To the Editor:

On May 19, 2016, you printed an article, “Church Thrift Store Honors Memory of Selfless Woman.” We at the thrift store are about to celebrate our first anniversary.

Over the past 12 months, we have exceeded our financial expectations and are amazed at how many lives we have touched. Along the way we have met wonderful people, who believe in our mission of helping those in need.

We have shared meals with individuals and families that are in difficult situations. What a surprise to find that they are just like us! They are trying to keep their lives and families together, to get to a more stable lifestyle.

Thanks to devoted volunteers from both First United Methodist Church and St. Matthew’s Church, we donated money, clothing, and food to 29 agencies, most of them local. We provided monthly meals to a shelter; filled school backpacks for children; provided Christmas gifts to families; helped finance a service dog for a sick child; provided clothing to a women’s shelter and a men’s shelter; provided clothing to people referred to us by the food pantries, churches, and senior outreach; and provided meals for the Family Promise program.

All proceeds from our thrift shop are donated to mission projects. Karie Jean’s family is proud of the work we are doing.

Your front page article, “Raising High the Homeless,” Nov. 3, 2016, by Elizabeth Floyd Mair, explained the Family Promise program in depth. We are working with St. Matthew’s Church and have helped six families.

When St. Matthew’s hosts the families, we invite them to Karie Jean’s for a free shopping spree. Some of the families have only the clothes they are wearing. What a relief for the parents to get warm coats and shoes for their children. What a thrill for the children to be able to attend school wearing nice clothing. What an honor for us to be a part of this.

Karie Jean’s Closet is located in the First United Methodist Church (lower level, back entrance) at 68 Maple Ave. in Voorheesville. Our hours are Sunday, from noon to 3 p.m. and Wednesday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

We accept donations of clothing: men’s, women’s, and children’s — newborn to 4X. Items must be clean and in good condition.

Our first anniversary will be celebrated with a sale; all items will be $1. Special hours for the sale will be Saturday and Sunday, April 8 and 9, from noon to 3 p.m.

Linda Martin

Karie Jean’s Closet

Voorheesville