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My Neighbor’s Closet (MNC) is so much more than a thrift store! It is a training site for Partners In Progress individuals to learn as much as they can about running a retail establishment, and more. Rikki Schmelzle, Manager of MNC, shared about the depth of training available through the store.

“Individuals who work at MNC are exposed to every aspect of the thrift retail experience” stated Rikki. They work with donated items from the moment donated until the point of sale. The quality of all items sold is very important to them. Ensuring quality involves several steps that take place behind the scenes at the store. Items donated in the entry of the store are moved to the very back of the building where the items are unpackaged, inspected, and if saleable, stored for a few days to ensure a Covid virus is not present. Hard surfaced items are also sanitized. Clothing is buttoned, hung or folded and then moved to a pricing area. One last inspection takes place when the item is placed on the sales floor. At any point, an item can be determined to not be saleable and is then donated to an outside source.

Individuals also learn excellent customer service, cash handling skills, the importance of keeping all areas clean and organized. Rikki said that they have had individuals able to gain employment with businesses in the community because of the skills developed through MNC.
My Neighbor’s Closet offers much more than retail thrift shopping. They sell helium balloons, or will fill your own balloons. They are a collection site for the Mansfield Food Pantry, they are the drop-off and pick-up site for Faxon Dry Cleaners, and they offer paper shredding services. There is even a service to wash and fold laundry for people in the community or businesses. You can purchase Wilson’s Maple Syrup, Orchowski’s Honey and Highland Chocolates at the store, too. There is often a sale or celebration event in the store and during good weather tent sales in the parking lot that are very popular.

The staff and individuals at My Neighbors Closet will exceed your expectations for a fun and treasure-filled shopping experience. This is a great example of why shopping local is important- so many reasons to stop in, exceptional service and knowing that you are supporting an important program for individuals with disabilities in our community.