, since December, but was just given 30 days to notice to pack up.
She said, "I was pounding the pavement all day Friday looking for a place, but I haven't come up with anything yet."
Right now, her biggest concern though is the nearly 150 people who come through here every weekend.
"I've had people in tears when they found out we were moving and they didn't know we were moving. They actually come in here in tears where are we going to go, where are we going to get help," said Moretto, breaking down into tears herself.
As a tenant, she isn't necessarily a top candidate, unable to afford rent or utilities, but as a store owner in the business of helping others, she's hoping someone will put a little faith in her.
"I know God will provide it. He provided this one and He'll provide us another one, and I just don't know where it's going to be."
If you would like to help, you can contact Moretto at 460-1576.
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