People are still surprised when they find the Senior Gift Shop, even though it has been part of the Shawano Civic Center since it was constructed in 1983. The original plan included a shop to hold the homemade treasures of senior crafters.
“So many people say ‘I never even knew you were there,’” said Geri Van De Loo.
Van De Loo and Mary Ann Rudie are trying to make the public more aware of the shop.
“It’s nice for the older people to have a place to make things and sell them,” Rudie said.
Talented individuals and the Older Americans Group sell their items in the shop. Holiday items are always very popular.
“We have a lot of Easter and spring stuff,” Van De Loo said.
All of the items in the shop are handmade by people 50 and older. Crafts include aprons, baby clothes, doll clothes, birdhouses, clocks, wooden toys, bird and squirrel feeders, dish towels, scarves, purses, pillows, jewelry, afghans, quilts and rag rugs. There are many other items, large and small, for gifts and decorations for the home.
“We could use more quilts,” Van De Loo said.
The craft items are taken on consignment, with the crafter deciding the price. They can also change the price for their items at any time. Then tax and a shop commission are added. The money is used for advertising, supplies and replacing shelving. Donations are welcome.
“Our prices are very reasonable,” Rudie said.
The crafters must be residents of Shawano or Menominee County and are paid once a month when their total sales are over $10. They must also volunteer at least one day a month to work in the gift shop. Other volunteers can also work in the shop, and training is provided.
In May and November, there will be a display of their items at the Shawano City-County Library. Those items may be purchased at the shop after the display or, if needed, someone from the gift shop can retrieve an item early.
The shop’s regular hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The shop is also open during special downtown events.
Garry Felts is the president and Rita Trinko is the treasurer of the group of people overseeing the shop.
For more information, call 715-526-9311.
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