Care and Share settles into new location

DAVENPORT - The Lincoln County Care and Share thrift store and food bank is thriving at its new location at 203 Morgan Street across from Edna's Drive In. The operation moved into their new home in January, leaving the storage building that housed the store and bank at 13th and Sinclair Streets for years.

President and full-time volunteer Cindy Warner said both retail traffic and food distribution are up substantially in the new location. Merchandise offered at rock-bottom prices includes clothing for all ages, home furnishings and decor, vintage collectibles. shoes, books, tools and kitchenware. All proceeds are used to purchase food for anyone who wants to come and get it.

Food box distribution days are Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Food offered includes staples such as flour, sugar, pasta, dry beans and canned fruit and vegetables. When available frozen meat is also given away along with fresh fruit and vegetables when in season.

Each family comes away with a large box filled with choices they make as well as commodities such as cereal, peanut butter and occasionally goodies such as cookies or frozen pies. Limited shelf stable foods can be obtained whenever the store is open.

Store hours are Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"I enjoy helping people,” Warner said. “And the longer I have done it, the more I see people that need help."

Cindy and her husband Jerry have been volunteering for the Care and Share for around 10 years. Three day-a-week worker Connie Mahoney has been volunteering for three years. Recently the operation suffered a setback when stalwart volunteer Mick Tareski unexpectedly passed away.

Additional volunteers are always welcome. Work available includes sorting the resale merchandise, cleaning, and food handling. The store is open even as remodeling is being done, so it's easy to miss the signage facing the street.

In addition to offering affordable merchandise and free food, the Care and Share has emergency supplies for those in need due to domestic violence, dislocation, or homelessness. Folks can stop by and pick up blankets, clothing and other personal needs, no charge and no questions asked.

The Lincoln County Care and Share receives no government support of any kind, and relies solely on donations and merchandise revenue.