Hope and Sweet Charity

Liz Marvin and Michelle Kime both had a dream.

Marvin's wanted to own a retail store. Kime was looking for a way to support suffering women in Cambodia.

They decided to work together on their goals, resulting in Sweet Charity Thrift Store Boutique, a consignment shop in Willow Street that donates 40 percent of all profits to the charity WhoCares?.

WhoCares? (whocaresonline.net) is a small nonprofit that works with Cambodia Hope Organization, which educates and counsels women, men and children rescued from or at high risk of human trafficking.

When visiting Cambodia with a friend several years ago, Kime saw how difficult it was for women to find jobs that paid a fair living wage.

"I saw girls working long, hard hours and being paid very little for the clothing which they made," Kime said.

Kime and Marvin work with WhoCares? and decided to employ the Cambodian women and girls to make aprons, tablecloths and bags. Kime and Marvin provide the materials and then sell the products here in America and send profits back to CHO.

"We are living our dream. We want to help these girls live theirs," Marvin said.

The bags will be sold at Sweet Charity and are made of a Cambodian cotton/silk mix. The square, round and messenger styles range in price from $22 to $30.

They are part of an inventory displayed against the store's vibrant purple with silver-accented backdrop. Top 40 music adds a fun vibe. A vanilla-scented candle fills the store with a luxe aroma. The work of a local photographer is featured throughout Sweet Charity.

Men's and women's clothing, arranged by size, comes from both donors and consigners, who receive 40 percent of the final sales price.

The back wall of the store houses shelves holding varied shoe styles.

"We are committed to finding quality brand-name, gently worn clothing and selling it at a low price," Kime said. Anyone can help by donating.

The store has an Artisan's Nook with handcrafted jewelry, soy wax candles and handmade stuffed toy monsters.

"These are all local Lancaster artists that are selling their items in our store, and we are looking for more," Marvin said.

They want to run a socially responsible store, which includes giving a discount to customers who come to the shop with their own reusable bag.

"Shopping consignment and thrift stores is a great way to recycle good clothing, great for the budget, and is socially responsible," Kime said.

The women credit many friends and family members and local businesses that have donated their services and helped to make this dream a reality.

Marvin's future goal is to open more stores, specifically one solely for children.

"Stop by the store and see pictures of the people Michelle visits and helps twice a year," Marvin said.

"Buy the goods these rescued girls have made. There are not many degrees of separation here. It is direct help from our store to the girls, boys and families in Cambodia."

Mandy Stoltzfus is a Sunday News staff writer. E-mail her at mstoltzfus@lnpnews.com.