Fifteen years ago, Assistance League^® faced a pivotal moment—a leap of faith that would shape their future. It all began with a remarkable gift from community member Patricia Swartley.

Curious, Courtney Atchley and Mary Kay Gaido explored local resale and thrift shops. Their path led them to The Clothes Basket in El Lago, where they met Pat—the seasoned owner with a heart of gold. Pat’s wealth of knowledge and willingness to assist sparked a transformative idea.

After heartfelt discussions with her husband, Pat decided to retire and bestowed an extraordinary gift upon the chapter. She donated fixtures, inventory, and business assets, kickstarting the organization’s new shop. But that wasn’t all—Pat stayed as store manager, guiding them through those crucial early months.

And so, the Saga of our Resale Shop unfolded.

But life is unpredictable. In September 2008, Hurricane Ike unleashed its fury. The shop’s roof collapsed, leaving wet ceiling tiles and scattered merchandise. The salvageable inventory found a new purpose in Galveston, supporting islanders who had lost everything.
Despite adversity, Assistance League of the Bay Area persevered. Weeks of cleaning, meticulous inventory-taking, and packing followed. The organization faced a pivotal decision: reopen or reimagine its path. After thoughtful research, they voted to close the shop, and in late October, moving trucks carried away salvageable fixtures and inventory to storage.

This chapter in the Assistance League’s history is a testament to resilience, community bonds, and the indomitable spirit of giving.