Rack Up opens doors to student shoppers

Posted on December 23, 2020

Steinhatchee’s Rack Up Thrift Store spread holiday cheer and made Christmas a bit brighter, allowing local elementary students to shop for loved ones ahead of Dec. 25.
The thrift store recently treated Steinhatchee School students to a true “Christmas shopping” experience. Michele Hodges, owner of Rack Up, invited the students to shop for loved ones on Dec. 14.
The night before, the Rack Up Thrift Store was transformed into a whimsical Christmas shop, complete with elves, twinkling lights and hot cocoa.
Prices were discounted to pennies, nickels and dimes, and local businesses donated gift items and money for youth who did not have enough to purchase presents.
SeaHag Marina and the First Baptist Church of Steinhatchee, as well as many volunteers, contributed time, money and personalized gifts so that the students could have a grand holiday experience.
“Children walked away with a bagful of presents!” volunteer business owner Cathy Mendolera said.
As the student purchases were being wrapped, the children were also treated to hot chocolate, cookies and offered a stuffed animal, before being transported back to school by a kiddie train driven by Pastor Paul Nawlin.
“They were all so proud to be leaving with wrapped presents for their loved ones,” Mendolera added.
Mendolera, who owns The Franklin Mercantile in St. Mary, said she was amazed by Steinhatchee, calling it “a small community with a huge heart.”
“This unassuming little thrift store sure made a school full of children happy. I can only imagine what Christmas morning will be like for some of the parents who will be receiving surprise gifts!” Mendolera said.
At the end of the day, after all money from sales were collected, Hodges donated all profits from the event to the Steinhatchee School.
“Sometimes you need financial support, but sometimes we need hands, and today everyone stepped up and lent a hand. The entire experience was such a blessing,” Hodges said.