SonShine Shop celebrates 20 years

"We have been blessed by being able to serve the Worthington area for 20 years through the SonShine Shop," said Rick Pressel, Pastor of Folsom Memorial United Methodist Church. "This ministry began with a few people seeing the need and the vision to establish a food pantry and thrift store to serve those in need. It has grown from the basement of Folsom Memorial United Methodist Church to three combined storefronts in downtown Worthington. It is governed by representatives from five area churches."

Pressel said the SonShine Shop was created with some seed money to purchase the first building started in the downtown area. "From there, it has grown into a multiple-church effort in assisting the people in our area. Through donations for the thrift shop and food pantry, we are able to serve a wide variety of needs."

The SonShine Shop sells second-hand items at very low prices, Pressel said, which helps a large number of people.

"There are occasions where items are given due to emergencies such as a house fire," Pressel said. "The proceeds from the sale of items helps fund the food pantry side. The proceeds also assist people who have an emergency keeping their lights or water on, for example, through out the year. These small 'Love Gifts,' as we call them, accumulate over the year to between $14,000 and $15,000 for the past several years.

According to Pressel, the food pantry side of the SonShine Shop serves an average of 100 families representing nearly 300 people each month. There is no restriction as to where these families live geographically.

"If there is a food need, then the food is available," Pressel added. "We receive food supplies from USDA, Catholic Charities and local area businesses such as the Worthington Market and Wal-Mart. All are invited to come by and celebrate what God has done and will continue to do through the SonShine Shop. There will be an open house at the SonShine Shop March 6 and 7, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for all to enjoy some light refreshments."