JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A local thrift store on the Southside is helping people with intellectual and developmental differences, but it needs your help to ensure those needing help are getting it.
Angelwood Thrift Store is located near Bowden Road and I-95. But it’s not just your normal thrift store, it’s helping people change their lives in a great way.
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Some call Tyler the mayor of Angelwood because he loves to talk to everyone. He volunteers there weekly.
He pays attention to details, going row by row to make sure the work is done right.
Tyler is one of several people who volunteer at the Angelwood thrift store.
Diane Tuttle has been the CEO since 2000 but Angelwood has been around since 1993.
It started with one mom and her children and it has grown to help families living with intellectual and developmental differences such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, and Spina Bifida.
For Jennifer Laney, it’s a perfect place.
“Angelwood is a perfect house,” she said. “You have different homes that will treat you special and nice. They take you out shopping and they are always there for you with your needs.”
As the holiday season approaches Tuttle wants more people to know that they exist.
“It’s always a challenge as a nonprofit to make all your ends meet,” Tuttle said. “We are really fortunate in our community that we have friends that support us.”
Beyond the thrift store, they have group homes, camps and other services.
Hundreds of families are getting help. The proof of that help shows in people like Jennifer and Tyler, who are loved and accepted. Tuttle hopes more families can be helped and become a part of a community that feels like home.
If you would like to help the program, you can visit their website.