Battling for good prices and combating flu germs

We have had our discussion on this blog before about where to thrift and donate when you want your dollars and your donations to make the biggest dent. Salvation Army ranks up there highly. This Saturday they will be have their second Half Off Sale (everything except the mattresses) in this month, and this is a sale you thrifters shouldn't miss. I really appreciate the fact that the store is providing free sanitizing gel to ward off the flu and reminding people to get their flu shots (and to remind a friend to get one as well). It is just that touch of kindness that makes you want to donate when the trucks are there and the doors for donations are open (call ahead if you want to make a trip to give over your goodies - they don't accept donations all the time).

While the selection here is not as large as my previous favorite haunt, Value Village, or as well maintained, there are gems to be found here, and find them I do. Value Village has become far too overpriced for my blood ( when you could buy it new at Ross for less, there is something wrong). I am happy to report that I can stay within the zip code and still get my cheap shopping jollies on.

Salvation Army
422 S 3rd St, Renton, WA
(425) 255-0171‎ ‎

A-1 Locksmith - Rebuilding a business after the fire

Here just in from Jennifer Davis Hayes Desk:

You’ve asked how else you can help. I spoke to Tom Swanson of A-1 Locksmith and he’s hoping to move into the space on S 3^rd between Naan N Curry & Mroczeck Antiques which is currently leased from Nann N Curry for storage. He would build a wall to make a small area in the front retail space to serve retail key customers. Here’s a list of things that he said he needs to rebuild:

* Wood/material to rebuild shop in new location

* Computer

* Fax

* Printer

* Phone

* Stationary, Supplies

* Labor - Contractor willing to donate carpentry & electrical skills to do work to rebuild space in new location

If you or someone you know can help, please contact Tom directly at 253-740-8872. Relocation assistance donations can still be made for A-1 Locksmith at the Downtown US Bank location. He’ll need money for basics to such things as permit and reconnect fees, as well as loss of business.

When there's nothing left - Donating after the Renton Fire

Roy Beeler

5 of the 7 residents that lived in the building that caught on fire last week in Renton have moved across the street to live. Roy Beeler, the manager of both the building that was lost to flames and the one with vacancies to house the now homeless tenants of Wells Ave has been trying to organize situating everyone during this trying time. Problem is - when you have lost everything, their is a whole lot more to "moving in" than you would think.

Think "starting from scratch" and magnify that concept. That is what these people are dealing with today.

Having said that, the call out for twin mattresses for the tenants move was answered immediately by Salvation Army and as you can see in the photo below, already delivered. Red Cross provided each of the former residents with debit cards for $360 so that they could buy some necessities to help reestablish themselves and a bag full of things like toothpaste and a toothbrush. All of these gestures really help.

But, as of today - what can, Renton, still do to help? As of yesterday evening when I spoke with Roy Beeler, he said that a lot of the things that Marice Palmer listed in her letter that can be seen posted here on fellow blogger, Randy Corman's blog, had been secured. But things like sheet sets for twin beds, working TV's with converter boxes (even 13" screens would be okay - remember, the rooms are NOT that large) would be really helpful.

While I was there, talking to both Roy Beeler and peeking in on the beehive of commotion as The Comic Den moved into their new digs in 822 S. Third Street, there was a woman who stood out in her efforts on behalf of these men who lost their homes. Her name is Stephanie, and she lives just around the corner in a neighboring building from where the fire occurred. She is longtime Renton resident, friend to Roy and friend to the displaced tenants of the fire.

"It could have been me. It could've been my house that was on fire " Stephanie told me as she handed yet another bag of bedding, fans and alarm clocks to Roy Beeler. The next thing I knew, she was coming back with bags of shampoo, razors, and other sundry items to give as well. "I get paid tomorrow", Stephanie said, as she leaned her head out of her car window to talk to Roy. "Ask the guys what they need and I will talk to you tomorrow."

Stephanie thought when she saw the billows of black smoke last week that it was her home that was going to be lost. She told me she is just spending the money that she would have had to use to get her own life up and going again on the people who are now faced with that same challenge.

(No picture of dear Stephanie ? Nope - she had more important things to be doing than posing for a photo. You go girl!)

PS: Kudos to Marcie Palmer, who was donating loads of needed necessities from her home while the rest of us were toasting our dogs with beer in hand at the Barks and Brews event. Also, the woman who came down twice with her truck loaded with nice chairs and boxes of clothes. You both, of course, ROCK.

UPDATE: 6/15 1:45 pm
*McLendon's donated the last three fans that were needed - way to go, McLendons!
*St.Vincent de Paul will be giving the tenants VOUCHERS so that they can buy clothes that suit and fit them. Great Idea guys!
*The Mayor's Office has called to ask how they can be of service - Yeah Denis Law!

Contact Roy Beeler :425-227-5433 if you need further clarification.

The Comic Den - the aftermath of the Renton Fire is not very funny

One of the other biggest losses that occurred from the 5 Alarm Fire that struck downtown Renton last night was at The Comic Den - a venerable purveyor of graphic novels and comics for nearly 20 years. I think it goes without saying that a fire and then tons of water being sprayed to put said fire out are not the friend to anything made of paper. I have yet to hear, but I think most of the inventory must be permanently damaged.

I have been informed this afternoon that there is an account for The Comic Den also if you would like to make donations to help. Remember, this was a very old building and insurance would have been prohibitive and unaffordable, so Howard the owner unfortunately, was uninsured. You can make donations at The Bank Of America for The Comic Den (it is being set up right now) to help Howard rebuild and relocate his business. Please help with whatever you can. If we all give a little, it amounts to more than you would think.

This lot of water ridden comics were pulled from on top of the storm drain just at the corner of Wells and South Third. It must have drifted out of the building when the tide of water from the firemens' hoses washed the flames away.

This was The Comic Den just at the beginning of May when the owner, Howard Wheatly, participated in a National Comic Day and gave away free comics to anyone who came to the store, no purchase necessary. There were a dozen or more issues specially designed for the day, May 1st, and Howard had said that the 300 or so people that had come in that weekend was the best turnout he had had for this event to date.

This was one of my all time favorite windows that graced the front of The Comic Den. I am a bit of a Wolverine fan, so I could hardly help myself. I'm so glad, now, that I got this shot in when I did. It was still up last night before the fire struck.

I found this Joker action toy in the gutter near the scene of the fire. The Joker was always know for his notorious acts of violence in the Batman comic series. You know, The Joker is a self-professed Arsonist - and I blame him for this entire situation. And you can tell him that for me personally.

A-1 after the Fire - Renton, you can help

A-1 Vacuums and Locks was hit hard last night by the 5 Alarm Fire - very hard. Owner Tom Swanson has no place to go and has a business that he needs to keep going. Renton, I know that you can help.


First off - Tom needs a place to make keys and keep himself financially afloat. The building that he rented in was old - 100 years old. He didn't have insurance - because they just don't give insurance out within the reasonable price range for a building that is so old that it doesn't even have a fire sprinkler system and got "grandfathered" in by the city because of it's "vintageness". So, if you have a little space that Tom could have right downtown to work out of so that he can have a way to keep his livelihood - please contact him and let him know (the number is right up there in the photo, folks)

Secondly - if you would like to help by donating to the good cause of helping Tom, who lost his whole business in the fire folks, you can go to any US Bank and make a donation for the account of A-1 Locksmith & Vacuum. Remember - anything will help, and a lot of little bits help to make a big "something".

Here is Tom Swanson himself - the city and it's members have been johnny-on-the-spot to help all the businesses that were effected by the fire. (This is where I insert a shout out to Jennifer Davis Hayes who gave me the info about Tom and his crisis). So have so many member of our community - we live in a great place, folks - just in case you are new to figuring that one out.

Renton's Own Santas

Today, I met some wonderful women who every year provide Christmas for families of all persuasions,ethnicities,and religious backgrounds. Last year, it was 110 families, but even they had to scale down this year and will be providing clothing, food and toys, wrapped like only Santa would, for 65 lucky homes. These mostly female volunteers work through the auspices of St.Anthony's /St.Vincent de Paul located right here in the heart of Renton. They are retired gals, mostly, who gather from all corners NEW goodies to give to families that would otherwise go without. Much they give from their own pockets - and one key member is battling Chemo treatments while still at the helm of this truly selfless endeavor. They have a few items still left on their holiday list. Times are hard, I know - but if you feel at all like giving locally - maybe a little could go here.Remember, only NEW items, please.
Wrapping Paper, Diapers size3,4,5 ,Diaper Wipes, Footballs/Basketballs/Balls of any type,Makeup Kits for little girls and older,Anything "Hannah Montana", Anything "High School Musical",Bikes(they need 2 more), Gift Cards are always appreciated. Special thanks to Torreros Restaurant for providing their space to assemble the gifts! Contact Pat Kissinger 425-228-6240