Connections, a resale store located in Urbana’s Lincoln Square Mall whose profits benefit a local agency that supports domestic violence victims and their families, will close by June 30.
The efforts and work of Courage Connection, an Urbana non-profit that provides housing and supportive services to individuals and families who are victims of domestic violence, will continue with business as usual; no services will not be interrupted.
Since 2008, Connections has been the resale store and the donation drop off location for Courage Connection. Courage Connection is NOT closing; only its *store* will close.
The decision to close the store was made “after much review and in-depth discussion with our Board of Directors,” a news release said.
Connections sells donated clothing items for women, men and children as well as gently used decorative items and housewares. In addition, Courage Connection clients received free emergency and professional clothing there.
As of Wednesday, May 15, the store will no longer accept any donations of goods that would normally be sold in the store. A storewide clearing sale has begun to sell current inventory and eventually will include store fixtures. The store opened Wednesday morning with signage in place announcing the closing sale.
According to Courage Connections’ annual report, the Connections store raised 15 percent of the organization’s operating income, but also claimed 12 percent of its expenses.
Donations off Courage Connections wish list for clients (personal care, baby care, household care as listed on their website) will continue to be taken at Connections until the store location is closed.
“New drop off locations of those items collected for use by our clients will be announced shortly,” a news release said.