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Way Station still serving in spite of pandemic

Shoppers peruse glassware and knickknacks Saturday morning during an overstock sale event in a building adjacent to the Way Station of East Liverpool, which is near the city police station. Story A6. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

EAST LIVERPOOL — This whole pandemic thing has been a whole kick in the gut for most fundraising efforts; however, it has done nothing but reinforce to the Way Station of East Liverpool that their services are very much needed in the area.

COVID has made non-profits have to get a little more creative in 2020, and volunteers staffed an overstock yard sale in the Street Church behind their Fifth Street store for five hours Saturday with the proceeds to benefit their building effort.

According to East Liverpool site coordinator Tammy Blackburn, the sale was just the latest effort to raise money to meet its $150,000 goal, for the organization to purchase and repair their existing building, expanding their services in southern Columbiana, western Pennsylvania and northern Hancock counties.

The overstock inventory had an enormous amount of books and household items for the choosing, where those interested in clothing could visit the Fifth Street store and enjoy half price off those.

In addition to the overstock sale, the non-profit also is in midst of a Scentsy fundraiser, which will benefit the building project. They also have received donations from rice bags sales and even local businesses, who have auctioned off high ticket items with them getting a percentage of the proceeds.

More than $25,000 has been donated to the fund, which is much appreciated – especially at this time of great need, explained Blackburn. Another $50,000 donation also was redirected to the building fund, she added.

The need was demonstrated when they filled almost all the children holiday gift signup slots in nearly record time, she added. Blackburn said that a Santa’s shop for kids appears to be in the works, so children can shop for their friends and family as well in the near future.

The Way Station offers services, such as life skills training, diaper distribution and assistance with food, school supplies, holiday toys and emergency household items. Their store is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays at 125 W. 5th St. For information about the Way Station and the services offered through its East Liverpool location, call 330-932-0353 or visit https://www.loc8nearme.com/ohio/east-liverpool/the-way-station-inc/5969004/

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