A former strip club will debut as a thrift store today – and it goes to help single moms in the community.
Clothing ‘N’ Stuff, 4858 S. Clifton, will have its grand opening at 10 a.m. Proceeds from the sales go to benefit His Helping Hands and a special project that helps single mothers in poverty.
Nearly 4.1 million women in the United States are single moms living at or below the poverty level, according to recent data from the U.S. Census.
Paul Dohm, executive director of His Helping Hands, said his faith-based organization found a need in the Oaklawn area when a tornado swept through the community in April 2012.
“It means a lot to me to be able to take a building like this and be able to reach out to people in the Oaklawn area,” he said. “The last time we were helping in Oaklawn was back during the tornado and distributing furniture a few years back. So, we have a warm place in our heart down here for the Oaklawn people.”
Dohm said HHH acquired the building, located just south of 47th Street South and Clifton, about a year ago. At the time, it had been through a lot. Formerly known as the Teddy Bears gentlemen’s club, the building had several fires in June 2013. It had also been victim to copper theft.
Since then, Dohm’s organization and several other businesses have revamped the property to a thrift shop that offers goods at affordable prices. Inmates at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility built several wood benches, step stools, chests and other items up for sale.
“We’re taking a building that’s been used for some things that have not been good for women in the past, but will be used to help women in the future, so we’re really happy about that.”
For those who would like to donate to the thrift shop, Dohm said they’ll accept donations at the thrift store or at His Helping Hands’ headquarters, located at 1441 E. 37th St. North in Wichita.
The store could use baby clothes and jeans. However, they’ll accept any items. Donations can be written off on people’s taxes.