I had the opportunity to check out Grace & Hope Children’s Clothing Boutique in SE Portland. Grace & Hope is unique in that it is a non-profit store. Here’s a little info from the boutique’s manager, Wendy:
Our net profits go to support orphans in China. The non-profit works with Chinese orphans to take them out of government orphanages where the children suffer neglect, malnourishment, and a lack of personal attention and place them in trained Chinese foster homes. The children thrive in the setting of a loving family and end up getting adopted into a permanent family. These children greatly benefit from the foster family and grow up to become much healthier, happier individuals.The Chinese government requires that our organization pay the foster family to take care of these children. We have sponsors from all over the world helping to cover the costs of these children’s care. However, we have a few administrative costs like money wire fees and the sort as well as many more children just waiting for sponsors in order to be placed in foster families. Therefore we work to constantly find more sponsors and to let more people know about the store so that we can help more children.
The store’s proceeds go to cover these administrative fees so that all the money given by U.S. sponsors go directly to the children in China.
The store carries new and used children’s clothing, shoes, toys, books, videos, accessories, furniture and more! We stock sizes newborn through 16 and our stock changes daily. The store is staffed with volunteers!
I had the chance to check Grace & Hope personally and I really enjoyed it. The store is clean with quite a variety of clothes, especially in baby and toddler sizes. There is a small play section with a TV and Duplo blocks and the store is small enough for you to shop while your kids are playing. Their prices are very reasonable — between $2 – $5 for most items. I got several toddler sized shirts that were gently used for $3 and $4. Not quite garage store prices, but perfect if you’re shopping during the off-season or looking for something specific.
Grace & Hope accepts items in great condition in exchange for store credit. Right now they are accepting strollers, pack ‘n plays, exersaucers, toys and miscellaneous baby equipment (no car seats or cribs). You may donate clothing for a tax receipt.
The boutique is located on the corner of SE 82nd & Duke in SE Portland. Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm. The store accepts cash, Visa and Mastercard.
We are giving away one $20 gift certificate to Grace & Hope Children’s Clothing Boutique to one Frugal Living NW reader.
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Comments will close and a winner randomly selected on Wednesday, February 3 at Noon.
Grace & Hope Children’s Clothing Boutique provided me with a gift certificate to try the store out. Angela
