2nd Annual POP Shoppe Comes To Boone May 9

Donations Now Being Accepted

Story by Owen Gray

This volunteer spent her first mother’s day weekend working to make mother’s day special for others. Photo submitted

They had so much fun last year they just had to go and do it again.

The High Country Women’s Fund (HCWF) will present the 2nd Annual POP Shoppe on Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The sale will take place at the Unique Boutique, located behind Mike’s Inland Seafood at 147 Perkinsville Drive in Boone.

The HCWF, chaired by Catherine E. Scantlin, created POP—or Power of the Purse—in 2006 as an initiative of the High Country United Way.
“A group of us got together, all from marketing and corporate backgrounds, and decided that there is more we can do to help,” said Mary Jo Grubbs, allocations chair for the HCWF and the member in charge of organizing the 2009 POP Shoppe.

POP is responsible for many fundraising events throughout the year, such as events like the upcoming Shoppe and last month’s POP Rocks dance party hosted at the Dragonfly Theater & Pub. The idea driving all this POP activity is simple: raise money and awareness that will benefit local women.

The POP Shoppe will help with that goal in a big way. But, according to Grubbs, it is not entirely about raising money.
“In this economy, as you know, money isn’t the only way we can help out,” said Grubbs.

“That’s why the POP Shoppe is an outlet that provides a number of benefits to local women.”

First, those who feel a need to help out have the opportunity to fulfill that need by donating women’s clothes, shoes, purses, children’s clothes, toys and other items. For all residents out there who feel that need, bring donations to the Unique Boutique by May 4.

Second, the POP Shoppe helps out by providing an inexpensive way to clothe a family for the summer. Shoppers can also feel good knowing that money from their purchases will be going to support a good cause.

High Country Women’s Fund member Marianne Hall makes cards with a young shopper. Photo submitted

Third, for those women served by the HCWF through its partner agencies, the POP Shoppe is providing vouchers that allow for three bags of clothes to be filled for them and their children.

They don’t stop there though. For families that want to shop but also have to worry about finding something for their kids to do while they pick out their favorite items, the HCWF will be providing childcare. There will be many activities and even a chance for the children to make a Mother’s Day card and a present for their hard working moms. Since the POP Shoppe takes place the day before Mother’s Day, this is even more timely.

The Children’s Council’s RV, Myrtle the Turtle, will be on hand as the activity center for childcare throughout the day.

All proceeds raised at the POP Shoppe will go to benefit programs operated by WAMY Community Action, Inc., including: Total Family Development, Gardening Program, Weatherization Assistance, Heating Appliance Repair and Replacement Program, Avery Amigos, Micro Loan Program, Avery Youth Opportunities (Avery YO!) Afterschool Program and Supportive Housing Program.

WAMY owns and operates the Unique Boutique, which is a thrift-store that accepts donations and volunteers at any time. They are open year round with summer hours from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and closing a half-hour earlier in the winter.

For more information on the POP Shoppe or the HCWF, call 828-264-4007 or click to www.highcountrywomensfund.org.

For more information on WAMY Community Action, Inc. or to sign up to volunteer at the Unique Boutique, click to www.wamycommunityaction.org.

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