Faith in what’s to come
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t’s astonishing what a small group of volunteers can accomplish, and the Marionville Clothing Bank is one shining example in Southwest Missouri. Marionville resident Bruch Schatzer has been called the heart of the community in Marionville, operating the clothing bank and the Marionville Hangout, a place for local youngsters to gather after school and for families to host special events like birthdays or quinceañeras. The Marionville Clothing Bank is more than a thrift store or a clothing bank. In the old American Legion building in downtown Marionville, the clothing bank houses everything from dress clothes for residents who may need to dress up for a job interview, to toys for those struggling to provide Christmas for their youngsters, and it’s all available free of charge thanks to Schatzer’s efforts and the aid of a group of volunteers. “We take just about everything, ex-
Story by Mike Gervais
Bruce Schatzer has all the room he needs to collect donations for local families, however the roof of the old Masonic Lodge that houses the clothing bank is in dire need of repairs and Bruce said he is relying on volunteers and donations to get the building in order. cept bedding or furniture, we just don’t have enough space,” Bruce said. He explained that the Marionville Clothing Bank has generated a reputation throughout the region and attracts people in need from all over the region. “We have people coming in from Springfield to Joplin,” he said. “If someone comes in looking for something, we can help them find it. We have clothes, tools, light fixtures, you name it.” But Bruce doesn’t just wait for people to come to him – he tries to be pro-active and find those in need first. “We partner with the Pregnancy Resource Center in Republic, and we send certain things to the churches when we know they’re sending out missionaries, and I work with people who are doing community service for Barry Coun-
ty, Greene County, Marionville – just about anywhere,” he said. “I think I know just about every campsite (local homeless people use) in the area.” Operating the Hangout and clothing bank has been a labor of love that Bruce took on after he retired. “I retired in 2007, and I’ve been doing this the last 10 years,” he said. “It started out as nothing, but a third of my retirement has gone into this. I’ve worked hard my whole life, but when you retire and look at how you want to spend your time, it becomes a heart issue. Where do your compassions lie?” While many of us struggle day-today to find our true passions, and as Bruce says, compassions for the Marionville resident, made community service a clear calling.
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