St. John’s Helpful Shop Gives Grants

On Wednesday, April 6 the yearly St. John’s Helpful Shop Grant Awards Luncheon was held. The shops proceeds of $29,400 were awarded to 18 local community non-profit organizations. All the organizations were represented and as part of the program described to the over 50 people attending the luncheon about the mission of their non-profit. The luncheon was held at the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, 125 Canterbury Dr. in Aptos.

Over the last 20 years St. John’s Helpful Shop has awarded over $330,000 in grants back to the local community. The profits generated by the Shop in Capitola Village are given to charitable organizations focusing on women, children and veterans.

According to Carolyn Swift, former director of Capitola museum, St. John’s Helpful Shop at the corner of Monterey and Capitola Avenues in Capitola Village is thought to be the longest continually operated store in the Village. The Shop was opened in 1953, over 60 years ago, to raise money for a new church carpet by the women of the church. After reaching their goal, they kept the business open and started donating the shop’s proceeds to organizations serving the local community.

Faithful volunteers to this day receive and resell “clean, gently used items,” in good condition, donated by parishioners and community members. Robert Adams, a part-time manager, fills the only paid position. Volunteers come from the church and the community and are enthusiastic about the benefits they receive from their time at the shop. Besides providing quality clothing and small household items at an affordable price, the volunteers provide smiles and listening ears for the many who drop in to visit and “pass the time of day.”

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2016 Helpful Shop Grants

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County $ 1,000 • Building for Generations $ 1,000 • CERT Auxiliary $ 1,500 • Daughters of the King $ 300 • Exercise, Activities, Support & Education for Parkinson’s Disease $ 1,500 • Episcopal Church Women $ 350 • Elm St. Mission $ 1,500 • For Kids Foundation $ 500 • Helping Hands Sr. Program $ 750 • Homeless Services Center $ 5,000 • Hospice of Santa Cruz County $ 1,000 • Kairos Prison Ministry $ 500 • Literacy Program of Santa Cruz County $ 1,500 • Mesa Verde Gardens $ 1,500 • Native Animal Rescue $ 500 • Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes $ 2,000 • Royal Family Kids Camp $ 500 • Shared Adventures $ 1,500 • Survivors Healing Center $ 4,000 • 21st Century Vets $ 500 • Women’s Care $ 2,500

Total: $ 29,400

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St. John’s Helpful Shop located in Capitola Village at 101 Monterey Ave. Tel: 831-475-0957