Goodwill is a thrift store in Arnold. With locations nationwide, this chain sells used clothing and other wares at low prices. It also accepts donations of clothing and other gently used products during store hours.
The Elks is a national fraternal organization. This local lodge hosts scheduled meetings and coordinates a variety of community events, fundraisers and recreational programs. Patricia Toben is the exalted ruler.
Based upon a mission to enable teens from disadvantaged circumstances to lead successful lives and build strong communities, the Wyman Center is nationally recognized for its successful adolescent development models. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recognizes this center as one of only 28 adolescent development programs pre-certified as eligible for federal investment.
Through the years, Wyman teams took the best teen support theories and wove them into a program to build fully prepared young adults. The Wyman approach consists of four key components: interactive peer group experiences; engaging curriculum that is relevant and challenging; community service learning opportunities; and strong support from adults as positive role models.
Summer programs occur at the Eureka-based Wyman Center, but the other programs are conducted throughout the school year via elective courses and after-school programs. Some teens participate in programs that are designed for multi-year development.
Wyman's Teen Outreach ProgramTM (TOP) is a national program for teens that currently is being administered in more than 400 organizations and schools in the United States, Virgin Islands and United Kingdom.
The center is a member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, and is managed by a board of directors. Private and corporate donors help fund Wyman's programs.
Formerly a military chapel, St. Luke's moved from Jefferson Barracks to its current location in 1941. Led by Pastor Ann Mowery, the church has several organizations in its 200 member congregation. Quilting, prayer shawls and a choir and bells program meet in the church. St. Luke's also lends its facilities out to youth sports teams and AA meetings. To give back to the community, it supports "Meals on Wheels" and started a "Community Blitz" program. Volunteers winterize and complete minor repairs for the Lemay Housing Organization. The church also has a charity resale shop, open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Five Acres Animal Shelter (formerly the St. Charles Humane Society) is a no-kill shelter that accepts and adopts dogs and cats. Animals available for adoption can be viewed during normal business hours. An appointment is necessary to surrender a cat or dog. The shelter finds homes for over 500 animals each year. The Shelter offers presentations for the community about animals and animal topics free of charge. Boy and girl scout groups and school groups are also welcome to take shelter tours. Call for more details.
The shelter also has a gift shop on site that sells toys, treats and other pet products.
Feed My People was started by John and Carol DeGuire in 1982. They wanted to help impoverished people in South County with a Christian theme. The largest St. Louis charity, Feed My People has an emergency help center, food and home needs pantry and provides several services to people in need. Helping over three million people last year alone, they arranged for heating units in apartments, help with food stamp applications, aid the elderly with taxes and offer free legal counseling. Several area churches serve on the board and offer constant donations.
The Thrift Store opened over 20 years ago and offers clothes, housewares, jewelry and toys at a cheap price. The store is staffed by volunteers and was named the best thrift store in St. Louis by the Riverfront Times.
