I was absentmindedly scrolling through Facebook recently when I came upon an event invite for the grand opening of “Enough,” a “family-friendly, trendy thrift shop serving underprivileged families in our community.” This thrift shop was opening on the campus of NorthPointe Community Church, located on Milburn just north of Herndon Ave. in northwest Fresno.
The concept piqued my interest and I decided to check it out. In my day job, I work with families who are going through times of need and I always like to be aware of as many community resources as possible.
My plan for the grand opening was to attend, shop around, ask for more information from the people running the shop, and perhaps purchase a few items. However, once I arrived, I realized there was actually nothing for sale! The entire shop truly is dedicated to supporting anyone who has a need for quality, second-hand clothing for themselves or their family. Anyone in need can visit Enough during its open hours and select any ten items they like, and there is no charge or obligation whatsoever.
I spoke with Katie Fauntleroy, the visionary behind Enough, to learn more about her motivation to open the shop. “I’ve wanted to do this for ten years. I couldn’t rent a building, but recently, after a message in church where our pastor told us that, ‘We are the church,’ I felt compelled to ask for the space on the church grounds. I was told enthusiastically, to ‘Go for it!’ ”
Katie said she didn’t have the capital or infrastructure she needed to start a store, but with help from others in the church, she found the pieces coming together. She was able to purchase clothing racks from another thrift store that was closing its doors. Then, when she found she needed more racks, a trip to Home Depot and a conversation with an employee there inspired an affordable solution: fence piping and ladders would make for additional rack space and s-hooks could even hang accessories from ladder arms. People from the church learned of Fauntleroy’s goal to help those in need and began donating clothing. “The clothing was so nice, some of it with the tags still on, even. People just wanted to help,” Katie says.
According to Guest Services Director Tanya Nichols, Enough is part of NorthPointe’s plan for serving the community, a plan that is based on a successful community outreach model piloted by Saddleback Church (a mega-church located in Southern California). Their plan is to serve by eliminating “spiritual emptiness, corrupt church leadership, poverty, illiteracy, and disease.” Thus, their community outreach work will focus on providing spiritual support, strong and transparent leadership, aid to those in need, assistance with education, and health needs. “Saddleback is offering recovery programs for addiction, ESL classes, health clinics, a thrift store, and a food pantry for their community. We’re not there yet, but that’s what we’re working towards! At this point, we have ESL classes, one of the largest Celebrate Recovery groups in the area, and now we have Enough.”
While I was speaking with Katie and Tanya, a woman carrying a toddler on her shoulders overheard our conversation and excitedly told me, “I’m so grateful for this! I’m a single mom and I was starting to wonder what I was going to do. It’s getting colder and he’s outgrowing everything. This came at the perfect time! I got here a half hour before they opened, and I’m just so glad they’re doing this. This means the world to me!” She happily perused the racks, her toddler content on her shoulders.
Enough hours and information
If you know of an individual or family in need who could benefit from the gift of free clothing, Enough is open on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and the first Saturday of every month from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Shoppers do not have to have any specific religious affiliation or attend the church to receive clothing.
If you have gently used clothing from size 0-3 months up to 3X in adults that you’d like to donate, Enough is happy to accept your donations during its operating hours, or by appointment if you call the main church office at (559) 276-2300. Enough is also happy to accept donations of clothing racks, store shelving, and hangers.
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