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May Court Club‘s Nearly New shop is in the business of helping needy women and children he May Court Club of | Kitchenerâ€"Waterloo is making the old new again, well nearly new. The women‘s volunteer association, which focuses its work on women and chilâ€" dren in need in the local area, has had great success with its oneâ€"ofâ€"aâ€"kind conâ€" signment shop known as Nearly New. The business, which is completely notâ€"forâ€"profit, accepts quality used articles of clothing for women and children, as well as smaller household items such as knickknacks and books, and sells them at affordable prices. The clothing must be in perfect condition, free of odours, clean, pressed, and of recent styling. Clothes are also to be brought in on hangers. Items that are not acceptâ€" able include long winter coats, lingerie, doubleâ€"knit polyester or any clothing with pilling. All funds from sold items then go directly to a number of local charities, such as the Hospice of Waterloo Region, St. Monica House, Anselma House, Family and Children‘s Services, Mary‘s Place, ROOF and the John Howard Society. The shop is operated by more than 100 May Court members and volunteers, and has enjoyed its home on Belmont Avenue since the late 1970s. "We are a unique shop in that we service people who come in to shap by providâ€" ing them with quality clothâ€" ing at affordable prices," explained Michelle Way, coâ€" convenor of the local chapâ€" ter of the club. "And we also service the community by giving all the money we make back. "Our shareholders are the community." â€" Make no mistake though, despite its generosity, the club still has the responsibilâ€" ities of a regular business. "We still have to pay taxes, expenses and rent," Way said. â€" The club has ventured into the community at times requesting donations . to help offset some of the costs. Some local businesses have even gone to bat for the club, offering to pay a month‘s worth of rent for the space the group occupies. By Anprea Baney Chronicle Staff _ May Court Club of Kitchenerâ€"Waterloo coâ€"convenor Michelle Way fixes a display of just one of the many items of clothing which can be found at the Nearly New store. "When businesses do that, we be sure to put a sign up in the window saying ‘this month‘s rent was sponsored by...‘," Way said. Way said there seems to be an increasing demand in the need for the shop, as it is sometimes difficult to keep certain racks full. Yet, she added, any items that are not sold during a period of time are then donated to the Mennonite Relief Centre. But the Nearly New shop is not the only benefit the May Court Club brings to the community. Members _ are _ also involved in Neighbourhood Centres, a committee that offers a twoâ€"hour program of speakers, crafts, outings and cooking lessons for lowerâ€"income women, and crafts, stories, puzzles and outings for preschool chilâ€" dren;, and Homes For Special Care, a committee that meets weekly at two group homes for recovering psyâ€" chiatric patients to provide friendship. A group of volunteers known as the May Court Puppeteers performs for children in local elementary schools; while others orgaâ€" nize and deliver food boxes to certain schools. While the local club has over 100 members, more help is always needed. _ For those interested in visiting Nearly New, the shop is located at 714 Belmont Ave. in Kitchener. 8N King Street South, Waterioon 8889200 * 56 George‘s Square, Guelph 821â€"7982 Authonzed Carher Agency KNAR JEWELLERY Panthére® de Cartier Watch