The Center is open in Devine at the end of the Devine VFW building. It is an amazing thrift shop with all kinds of clothes, many brand new at very low prices, as well as various toys, movies and miscellaneous household items all for sale
A partnership grew out of the VFW Post 2966 Auxiliary and The Center over the years. Now that times are tough for the VFW, The Center is going to return the generosity bestowed them by the wonderful people of the VFW and Auxiliary by donating part of their proceeds to help the VFW and Auxiliary pay their bills since their main sources of income have been closed for months due to COVID-19, which were their bingo nights and canteen.
Bingo is back open now, but the canteen is still shut down so they are doing some renovations instead that were needed. Bingo is starting to build back up as they are using social distancing measures and more and more people are showing up each week.
Originally The Center was opened to help people of the community by providing victims of crime, fire and poverty free assistance with clothing and household goods. The Center’s focus is to restore HOPE with Compassion and Respect, operating since 2018.
The Center’s main focus is still helping victims and those in need.
They take donations Monday through Friday 10 am to 2 pm. They are open for shopping on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm.
Donations are always accepted; gently used clothes, shoes, and household items to include appliances. Please contact Margo to arrange pick up at 210-589-3088.
Margo Fernandez is the inspiration behind it all. Stop in and say hi and check out all the great deals. She is a very energetic person and loves helping those in need; her positive attitude is infectious. She has 18 years of experience in law enforcement and knows what it is like personally as well to be in need, having lived in a car up to the age of 7 years old with her parents, and then in foster care after that. Margo loves helping the community, especially those that are in need.
The Center is located at 211 W. College Ave., Devine located inside the VFW near the post office. The phone number to the center is 830-663-8033.
By K.K. Calame
Publisher