Our company is committed to supporting our hometown of Houston, Texas. One way that our CEO Russel Treat personally serves is through The Guild Shop, a Christian ministry whose mission is to enrich the community by providing financial support to organizations that serve the elderly community in Houston.
The Guild Shop of St. John Divine creates the ability to provide financial support through its operation as a consignment and resale shop. Since starting in 1962, the Shop has raised millions of dollars that have been donated to organizations supporting individuals and families across the Greater Houston area.
How The Guild Shop Raises Funds
The Guild Shop provides these opportunities for individuals in Houston to contribute to the ministry:
– Donations: individuals can bring items they would like to donate to The Guild Shop loading dock located at 2009 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006 on the Welch Street side of the property. (View donation hours.)
The Shop will also pick up items such as furniture or other items directly from your home. To schedule a pick-up, email furniture@theguildshop.org with pictures of furniture or call 713-528-5095. Notably, accepted donations are tax-deductible. The Shop will provide a tax receipt upon request.
– Consignment: individuals can bring certain items that they would like to sell on consignment at The Guild Shop. Accepted items include clothing, household items, jewelry, art, furniture, and rugs. (View consignment policies.)
The Shop then sells donated and consignment items at their resale shop. The proceeds are sent to organizations that directly help the elderly in Houston.
– Online shopping: The ministry also has online shopping options. If you cannot make it to the resale shop, or if you do not feel comfortable shopping in-person during the pandemic, you can shop online in the following ways:
– Everyday shopping: There is an additional opportunity to financially support The Guild Shop through your typical shopping patterns such as Amazon and local grocery stores:
- AmazonSmile. Amazon will donate a portion of eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Guild Shop.
- Kroger: link your Kroger card to organization number LN812.
- Randalls: link your Randalls card to organization number 13716.
Opportunities to Volunteer
In addition to donating items, consigning, and shopping through The Guild Shop, there are many opportunities to volunteer and help the ministry serve the community.
The Shop also has a Board of Directors that oversees the ministry. EnerSys Corporation CEO Russel Treat is proud to serve on the Board as an at-large member, and his wife is a regular weekly volunteer.
The 13-member Board ensures that the Guild Shop continues to thrive and support its mission of serving the elderly population in Houston. This includes reviewing which organizations should receive funds to create the most impact in the community.
“The Guild Shop is even more relevant today,” says Debbie Willingham, executive director of The Guild Shop. “The future looks bright with new volunteers joining us monthly and new consignors, donors, and customers that we value so much. There are opportunities for each and everyone to help.”
– To get involved with The Guild Shop, a ministry of St. John the Divine, visit their website at TheGuildShop.org. You can also reach out to Russel Treat on LinkedIn to discuss the ministry.