Thank you, Miss Maria
Ms. Maria Arce
Ms. Maria Arce has worked tirelessly as a volunteer at The Russell Home Thrift Store for many years. Miss Maria will be moving to New York at the end of June, her laugh and spirit will be greatly missed in our store. We sat down with Miss Maria to ask her a few questions, and here are some of her answers.
Tell us about yourself – “I came from Ecuador 50 years ago. I lived in New York and worked in the fashion industry until I retired. I got married and have two grown daughters and a grandson. I moved to Orlando and started volunteering for The Russell Home Thrift Store in 2009, when it was located on Michigan and Shine avenues with the late Mr. Jim Harris, God bless him and may his soul rest in peace. I am sad to be leaving but I’ll be happy to be close to my daughter, grandson, and my aunt. I have made many friends, especially Miss Tommy, she has been my number one volunteer co-worker.”
How did you find out about The Russell Home – “I used to go sightseeing to see what was around on the Lynx buses. I saw the Thrift Store and I went in, and Carol was there, at that time she was the cashier. I asked her if she needed volunteers and she gave me Mr. Jim’s phone number and so I called. He told me, “Yes!”
What do you like about volunteering at the Thrift Store – “I like to give back to the community. In New York I used to volunteer at Hospice in the hospital where Hospice visits with the bedridden people. So I like to volunteer.”
Favorite memories about the Thrift Store – “Being with all the Russell Home community of volunteers. I’ve been many times to the old residence and now it’s beautiful, everything is new.
Thank you again Miss Maria for your dedication, support, and love for what we do for our Russell Home children!!!! We will miss you.
This summer, we are giving away a FREE gift to any child in the store when their adult buys an item. We have lots of summer clothes for adults and children, bathing suits, sunglasses, pool party supplies, and when it rains, we have children’s VHS tapes available, 10 for only $1!!!! We also have plenty of kitchen supplies for your summer parties.
The Russell Home for Atypical Children Thrift Store is located at 5517 S. Orange Ave., 32809. We are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-5:30pm. We gladly accept your donations on those same days from 10am-3pm. Everything that is sold in our thrift store has come from you, our community, and ALL profits go directly back to The Russell Home to aid in our quest in giving our children the best possible care they can have. So thank you for contributing to the care of our children!