Reopening Tuesday, the resale boutique supports the Carle Auxiliary Guest House with more than $139,000 over the years! The Guest House serves as a home away from home for families of patients who are receiving critical care at Carle Foundation Hospital.
At 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 7, the Carle Auxiliary Resale Boutique will open its doors for business after a nearly four-month hiatus due to COVID-19.
“We can’t wait to return to our new normal,” said Shelley Williams, retail supervisor for the Carle Auxiliary. “We’ve missed our customers, our volunteers and our donors. But their health and safety remain our top priority.”
The Carle Auxiliary Resale Boutique, located at the corner of Lincoln and University Avenue in Urbana, sells and accepts gently used items. The boutique accepts donations during store hours and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
“While many of our customers were sheltering in place, they were also cleaning out closets,” said Williams. “We’re so grateful they chose to donate their unwanted items to the resale boutique. When we open, our store shelves will be stocked with some truly remarkable treasures.”
The team put safety measures in place to keep customers, donors and staff safe in accordance with guidelines from the Champaign Public Health Department and the Carle Infectious Disease Department.
In-boutique shopping will be limited to five customers at a time. All customers will be required to wear face coverings while in the boutique and to social distance. Facilities placed a hand sanitation station inside the boutique’s front door and installed plexi-glass shields at checkout. Staff will wipe down high-touch surfaces multiple times per shift. Dressing rooms remain closed at this time. The boutique will accept clothing returns within 7 days of purchase (with receipt).
Staff will quarantine donations and approved returns for 72 hours prior to being processed, tagged and placed on the sales floor.
Volunteers will also return to the resale boutique but are limited to four per shift, must remain distanced and wear face masks at all times.
“We’ve learned a lot about ourselves during this pandemic,” Williams said. “I believe we’re better for it. The processes we’ve put in place enhances the overall experience for our customers, donors and team members.”
Proceeds from the boutique benefit the Carle Auxiliary Guest House, a home away from home for families of patients who are receiving critical care at Carle Foundation Hospital.
Categories: Community
Tags: “Guest, “Resale, Boutique”, Carle Center for Philanthropy, Champaign-Urbana, giving, house”, philanthropy