Gracious winner: Shopping spree turns into donation to Faith Inn

Photo provided to the Times Observer
A shopping spree fundraiser turned into a donation to the Faith Inn. In the photo with the donated items are Melanie Swab, housing director, Warren Forest Economic Opportunities Council; Mark Shaffer, housing specialist, Warren Forest EOC and Michelle Apthrop, owner of SpendLess Discount Store.

A shopping spree fundraiser turned into a donation to the Faith Inn homeless shelter.

The donation started as a fundraiser through the Garland Ridge Runners Muzzleloader Club.

“Mary Mohney from Garland was the lucky winner of the drawing,” Michelle Apthorp, owner of SpendLess discount store located at 1751 Market St.

Apthorp said Mohney decided to donate the shopping spree items to a local charity and that turned into the donation to the Faith Inn.

“On Saturday April 13, Bonnie Curry from the Ridge Runners Muzzleloader Club (and) Kevin & Michelle Apthorp, owners of SpendLess discount grocery store, both shopped for the Faith Inn donation,” Apthorp said.

The donation was presented to the Faith Inn on April 15.

The Faith Inn includes three apartments intended for short-term housing for people in Warren and Forest counties who have lost their home for any number of reasons. Those staying there work with case managers to find new housing.