THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 7, 1996 TAG: 9607060167
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 09 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DAWSON MILLS, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: 85 lines
Shelter Thrift Too celebrated a birthday just recently. The shop, at 1355 Lynnhaven Parkway next to the Ace Hardware Store, first opened its doors last June.
Prayer played a large part in the celebration. For this is not your typical business.
``Running that store is as much a ministry as a business,'' said Dick Powell, executive director of the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center. Cavil Taylor, owner of Shelter Thrift Too, formerly worked for Powell at the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center's Shelter Thrift shop. When a need appeared for a second store, Taylor set out to found it on his own.
Established as a for-profit business, Taylor has pledged to turn over 10 percent of the store's sales to the outreach center's homeless shelter on Virginia Beach Boulevard once it is in the black.
It hasn't happened yet, but it's getting close.
``It takes $168 a day to open the doors,'' said Taylor, a financial consultant whose primary source of income is derived from a contract with Marriott Corporation's corporate headquarters in Bethesda, Md. ``We averaged $147 last month. I wrote Dick a check last month, but he returned it. He said not until we're making a profit.''
Manager Chris Strange, energetic and outgoing, is the shop's only full-time employee. All the other workers are volunteers.
``We've been very happy with his operation of the store,'' said Powell. We thought long and hard about it. We had a good name in the community. He's been more than we expected. All I can do is say nice things about Cavil.''
The store is in what Taylor describes as a ``tough neighborhood, a transitional neighborhood.''
Those who work in the shop come from many walks of life. They include a technician with Animal Control, a woman on Social Security disability income, one of Taylor's teenage daughters and a former waitress and bartender.
``OK, it's time to pray the store open,'' announced Strange on a recent weekday morning. She gathered the staff around her in a prayer circle, holding hands, and commenced the prayer, punctuated by ``amens'' from the others.
``The praying?'' said volunteer Florence Cooksey. ``We do that every day. Sometimes we do it twice a day, if there's a special need. That's what this place is all about. I came in here shopping and got addicted. Now I volunteer Monday to Friday. Sometimes I come in on a Saturday. I enjoy working here.''
Many of the regulars - workers and shoppers - know each other, greeting each other by name and making small talk. The atmosphere is reminiscent of an old-time country market.
For people who lose their homes to fire or flood, have nothing or simply have a need vouched for by a minister or social worker, the shop opens its doors to them, free. They can take whatever they need at no charge.
``If there is a need situation,'' said Taylor, ``we don't charge. All we ask is a referral from a city agency or a church. Every time we give away some clothes or a set of furniture, more comes in. You can't outgive the Lord.''
Added Strange: ``We're a ministry, first and foremost.''
Taylor and Strange would like to get the word out to more churches throughout Hampton Roads that Shelter Thrift Too is a nondenominational resource they can utilize. All advertising is done by word-of-mouth and donated fliers.
They would also like to see groups, such as church youth fellowships, offer to help out, sorting clothes and performing other tasks. Donations of clothing, furniture and cash also are welcome.
``This is my third or fourth time being here,'' said customer Mary Carrin, as she browsed among the racks. ``Chris gave me free food when I came into town. I got a trailer now, and I'm trying to set up housekeeping. I like it. They help out a lot. They really do.''
Martha K. Evans, a Kentucky transplant who moved here three years ago, said: ``I'll be 88 in October. They have everything here, don't they? Oh, yes, I come here often, when my daughter can come with me.''
Another shopper said the store helped out her son who had gotten in trouble and needed a place to carry out court-ordered community service. She knew that Strange would be able to put the young man to work in a good environment.
Volunteer Virginia Little said: ``First of all, I'm a Christian. I like to volunteer here because it's always a Christian atmosphere. All the work is done for the Lord. I get a lot of things by volunteering that I couldn't afford to buy otherwise. I love working here. This is my home away from home.''
Taylor refuses to take credit for the shop's success, mentioning instead ministers such as John Shappell of Bethel United Methodist Church; Ed Martin, formerly of Sandbridge United Methodist; Frank Jennings of Knott's Island United Methodist; and nurse Dawn Myers at Creeds Elementary School.
And, said Taylor, ``I know the Lord has a hand in this sort of thing.'' by CNB