By HEAL Staff Writer Jessica Martinez
Sweet Charity is the sweet little resale boutique located near Walmart, next to Jorge’s Restaurant in Ruidoso Downs. The shop is run by Help End Abuse for Life, Inc. (HEAL), which is an umbrella organization responsible for the Nest, Lincoln County’s first and only domestic violence shelter, which directly benefits from the profits of Sweet Charity.
In June, the shop was thrilled to host members of Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church in Katy, Texas.
According to member Kelley Kerr, the group was traveling on mission to serve the people of Ruidoso with the love of Christ.
“For us, it’s more than volunteer work,” Kerr said. “It is taking the love of Jesus Christ that we have all felt in our own lives and sharing it with others. We love to share the good news of Jesus, pray with people, and meet physical needs.”
During their four-day work at Sweet Charity, the missionaries painted the interior, built a disabled access ramp and handrail, built steps outside the back door, built new shelving units for shoes, bought and installed a new toilet in the restroom, weeded and trimmed trees, and built a picket fence for the front of the building.
“We are so appreciative we were chosen to receive this work,” said Nest Executive Director Gwyn Kaitis. “Like all businesses, Sweet Charity is in periodic need of updates, and the improvements the group made will help us in our ability to raise funds in the community through the store.”
“Sweet Charity is crucial to us as the funds support the work of The Nest in helping area domestic violence survivors and their children rebuild a life free of violence and pain. ,” Kaitis explained. “Many of our residents arrive here with little more than the clothes on their backs. As well as being a source of fundraising, donations to Sweet Charity help to clothe the women and children in the shelter. When leaving the shelter, Sweet Charity provides household items that will be needed in their new homes.”
Donations to Sweet Charity are tax-deductible. To shop at Sweet Charity, visit the store at 26156 US Hwy 70 in Ruidoso Downs between 10 AM and 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Visit their Facebook Page for information about upcoming events and sales at https://www.facebook.com/SweetCharityRuidosoDowns/. For more information, contact (575) 378-0041.