An East Elmwood store is looking to help out in the community.

Once Upon A Child, located at 2A-1600 Regent Ave. W., hopes to lend a hand with agencies serving young people in and around Winnipeg.

Owner Chantelle Harder said at the end of its twice-yearly clearance cycle, the store will donate any unsold gently-used clothing to various organizations. She noted groups able to come to the store and collect the merchandise are preferred.

"It’s a great way to partner with your community and try to help out where you can," she said, noting donations have been split between the Salvation Army, Big Brothers and Sisters, and Helping Hand Thrift Store. "A year ago, it was about $8,000 worth of inventory, and this year, it was about $4,000. We donate it to different groups. They’re all obviously great (organizations), but it’s a matter of who’s closer to bring it to."

As well, the store has set up a purchase-order program to give discounts to daycares and other agencies. Harder said groups looking to benefit can contact the store.

"If other groups were to approach us, it’s something we could get on board with," she said. "We’re here to serve the community."

One of the major beneficiaries has been Stars of Promise Daycare at 114-1100 Concordia Ave.

Team leader Melanie Glaser said the program has allowed the organization to better serve its children.

Glaser said the centre, which has 64 children, is able to keep its toy selection stocked through the program.

"It’s really nice to be able to buy riding toys for the playground," she said. "(They’re toys) that our kids are really rough on when you have that many kids trying to use one car."
Glaser added the store has also made donations to the centre and supported it in its fundraising.

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