DECATUR — Blessingdales Thrift Store, located at 345 W. Eldorado St., Decatur, is in need of the public’s help in replacing the store’s HVAC system.
The store is operated by God’s Shelter of Love, which utilizes the store’s proceeds to fund the only shelters in Decatur for homeless women and children. Dove Inc. also operates a women’s shelter but for domestic violence victims.
Blessingdales provides 55% of the shelter’s operating revenue and programs.
“Without our services, many of these women and children would be left vulnerable on the street, and we cannot as a community let that happen,” said Brian Atwood, board president. “The reality is that supporting Blessingdale’s means women and children in Decatur sleep safely every night.”
Watch now: Very warm across central Illinois Wednesday, but exceptionally hot across southern Illinois
According to the agency, the HVAC unit at Blessingdale’s failed due to last month’s heatwave. The cost of a new system will be a more than $57,000.
To donate, visit www.godshelteroflove.com/donate or call 217-422-2790 for more information.
Photos: Heat wave stretches across US
A worker replaces shingles on a roof Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Oklahoma City, before the heat of the day sets in. Temperatures are expected to be in the triple digits in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
People try to keep cool at the Justa Center, a resource center catering to the older homeless population, as temperatures hit 110-degrees Tuesday, July 19, 2022, in Phoenix. Heat associated deaths in Arizona’s largest county appear headed for a record this year with 17 such fatalities reported through the first week of July and another 126 under investigation as a growing number of homeless people live outside as temperatures remain well into the triple digits. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Edinburg Vela High School marching band members perform during practice at Edinburg Vela High School Wednesday, July,20, 2022 in Edinburg, Texas. (Delcia Lopez/The Monitor via AP)
Yonathan Ghersi, owner of 26 Degrees brewing stops to take a break from cleaning kegs in the heat, Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Pompano Beach, Fla. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)
Derell Sevenson of Soul Hibachi and Seafood cooks over a hot grill, Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Pompano Beach, Fla. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)
Artist Rosita de Amarin cools down with a chilled mango from her ice chest, Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Pompano Beach, Fla. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)
Asa Smith, 7, of Brattleboro, Vt., relaxes in the waters at Old Jelly Mill Falls, Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Dummerston, Vt., as temperatures rise into the upper 90s. (Kristopher Radder/The Brattleboro Reformer via AP)
Sopheya Gutierrez, 6, of Westminster, Vt., rides on the back of her mother, Starr, as they cool down in the West River, Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Dummerston, Vt., as temperatures rise into the upper 90s. (Kristopher Radder/The Brattleboro Reformer via AP)
Kimberly Rodriguez, from Springfield, Mass., goes tubing with her two daughters, Katalina Oyola, 5, and Jerriahnys Oyola, 2, as they cool down in the West River, Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Dummerston, Vt., as temperatures rise into the upper 90s. (Kristopher Radder/The Brattleboro Reformer via AP)
Ducks pass a beachgoer as they float down the American River at Discovery Park in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Once again temperatures in California’s capital crossed the 100-degree mark. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
A woman and youngster wade in the waters of the American River at Discovery Park in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Once again temperatures in California’s capital crossed the 100-degree mark. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Contact Donnette Beckett at (217) 421-6983. Follow her on Twitter: @donnettebHR
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