Hope Council Rummage Sale-Katey Custer

I volunteered at the Hope Council Rummage sale that took place at the Cross County Mall in Mattoon on May 20. Most of my time was spent doing some much needed folding of the clothes! I did get some time to sit and talk with Angie Hunt, director of the Hope Council, and a few other volunteers. It was a valuable experience because I got to learn more about the Hope Council and what it does, and I got to build some somewhat personal relationships with the people I volunteered with.

The Hope Council is a domestic violence agency that helps to both raise awareness about domestic violence and offer services to victims. This ties in well with what we talk about in disadvantaged family because domestic violence is a major reason why women tend to be disadvantaged.

I believe that the rummage sale itself was wonderful for the community! Not only did it serve the purpose of collecting money and items for the Hope Council clients and shelters, but it also raised awareness to the people in the community. Several people asked about what the sale was for and were very interested in it. I also remember a specific incident when a young man wearing an A-tee came up to Angie and asked if there they had any "wife-beaters" (a term for A-tees). I will just say that Angie taught him a thing or two about what the Hope Council was all about! Overall it was a great experience, and I would love to help out again sometime!