Lyn Marone had an "a-ha" moment the night she gave her coat to a homeless man in Georgetown, many years ago. It bothered the then-college student charities provided those in need with food and services during the holidays, but after that, "you go home, and that person is still homeless."
Three years ago, the Arnold, Maryland, resident opened her boutique, Designer Consignor, with the objective of combining her passions for charity and fashion. The store, located in Bay Hills Shopping Center, is an upscale boutique for women, which features new and gently used fashion items; clothing, accessories, shoes and jewelry.
It has filled a niche in the Broadneck community for stylish shoppers who like a bargain. Even more important to Marone, her boutique is a vehicle for charity throughout the year. The store is a collection point for Hope For All in Glen Burnie, whose mission is to provide basic human necessities (i.e. furniture, housewares, clothing and personal items) to families and individuals without sufficient economic resources. It is a nonprofit serving in Anne Arundel County, parts of Baltimore City and the Appalachian region.
Over the past three years, Marone estimates she has donated more than 12,000 items from the store. When customers consign their items, they have the option of picking up unsold or unsellable items within 90 days. They are also given the option of donating any unsold items to Hope For All, and provided with a tax receipt.
Lyn's parents, Vic and Carole Marone, of St. Margaret's, undertake the task of delivering the items two to three times a month. Lyn also drives several times a month to Howard County, picking up donatable items from her network of friends in that area. These are added to the donations from her shop, and delivered to Hope for All.
The family is also actively involved with Giving Back, Linda's Legacy. During the holidays, volunteers collect and fill backpacks with winter essentials for the homeless: socks, a hoodie, underwear, etc. These are sized, sorted, loaded and distributed on Christmas Eve to the homeless in Baltimore City.
The group also collects winter clothing, blankets, pillows and ready-to-eat foods such as granola bars and bottled water. Volunteers spend several days prior to Christmas at the farmers' market on Riva Road, sorting the items for the appropriate shelters.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
On Christmas Eve, the trucks arrive at the shelters and distribute the goods. Vic Marone is a route captain. He said last year, 23 trucks were involved, and he was in charge of making sure three trucks made it to their destinations, and the supplies were delivered in an efficient manner.
Designer Consignor is a drop-off point for backpacks, both new and gently used, as well as items or donations for the drive. For $25, individuals or group can sponsor a backpack, which will be placed in the hands of someone who needs it. For more information, contact Designer Consignor at 410-757-1800.
