On Thursday, July 23, 2020, Pillars Community Health’s board of directors announced it will not reopen The Community Shop resale and donation center in downtown La Grange. Sales at the Shop, which closed during the governor’s shelter in place order, historically served to help support Pillars Community Health’s nonprofit health and social services.
“Unfortunately, the Shop has not been profitable for several years and expenses continue to exceed revenue, as has been the case for so many other brick and mortar retail stores and resale shops across the country,” says Angela Curran, JD, LLM, president and CEO of Pillars Community Health. “The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated decision-making, as the costs we would have to undertake to reopen the Shop, and likely decline in sales, would exacerbate the deficit financial position of the Shop.”
The Community Shop has provided financial support to Pillars Community Health and its predecessor agencies since 1928. It was originally started as a “continuous rummage sale” by La Grange supporters. Countless volunteers and many staff members have given of their time, treasures, and talents over the years to make the Shop what it was.
“From polishing silver to sorting inventory to putting price tags on every piece of jewelry that came into the Shop, the work of our volunteers was essential to the Shop’s operation,” says Curran. “We are so thankful for those contributions and want to also thank every staff member, shopper, donor, and partner that has been part of the Shop’s history.”
The Shop is no longer accepting donated items of any kind, and furniture pick-ups have ceased. Plans are underway to address the remaining inventory. The organization is seeking organizations or nonprofits that might be interested in purchasing the inventory in bulk.
“Pillars Community Health is financially strong and committed to the continued growth and enhancement of integrated physical, behavioral, and oral health care services and related social services,” says Stephen J. Ryan, Jr., board chair of Pillars Community Health. “Next year we celebrate our 100th anniversary and we are continuing to evolve to meet the community’s needs and ensure future sustainability.”
Pillars Community Health recently opened three COVID-19 testing sites in Burbank, La Grange, and Willowbrook. In addition, we are expanding access to psychiatry, dental services, and telehealth, and enhancing partnerships with area schools (including the on-site Family Health Center at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School in Willowbrook).
Pillars Community Health is a nonprofit provider of health and social services with 9 locations in the western and southwestern suburbs. Next year we celebrate our 100th anniversary. Services include medical and dental, mental health and substance use disorders, and domestic and sexual violence. Call 708-PILLARS (708-745-5277) to access services.