Helperstore stocks Christmas spirit throughout the year

Through the gold netting, garland and sparkling glass balls, one can see all sorts of items inside. But if you're looking for Nintendo games or a new DVD player, you won't find them. This is a special store, waiting for special customers who visit often, not because they want to, but because they have to.

Welcome to the Helperstore, a place where the true spirit of Christmas resides, not only in December, but all year-round.

Parish sponsorship

Her efforts began more than 30 years ago with two pair of children's shoes. Rev. Joseph D'Agostino, then pastor of St. Mary's, "stopped me one day," she recalled. "He had two pair of brand new children's shoes in his hand. He asked me to find children that needed shoes but could not afford them."

After she did, local firemen approached her, seeking blankets for victims of fire and auto accidents. Soon, more and more people approached her to donate household items and clothing for needy people in the Gloversville-Johnstown area.

Opening

At 81, she is the operator of a ministry that has grown into a multi-faceted department store that currently serves 20 to 50 customers a day.

Customers can find clothes, furniture, appliances, tables and chairs, toys and games, glassware, pots, pans, dishes, women's and men's hats, coats, evening gowns, suits, mirrors, and even a sewing machine. Parishioners, local businesses and citizens of Gloversville donate most of the items.

"Of course, we have a nice selection of gloves, too," she said in tribute to the town's history.

Still on the job

"Over the years, I've had about 15 volunteers that have helped me out in the store," she continued, adding that most of them have been people that could donate volunteer hours during the afternoons.

One such helper, local artist John Fonda, stops by daily, often bringing coffee for Miss Bucci and her two assistants, Edith Falacco and Sue Tofinchio, both of whom have been with her for 25 years. He also provides such skills as repairing and building shelves, moving inventory up or down the stairs, and painting.

"We rely heavily on the good will of our volunteers," Miss Bucci said. "I don't know what we would do without John."

'One of a kind'

He explained that the Helperstore assists individuals and families that sometimes cannot afford to shop at other local thrift stores, such as the Salvation Army store in town.

"They will refer people to the Helperstore whenever they see the financial need," he said, adding that most of the businesses in the area as well as various church communities are supportive of the Helperstore.

Aiding the poor

Although the parish owns the building that the Helperstore occupies, he said that Miss Bucci almost never approaches him for financial help in the operation of her business.

"She has managed it very well over the years," he said. "The store basically pays for itself through donations from parishioners and support from local community organizations, such as the Interfaith Council of Churches, the city-sponsored food pantry and businesses, all of whom are well aware of the need in our community for a store like the Helperstore. It is a place that people know they can go to when they can't afford anything else. The store often gives items away when required. She does a wonderful job." (12-20-01) [[In-content Ad]]