THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, October 29, 1994 TAG: 9410290222
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
The C.O.P.S. store - a community-assistance store that gives donated clothes and food to the city's needy - will close this afternoon because money has run out.
Police officer Mickie Goss, founder of the Chaplains Organization, Police and Sheriff's store, said funding for the store is at a trickle.
The volunteer-staffed store, which opened in April 1993, has offered donations to more than 10,000 people, organizers said.
``It is with deep regret that I announce the closing of the C.O.P.S. store at 125 South Plaza Trail,'' Goss said in a written statement.
``A very tight budget and slowing of monetary donations have forced the decision to cease our community assistance program. Hard economic times helped to bring about the C.O.P.S. store, and worked to bring it to an end. It was our hope to weather the worst and continue to help those in our community in need, but that was not to be the case.''
The store had been surviving on a threadbare budget of donations. Area residents and businesses donated time and equipment to get the store going. After a fire in June 1993, supporters repaired the store much more quickly than Goss had expected.
``My heartfelt thanks goes to each of my neighbors who have supported us through their donations, and to the staff of volunteers who have given freely of their time and talents,'' Goss said.
The store will open at 10 a.m. today and close for good at 4 p.m. Goss said the store will still fulfill its Thanksgiving commitments. by CNB