Care and Share opens new store

Marion Roberts and Virginia Todd, center, prepare to cut the ribbon at the opening of the new Care and Share store as Betty Howard, left, and Vickie Hearne hold the bright red ribbons.

Marion Roberts and Virginia Todd, center, prepare to cut the ribbon at the opening of the new Care and Share store as Betty Howard, left, and Vickie Hearne hold the bright red ribbons.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

— An estimated 350-400 people attended the grand opening of the new Care and Share store Saturday, according to Michelle Hebert, president of the volunteer committee which oversees the Care and Share operation.

The new 60-by-150-foot facility is located south of the Walmart Express and just east of the companion Care andShare Specialty Shop on Huntington Street Southeast.

The business moved from its location on Main Street upon completion of the 9,000-square-foot building which includes a large unloading dock area, work room, office and restrooms. The rest is devoted to displays of clothing, toys and merchandise of all types, including some furniture. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The Specialty Shop opensFridays and Saturdays from 9 to 1.

The ribbon cutting Saturday was held at 9 a.m., with at-large committee members Virginia Todd and Marion Roberts cutting the ribbon which was held by Betty Howard and Vicki Hearne. Past president Keith Boldt delivered the invocation.

A stream of people then visited the shop, and most wereable to enjoy cake, soft drinks and water. However, the three huge cakes “ran out” before the business closed at about 2 p.m.

Care and Share is a people-assistance agency for people in the area. It is staffed by volunteers from many area churches, including Mt. Pleasant Baptist, Gravette First Christian, Bella Vista Highlands Methodist, Hiwasse First Baptist, Gravette/Sulphur Springs Methodist, Gravette Faith Bible, Gravette Assembly of God, Gravette First Baptist, Bella Vista St. Bernard Catholic and Gravette Church of God (Holiness).

Other churches would be welcomed to participate and join in the mission of Caring and Sharing.

News, Pages 1 on 06/13/2012