Mercy Mall, Free Clothing & Housewares Boutique Adds Two Sites

 

Mercy Mall fulfills unique need in community to empower, lift spirits of those down on their luck

CHESTERFIELD, Va. (Nov. 4, 2013) — Mercy Mall, a free clothing and house wares boutique, that opened just over one year ago to serve families in need, has expanded to open two additional sites in Henrico and Chester.  Like the original Mercy Mall, each of 

the locations is housed within storage units that are set up like miniature stores inside, cleanly organized, merchandised and styled to empower and inspire hope in the visitors.  The charity estimates that in a year it has been able to help 3,000 people or 781 families, locally and internationally.

“We continue to see the demand for our services grow and we’ve been blessed to be able to expand where we’re most needed,” says Stacey Jones, chief care officer and founder of Mercy Mall, Chesterfield.  “We want people to know that we are a resource that they can come to for help especially if they feel that they have run out of other options,” says Jones.

The Chester Mercy Mall opened in October and is located at Walthall Self Storage at 14324 Jeff Davis Hwy, Chester, VA 23831. Hours are Mon. and Fri. 11 am-1 pm and Wed. 4 pm-6 pm or by appointment.

The Henrico County Mercy Mall opened May 27 on Memorial Day at Laburnum Racetrack Self Storage at 1400 East Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA  23222 and has already served the needs of over 45 families.  Hours are Mon. 9 am – 11 am and on 1st & 3rd Sat 9 am-11 am or by appointment.

Chesterfield Mercy Mall (original site) is located in the Uncle Bob's Self Storage off Hull Street at 3830 N. Bailey Bridge Rd.  Hours are Tues. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or by appointment.

Anyone may stop by during open hours or set up an appointment by sending an email to bncmercymall@gmail.com or calling: 804-464-7294 or contacting the charity via social media.  Facebook: chesterfieldmercymall, chestermercymall and Henricocountymercymall

Instragram: MercymallVA.   It is always best to make contact before stopping by to get gate codes and holiday closings, etc.

Mercy Mall has a unique setup in that the clothing in particular is organized not only by size, but coordinated by style and accessorized with shoes, jewelry, belts and handbags.  A professional organizer by trade, Jones designed the boutique with end result in mind.

“The boutique’s atmosphere was set up to help empower the shopper, give them hope and show them that someone cares about them. We’ve helped teenagers put together trendy back-to-school looks, helped job seekers find a complete polished outfit for an interview, helped replenish someone’s house after a fire, helped a new mother get set up for a new baby coming home, single moms, foster families, foreign refugees, the physically and mentally disabled, grandparents raising a houseful of grandkids, and we have all sizes from newborn and children’s to men’s and women’s sizes up to size 3x, including maternity clothes.” 

Mercy Mall provides a number of items when available (but it is not limited to):  nonperishable food, clothing, shoes, hygiene, paper goods, detergent, baby clothes, diapers, and equipment; linens and misc. household items, and on occasion furniture, etc.   In addition, Mercy Mall has a small army of supporters that it reaches out to when it has specific needs that it might not have in stock. 

Mercy Mall is always looking for volunteers, in-kind donations and monetary donations. 

All donations are tax deductible. The most needed items are:  safe (like new) baby equipment, cleaning supplies (detergent, mops, brooms), free furniture, hygiene (toothpaste, soap, deodorant, shampoo), health and beauty aids (new make-up, pain relievers, etc.), diapers and wipes, baby supplies, toilet paper, basic housewares (frying pans, pots, dishes, flatware, cups, garbage cans, shower curtains, liner rings), small appliances (coffee pots, toasters, toaster oven, microwaves), help delivering goods to those that need them (transportation options).  Donations can be dropped off during open hours or e-mail to make other arrangements.

"We are currently planning our "Feasts for Families" Thanksgiving bag giveaway that will help many families who fall through the cracks when it comes to receiving help for the holidays.  They either miss the deadlines, are just above the poverty line, have just relocated, or weren't aware of what was available.  We provide a delivery option to those without transportation.  We need community support to meet the growing need this year."  All monetary donations should be made out to Grace Home Ministries with Mercy Mall/Feasts in the memo and sent to P.O. Box 1023, Chesterfield, VA 23832. 

 About Mercy Mall

Founded in 2011, Mercy Mall is a free boutique 501(c) 3 charity under Grace Home Ministries that serves the needs of Richmond residents and beyond by inspiring hope, empowering visitors and building confidence. Connect with Mercy Mall via bncmercymall@gmail.com, facebook/chesterfieldmercymall, or Instagram @MercymallVA.