CENTRAL FALLS – On Aug. 1, the Warde-robe will mark 30 years of clothing the poor and vulnerable residents of the region.
The thrift store at 1286 Broad St., which has operated since August of 1996 at the same location, is one of three entities under McAuley Ministries, also including the McAuley House, a meal site and social service center in Providence, and McAuley Village, a supportive housing community dedicated to helping families rebuild their lives after fleeing domestic violence and homelessness, also in Providence.
Andres Montoya, administrator at the thrift store for nearly a decade and originally from Colombia, said that in addition to standing for people in need, they also believe in the importance of giving things a second chance, including clothing going to someone else instead of ending up in the landfill.
Montoya said this is the only thrift shop in the country sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy.
“It’s a very unique gem in town,” he said.
Montoya said they make contributions to communities near and far, including a donation to a group taking items to earthquake-ravaged areas of Venezuela.
Anything they receive beyond what it costs to pay their lease and run the store goes straight back to the community, said Montoya. All are welcome here, he said, including from every faith or background, and they receive a lot of donations from non-Catholic parishes.
The Warde-robe was created by two Sisters who were finished with their teaching careers, Sister Alberic Martin, RSM (Religious Sisters of Mercy) and Sister Lois Harten, RSM. It is a volunteer-supported thrift store offering quality used clothing and household goods to those in need. Several of its volunteers are Sisters of Mercy, and patrons are generally working families from the Central Falls, Pawtucket, and Cumberland communities who seek necessities at an affordable price.
Montoya said they also draw in donations and customers from elsewhere using their social media pages.
“We receive different demographics from all over the place,” he said.
There is no day when there is not a sale going on, said Montoya, so the price seen on stickers is never going to be the cost as one walks out the door.
Note: As an example of what Montoya spoke of, this writer picked out a package of six new t-shirts and two button-down shirts that came in at a grand total of $10. The listed combined price of them was at least that for each item.
Store areas and items are labeled and color-coded, and nothing available is stained or ripped. They’re here to serve the community, but also to motivate steady foot traffic for sales so the donations that come in have a place to go, said Montoya.
Many items they receive are new from retail stores, Montoya said, some categorized as used simply because its packaging was busted or someone returned it and it could no longer be sold on the store shelf.
Proceeds from the store go to McAuley Ministries as an independent nonprofit organization sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy Northeast Community, with work rooted in the ideals of its founder, Catherine McAuley.
The organization is cleverly named for Mother Mary Frances Warde, who lived from 1810 to 1884. She founded the Sisters of Mercy in the United States and a close confidante of McAuley. Warde led Irish sisters to Pittsburg in 1843, and she then spent four decades expanding the Sisters order, establishing many schools, hospitals, and convents across the country.
The Warde-robe also provides free clothing vouchers to families in emergency situations.
“While we minister to the immediate needs of those who seek our help, we advocate for changes to help improve their lives and create a sense of belonging and connection with one another,” states a ministry synopsis.
Montoya said many nonprofits or senior organizations send clients here for assistance, and they also help people who have had floods or fires. He said they’re very active with the city of Central Falls, especially the Parks and Recreation Department, as they host different events, including plentiful school supplies as they’re collected.
Donations of quality used clothing and household items are always welcome. Donations are accepted at the side door on Jenks Avenue from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and the store is open 10 a,m. To 3 p.m. on the same days.
Find them on Facebook at The Warde-robe and on Instagram, @warderobethrift. Call 401-729-0405 for more.
