A charity shop in Armley Town Street is running a summer sale to celebrate the charity’s 180th birthday, writes Andy Dalton.
Re:Store (based on Town Street) is a fundraising arm of Leeds City Mission, a charity established in 1837 by representatives of different churches in the city.
Its purpose was to express practical Christian compassion to the poor and marginalised – and it has continued to do this over three centuries. It pre-dates the award of city status to Leeds (1893) by fifty six years. Its main office is located in Fourteenth Avenue in Lower Wortley.
Four years ago it opened Re:Store shop. The shop helps to raise revenue to finance its on-going work. It also makes grants of clothing to refugee projects and those in crisis. While many charity shops raise funds for very worthy causes, these are often national charities. This is one of the few charity shops in Leeds where all the money it raises goes towards improving the lives of people in the city.
Leeds City Mission has staff working in chaplaincy services in Armley Jail helping prisoners.
It is also playing a role in rehabilitation after release through the Lighthouse Project. Other staff are engaged in work with both elderly and young people.
At Christmas they were able to identify 20 local children from deprived backgrounds and supply them with a Christmas present. This summer Leeds City Mission is involved in organising a camp in the countryside for youngsters who may otherwise not have a holiday.
Shop Manager Dagmar Truman said that the shop is more than selling items to raise funds. Many lonely and isolated people love to call in for a browse and a chat. Staff often provide advice and referrals to other services who can provide help for specific needs.
Re:Store is open Monday – Fridays 9.30 – 4.30 and is located at 75-77 Town Street, Armley, LS12 3HD. Telephone 0113 263 1406. Readers of West Leeds Dispatch are welcome to call in for a bargain and a chat.