Though My Sister’s Place on Main Street in Ansonia will be closed for about two weeks, the family thrift shop is again taking donations — and items are sorely needed after the much of the shop’s stock was ruined by smoke.
The shop, which benefits the Center for Domestic Violence Services, has been closed since Monday (March 11) after a fire that started in the basement of Asylum Nightclub next door.
Fire Marshall Ray Tingley said on Friday (March 15) that the investigation into the blaze is complete but authorities have not been able to pinpoint a cause.
The smoke from the fire meant the store had to toss much of its stock, but they began accepting donations again on Thursday (March 14).
Nancy Cahoon, the store manager My Sister’s Place, said donations can be made Monday through Saturday at the store’s rear entrance on West Main Street from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There are no donation times on Sunday.
The address is 380 Main St. but, again, donations are accepted on the West Main Street side.
“We definitely need more donations, from spring merchandise, houseware items to jewelry,” Cahoon said. “Anything can help.”
The donations are not being stored inside My Sister’s Place. The store still reeks of smoke. Instead, the donations are being stored at a temporary location elsewhere in Ansonia.
Clothes that were in the store were sent out to be cleaned.
On Friday, Servpro was cleaning the store.
Cahoon said they are cleaning every nook and cranny down to the hangers and every shelf. That will get rid of any residue or smoke smell, she said.
Cahoon estimated Servpro might be done by next Friday (March 22) and the store can reopen the following Friday (March 29).
However, that might change because she expects they might have to repaint the walls.
Cahoon said My Sister’s Place has been in business for over 25 years and she is thankful to everyone supporting the store.
CLICK HERE for My Sister’s Place Facebook page.
My Sister’s Place supports the Center for Domestic Violence Services to the tune of about $120,000 a year.
