GFWC Civic Club of Oakland
PO Box 167 Oakland MD 21550
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TREASURE CHEST
The Treasure Chest Story
On October 7th, 2002, Garrett County Lighthouse, Inc. opened a "consumer shop" called The Treasure Chest where clients could do their personal shopping while learning to manage their money and begin making financial decisions on their own. The shop’s intent was to help Lighthouse clients with their confidence and self-esteem. Items were sold at a very low in price.
The Treasure Chest was founded by Civic Club President Bobby Andersen. With the help of Eleanor Plachta, a community volunteer and business consultant, the Treasure Chest was established and opened for business. Volunteers in the shop over the years included Eleanor, Loretta Bailie, Bobbie Henderson and Bobby Anderson.
Thanks to the Civic Club’s vote of approval, who had oversight of the shop at that time, the shop was awarded non-profit and tax-exempt status one year after its founding.
Over the years, though, the oversight of the Treasure Chest gradually transitioned from the Civic Club to Lighthouse Board of Directors.
Bobby was known for how much she supported mental illness. She was described as deeply loving of the clients and very proud of her time as President of the Board of Directors. She was an incredible bridge between the Lighthouse and the Civic Club.
In October 2022 we celebrated 20-years of The Treasure Chest being open.
Although the Civic Club no longer oversees the operations of the Treasure Chest, almost all of the new and nearly new items for sale in the shop are donated by Civic Club members.
We are deeply grateful for 20-years of support grounded in the fact these women threw their support behind those suffering with moderate to severe mental illness.
The three volunteers who open the shop every Tuesday morning are Karen Lauer, Lisa White and Melissa Rank (pictured)
In remembrance:
Bobby Andersen passed away May 31st, 2021
Eleanor Plachta passed away February 4th, 2019
Bobby Henderson passed away November 27th, 2015
Loretta Bailie passed away October 23, 2022
What we do
The Treasure Chest is a thrift shop that ministers exclusively to the clients of The Lighthouse. The shop allows clients to shop in a calm and supportive environment and offers a broad variety of personal items, jewelry, basic home needs and decorative items. Prices are kept very reasonable. Items are donated by Civic Club members or other staff.
The money raised in the shop is used to fulfill the urgent needs of clients or purchase items needed for client therapy.
How you can help
The Treasure Chest is in constant need of self-care items - deodorant, shampoo, body wash, soap, toothpaste and similar items. Small things you no longer want are always welcome - seasonal decorations, small kitchen items, scarves, hats, gloves, handbags, socks. Items can be brought to a general meeting, dropped off at the Lighthouse or contact us by email let us know you have a donation for the Treasure Chest.