Above / With plenty of free parking, Serendipity Resale Shop is now conveniently located at 461 S. Route 59, the NW corner of Route 59 and 75th Street, in the Aurora Marketplace Shopping Center.
On October 4, 1971, a Resale Shop was opened in Naperville with proceeds benefiting the programs of Little Friends-Sheltered Workshop, as the nonprofit organization was called at the time, according to a recent release from Little Friends.
Back then, customers and donors entered a “Name the Shop Contest” and the name “Serendipity” was chosen. Serendipity means “the ability of finding valuable things unexpectedly.” Certainly, merchandise available at Serendipity has offered just that kind of good fortune for Little Friends, Inc., continually attracting generous volunteers, donors and support for 50-plus years.
Stop by the shop at Route 59 and 75th Street from 10AM to 5PM on Sat., Nov. 13, to celebrate the resale shop’s first 50 years with holiday cheer, special sales, giveaways, and treats—all to thank loyal volunteers, donors and customers.
Brief recap of the past year
For nearly one year, the Serendipity Resale Shop has been fully transitioned from downtown Naperville to its current location at 461 S. Route 59 near Hobby Lobby, according to Jason Altenbern, Vice President of Agency Advancement for Little Friends, Inc. Altenbern welcomes members of the community to visit the new location, open Monday through Saturday, to see for themselves.
Managed and operated completely by volunteers, Serendipity has been helping to support Little Friends for nearly 50 years. Altenbern also enjoys mentioning that dedicated Store Manager Arlene Klucina currently is celebrating her first 50 years with Little Friends, Inc.
“The new space is slightly larger and everything is housed on one floor,” said Klucina, during PN’s recent visit when the store manager explained that her first 15 years with Little Friends had been as the executive secretary for Executive Director Jack Ryan. When she retired, she was asked to manage Serendipity at its then-downtown Naperville location. Klucina beams when she says it’s now been her pleasure to be associated with Little Friends for 50 years.
Decked out and stocked for the changing seasons
Already the new space has enabled Serendipity to provide a broader selection of quality items for purchase in the heart of the Naperville/Aurora region. Currently, the store is chock full of Christmas ornaments, seasonal decorations and toys, just in time for the holidays. Attractive displays showcase donations of high-quality women’s clothing, shoes, purses and jewelry in a well-organized setting. Winter outerwear for women and men is also available.
In addition to keeping the store stocked with desired clothing and other items that sell well, Serendipity welcomes donations of tissue paper and bubble wrap to help safely pack collectible treasures.
Serendipity also sells household items and other collectibles.
The sale of all merchandise supports the Little Friends’ mission to provide for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Every purchase, volunteer and donation at Serendipity benefits the programs and services that empower individuals served by Little Friends so they can live fulfilling lives in the community.
Mondays and Thursdays are preferred for dropping off donations
Mondays and Thursdays are the preferred days for dropping off donations, but, of course, quality donations are accepted every day Serendipity is open. Volunteers accept donations from the front entrance or the back entrance.
“It’s great to see how dozens of volunteers believe so much in our mission,” added Klucina, noting that the Serendipity staff “gives more than 6,000 volunteer hours per year. …We’re here to help everyone who needs help as a client of Little Friends.”
Altenbern agrees. The Serendipity Shop location may have changed, but “our mission of support to Little Friends remains at the forefront of what we do and why we do it. Our volunteers who are the backbone of our business success believe in what we are about and they are excited for what the future holds.”
Stop by Serendipity from 10AM to 5PM on Sat., Nov. 13, to celebrate the resale shop’s first 50 years. Plenty of parking is right outside the front door.
Serendipity, located at 461 S. Route 59, is open 10AM to 5PM Monday through Saturday.
For more information about programs and services at Little Friends, Inc., a commitment since 1965 that has provided quality services to the growing need of individuals challenged by developmental disabilities and autism, visit www.littlefriendsinc.org.
