The Idyllwild HELP Center (Center) now has space, a large corner, at the Fern Valley Emporium. The HELP Center has sold some items at the Emporium in the past, but that was generally one or two items at a time, said President Lou Bacher.
Now thanks to Don Zeigler, co-owner of the Emporium, the Center has its own space, which is already filled, including an original Monterey desk.
The Emporium space would not replace the Center boutique. It offers the Center an outlet for selling items that would be more expensive and reach a different clientele.
Bacher and Director Deanna Collins estimated that the Emporium space should generate an additional $200 or more monthly. This is substantial for the Center’s clientele. For example, that might fund winter electricity for five families
“We’ve had people offer to make donations, but say, ‘I have things at home but don’t think you’ll get $500 for them’,” he explained.
The HELP Center now serves more than 600 clients, which represents individual clients, and not the full family, according to Collins.
