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By Miranda Startare

A non-profit charitable organization recently opened in the Mon Valley that aims to lend a "helping hand" to area residents who are in need of assistance and the kindness of a stranger.

Melissa Garza

Helping Hands Helping (HHH), which opened at 803 Fallowfield Ave. in Charleroi on Nov. 29, 2014, is the creation of Melissa Garza, who saw the need for an organization like a thrift store – but with all items free.

Not everyone can afford to purchase items they need – even at the Goodwill, according to Garza, who says her motto for HHH is that "we're taking your kindness one step further."

Garza originally thought of the idea for a free thrift store while living in Ohio. After donating some things at a local Goodwill, Garza thought about the people that might not be able to purchase the donated items. Inspired by her desire to help others and a need she knew existed in communities across the country, Garza began by setting up tables at her home with donated items she had collected, and placing a "free" sign on them.

Now living in the Mon Valley, Garza has expanded her idea to create a store open to the public, offering a wide array of necessities for anyone in need.

Always looking for donated items, Garza is hoping residents will think of HHH when clearing out closets, and disposing of unwanted or unused items.

In addition to clothing, which Garza says is always accepted and in great demand, other suggested donations include: plates and other service ware, pots, pans, small appliances such as toasters and coffee pots, toiletries, beds, dressers, non-perishable food, and even televisions. The store is also in need of hangers, shelving and clothing racks, shoes, and books.

Garza is hoping to obtain a reliable pick-up and delivery van and professional sign for the store in the near future.

Garza is striving to build a strong community outreach through HHH, and the donations are vital to its success. "Without donations, I have nothing to give. It's neighbor helping neighbor, "Garza says.

If the Charleroi HHH is successful, Garza hopes to expand by opening another storefront in a separate location, possibly in the Pittsburgh area, in the future.

Anyone interested in donating items or their time can contact Melissa Garza at 724-389-7623 or visit the HHH store at 803 Fallowfield Ave. in Charleroi. The store's hours are currently Wed. and Sat. 12-7 p.m., with additional hours being added as the store grows.

Garza is also available to pick up donated items or items may be left at 713 Fallowfield Avenue in Charleroi.

Garza feels called to address this community need, saying, "God has moved me to do this, and I follow His orders."

Creating the HHH has been a calling that also brings her happiness, as she explains, "For some people, a big fancy mansion and a new shiny car make them happy...for me, the thing that really, really makes me happy is helping other people." 

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