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The Mop Shop News of 2023

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  • As 2023 comes to a close, records show that 1,422 clients and family members from 10 communities within Jo Daviess County have registered since we opened our door on August 4, 2014.  A total of 163 new clients and family members have registered this year; 97 or 59.5% of those joined us since we moved to our new location at Lord of Love Lutheran Church in July.  In addition to serving those who visit The Mop Shop, we have stablished an outreach program and are now serving the Jo Daviess County Housing Authority, Riverview Center and local schools.  Clients no longer able to visit The Mop Shop due to health constraints are receiving monthly home deliveries thanks to Kreider Services.  The Mop Shop is ending the year on a high note thanks to our generous donors, 9 dedicated volunteers and the warm welcome we have received from the congregation at Lord of Love.  Our future looks bright! Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy, healthy New Year! (December 2023)

  • It takes a village!  Many thanks to Claire Bersbach, Guilford Township Clerk, for updating The Mop Shop post on the Township website.  Information includes days and hours of operation, products available and a review of the single page registration form. In addition, a photo of the shop is included.  Thanks too, to members of the Galena Elks Club for including Mop Shop flyers in the 350 holiday food boxes prepared for delivery to families in need.  The Mop Shop stands ready to lend a hand. New clients are always welcome! The Mop Shop is open the second Saturday of the month from 10 am to 12 noon.   Come see us on January 13, 2024!  Happy holiday! (December 2023)

  • Mark your calendars now for our final 2023 distribution day! The Mop Shop will be open on Saturday, December 9, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.  Come for cleaning products and stay for cookies, coffee and conversation! Newcomers are always welcome! (November 2023)

  • The Mop Shop has welcomed 37 new clients and family members in the past two months.  Thanks to Jo Daviess County Transit for providing transportation.  For reservations, please call 815-777-8088. (November 2023)   

  • The Mop Shop will be open from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 11.  Jo Daviess County Transit continues to provide transportation.  To make a reservation, please call 815-777-8088.  New clients are always welcome! (October 2023)

  • Mindy will head to Streator, IL with fellow P.E.O. sister Linda Joh on November 2 to meet with members of the Ministerial Council.  They are interested in establishing a Mop Shop in their community.  Mindy will share the story of The Mop Shop, distribute packets of information that include a list of available products, Fast Facts and The Mop Shop flyer.  In addition, collage posters of the shop and several examples of the books written annually will be on display.  It has always been the goal that Mop Shops become as prevalent as Food Banks.  How nice it would be if Illinois had two! (October 2023)

  • Long-time volunteer Pat Alspaugh passed away on October 3. Pat was an energetic and enthusiastic member of our volunteer team.  She always had a kind word to share with others.  Pat was willing to help anyone, anywhere, any time.  She will be missed by her fellow volunteers as well as our many clients. (October 2023)

  • Many thanks to our friends at Lord of Love Lutheran Church for providing The Mop Shop with a third room!  Conveniently located adjacent to the Shop and storage area, the additional room will be utilized for what we are calling "Shipping and Handling." It provides space needed for shelves, tables for assembling pre-packaged bags of product and carts and wagons for transport.  We continue to reach out to schools and social service agencies like Riverview Center and the Jo Daviess County Housing Authority while striving to meet the needs of clients unable to visit the Shop due to health constraints.  We truly appreciate the continued, enthusiastic support we receive from Lord of Love. Many thanks! (October 2023)

  • The Mop Shop will be open on Saturday, October 14, from 10:00 am to 12 noon.  New clients are always welcome!  If you need transportation, please call Jo Daviess County Transit at 815-777-8088.  According to Nicole Hermsen, Transit Director, there is a .50 charge per stop. Thanks Nicole! (October 2023)

  • Thanks to Alicia Fleege, Program Director at Kreider Services, for reaching out to The Mop Shop.  Kreider Services, based in Dixon, IL provides direct care programs for adults with developmental disabilities.  They will begin delivering pre-packaged bags to Mop Shop clients unable to procure cleaning supplies due to health constraints.  Service to Mop Shop clients will begin this month! Special thanks to Mop Shop volunteer Jan Hoedebecke for facilitating this connection! (September 2023)

  • Mindy had the pleasure and privilege of sharing the story of The Mop Shop with members of the United Churches of Galena at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Thursday, September 7.  In addition, Fast Facts, The Mop Shop flyers and a list of available products were distributed.  Thanks for the opportunity to share our story.  For the latest news, please visit our website at www.themopshop.org. (September 2023)

  • The Mop Shop has received a number of unique donations since the doors opened 9 years ago. They've included blankets, towels, sheets, robes, handmade dish cloths...and just last week...hair dryers! Five new, still-in-the-box hair dryers were donated by the owner of a former bed and breakfast in New York. Eileen Frasier attended graduate school with Missy, my twin sister and co-founder of The Mop Shop.  Missy and Eileen were dear friends for nearly 40 years.  How thoughtful of Eileen to think of The Mop Shop as she dispersed personal care items following the sale of her lovely b and b.  Many thanks Eileen! Missy would be most appreciative as am I!  (September 2023)

  • Please join us at The Mop Shop on Saturday, September 9 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.  For those needing transportation, Jo Daviess County Transit charges .50 per stop.  For example, if you are picked up in Hanover and stop at The Mop Shop in Galena, there is a .50 charge.  If you then go to Elizabeth and stop at the Food Basket, there is a .50 charge. And finally, returning to Hanover with a stop there, your total charge will be $1.50...3 stops x .50 = $1.50.  This information was provided by Nicole Hermsen, Transit Director, Jo Daviess County Transit, 815-777-8088.  Thanks for setting the record straight Nicole!  (August 2023) 

  • On Wednesday evening, August 16, Mindy shared the story of The Mop Shop with members of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization).  In addition, she distributed a sheet of Fast Facts, a list of cleaning supplies available to clients and a copy of the flyer distributed throughout the county.  A copy of several annual Mop Shop books that highlight each year were on display and available for viewing.  The Lena Library was a wonderful venue in Lena, Illinois.  Many thanks to our hostesses, Claudia and Sharon, and P.E.O. sisters for their generous donations!  (August 2023)

  • Thanks to Kelly Scrima, designer extraordinaire, our website was updated with a fresh, new look!  Information is easier to access, a map and directions to our new location at Lord of Love are included and the News is presented by year.  As always, the website is updated multiple times each month.  Check it out! (August 2023)

  • Allissa Collins, Crisis Services Coordinator at Riverview Center, visited The Mop Shop on Monday, August 14.  She was impressed by the spacious, well-stocked Mop Shop and looks forward to continuing our work together.  Allissa reported that 70 individuals, 32 adults and 38 children, had been served since our first delivery in November of 2022. (August 2023)

  • Pastor Robin and Mindy met with Alicia Kleeger from Kreider Services and Daemon and Angie, two of the residents living in a group home in Galena.  Kreider Servies has offered to deliver pre-packaged bags from The Mop Shop to those who are unable to visit due to health constraints.  We hope to initiate this service in September. Many thanks for thinking of The Mop Shop! We look forward to working with you! (August 2023)

  • Fifteen new clients and family members registered on August 12.  That brings the total served during our first nine years to 1,345.  Many thanks to Pastor Robin for joining us!  She provided three boxes of donuts that joined the table laden with zucchini bread, peanut butter cookies and lemon poppyseed bread.  We couldn't do what we do without our generous donors and devoted volunteers.  "Teamwork makes the dream work!" Heartfelt thanks to all! (August 2023)

  • Make plans to stop by the rummage sale at Lord of Love Lutheran Church on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, August 3-5, from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon.  There are treasures galore!  You'll find linens, glassware, clothing, toys, books, furniture, pictures, antiques, plants, seasonal items and even dog crates!  There's truly something for everyone...it's a whale of a sale! The Mop Shop will be distributing flyers and sharing our story with potential clients.  Stop by and say hello! (July 2023)

  • Please join us on Saturday, August 12 at our new location at Lord of Love Lutheran Church, 219 Summit Street in Galena.  We'll be open from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.  Call Jo Daviess County Transit at 815-777-8088 if you are in need of transportation.  See you Saturday! (July 2023)

  • Mine to Give, a 21-chapter anthology compiled by Galena authors Pattie HarteNaus and Mindy Dalgarn, can be found on shelves in and around Galena and Dubuque.  Contributors include writers from seven states who are committed to making a positive difference in their communities.  During this time of world wide calamity and divisiveness, Mine to Give is an uplifting read that strives to intrigue, motivate and encourage civic engagement.  We all have something to give to make our little piece of the world a better place!  Enjoy stories about Quilts of Valor, the Honor Flight, animal sanctuaries, Pella's Tulip Time, hospice, Special Olympics, the Tri-State Wind Symphony, cemetery restoration and The Mop Shop, just to name a few!  Copies of the book are available locally and through whisleslickpress.com. (July 2023)

  • Saturday, July 8, was a memorable day!  The weather was perfect, clients had no difficulty finding us and Jo Daviess County Transit made two deliveries...and two pick ups!  The church is lovely, the shop itself is terrific, the ease in keeping the shelves fully stocked is superb and the availability of tables, comfortable chairs and coffee and cookies made the morning especially enjoyable for everyone!  We're looking forward to seeing you on August 12! (July 2023)

  • MARK YOUR CALENDARS! We look forward to welcoming clients...both current and new...to 219 Summit Street in Galena!  Please join us at Lord of Love Lutheran Church on Saturday, July 8, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Come for cleaning supplies and stay for cookies, coffee and conversation! (July 2023)

  • The Mop Shop reached out to owners of Grand View Estates in Elizabeth following a recent fire.  If there are residents able to return to their apartments who are in need of cleaning supplies, please contact The Mop Shop at 815-281-1995.  We stand ready to lend a hand.  (June 2023)

  • It was a pleasure and privilege to share the story of The Mop Shop with Katie Meusel, Clinic Supervisor at Midwest Medical Center.  Katie is completing her master's degree through McKendree University in Population Health.  As part of a course requirement, Katie was required to identify a community health program within Jo Daviess County and conduct an interview with a key contact.  She asked questions about the population we serve, health disparities, challenges encountered, outreach opportunities, future plans, etc.  Katies's online course brings together individuals from as far away as Alaska, Arizona and North Carolina.  She looks forward to sharing the story of The Mop Shop in hopes that they will embrace the concept and establish Mop Shops in their respective communities.  That would be a fabulous outcome of our engaging conversation! Thank you for your interest and enthusiasm Katie!  Best wishes as you complete your coursework!  (June 2023)

  • On Monday, June 26, carts, red wagons and boxes of product will be loaded into the cars of our dedicated volunteers as we prepare to say our final farewell to what has been the home of The Mop Shop since we opened nine years ago.  Our volunteers, helpful spouses and special friends all rallied to help with the move.  The shelves at our new location at Lord of Love Lutheran Church, 219 Summit Street in Galena, are full and we are eager to welcome new and current clients to our spacious shop!  Please mark your calendars and join us on Saturday, July 8 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon!  We hope to see you there! Call Jo Daviess County Transit at 815-777-8088 if you are in need of transportation. (June 2023)

  • It was admittedly bittersweet as we began packing product and moving shelves from The Mop Shop after closing our door on Saturday, June 10.  Missy and I had wiped down the walls, added stripes, washed the floors and purchased furniture and product as we prepared to open the Mop Shop in August of 2014.  A logo and website had been created and we had assembled a fabulous group of volunteers and our dedicated donors were and continue to be exceedingly generous.  It was Missy's greatest wish that she would live to celebrate our fifth anniversary on August 4, 2019.   My heart broke when she passed away on July 12...just 23 days shy of her goal.  I miss her every day and always will.  I know she is smiling on us all today, pleased at what we've achieved and joining us as we look toward the future.  (June 2023) ​

  • After nearly nine years at the Northwest Academy, The Mop Shop will be relocating next month. Our final distribution day in Elizabeth will be Saturday, June 10 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.  On behalf of all our volunteers, I would like to thank Village President Mike Dittmar and his Board, Village Clerk Karla Rolwes, former Village Clerk Barbara Brown, Norma Schwirtz, Claudia Johnson, Andrea Young and all the Food Basket volunteers and Tracy Dahl, Director of the Northwest Special Education Cooperative, for embracing The Mop Shop.  It has been a pleasure and privilege to share space with you.  I also want to acknowledge the assistance and encouragement the late Jack Graves provided as we worked to open The Mop Shop. Records show that 1,278 clients and family members from 10 communities within Jo Daviess County have registered at The Mop Shop.  We will continue to expand our outreach efforts as we lend a hand to those in need.  (May 2023)​

  • NEWS YOU CAN USE!!  Work in our new home at Lord of Love Lutheran Church continues! Walls have been prepped and painted, new shelving units have been purchased and assembled, shelf liners have arrived, some signage has been hung and moving dates have been identified!  Thanks to our volunteers and some dedicated spouses, The Mop Shop will be moving from our home in Elizabeth to our new home in Galena on Monday and Tuesday, June 26 and 27.  Our first distribution date at Lord of Love will be Saturday, July 8.  We look forward to seeing you there! (May 2023)​

  • BREAKING NEWS!!  SAME Day, SAME Time, SAME People, SAME Product, NEW LOCATION!!

    • Please follow us to our new, spacious location at Lord of Love Lutheran Church, 219 Summit Street in Galena.  We will be open from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon the second Saturday of the month.  Visit on Saturday, July 8, August 12, September 9, October 14, November 11 and December 9.  Due to construction on Highway 20, the exit to Summit Street is temporarily closed.  Please use these easy alternate routes!  We look forward to seeing you at our new location! ​​

    • From Highway 20 West...continue on Highway 20 to Irvine Street, just past McDonald's.  Turn right on Irvine and continue to Ridge Street.  Turn right on Ridge and right again onto Summit Street.  The Mop Shop is in Lord of Love Lutheran Church at the south end of the Galena Stauss complex.  Volunteers will be there to greet you!​

    • From Stagecoach Trail...Turn left on Bench Street.  Continue 1 block and turn right onto Franklin Street.  Continue to the three-way stop at the top of the hill.  At the three-way stop, turn left onto Hill Street.  Continue straight onto Ridge Street until you see Summit Street.  Turn right.  The Mop Shop is in Lord of Love Lutheran Church at the south end of the Galena Stauss complex.  Volunteers will be there to greet you!​

    • From Highway 20 East...Continue past Walmart and the Community Bank of Galena.  Move to the left-hand lane as you approach the three-way stop.  Continue onto Franklin Street.  You will pass the Galena schools.  Turn right onto Hill Street.  Continue straight onto Ridge Street.  Turn right onto Summit Street.  The Mop Shop is in Lord of Love Lutheran Church at the south end of the Galena Stauss complex.  Volunteers will be there to greet you! (April 2023)​

  • Stop by the Jo Daviess County Senior Center Expo at Elizabeth's Community Building from 9:00 am to 12 noon on Thursday, April 27.  The Mop Shop will be among 30 vendors providing information about programs and services available to county seniors!  (April 2023)​

  • Please join us at The Mop Shop on Saturday, April 8 between 10:00 am and 12 noon.  Spring has sprung and we're well-stocked with all the supplies you need for Spring cleaning! (April 2023)​

  • Volunteer Pat Alspaugh contacted Dubuque's Teresa Shelter, an extended stay residence for women and children and Maria House, a transitional residence for women striving to become self-sufficient, offering surplus robes donated to The Mop Shop by Stone Drift Spa at Eagle Ridge.  Pat delivered 20 robes of various sizes to the delight of the Director of both residences. Thank you, Pat! (March 2023)

  • The Mop Shop will be open from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 11.  Transportation is available by calling Jo Daviess County Transit at 815-777-8088.  There is a .50 roundtrip charge charge.  Please take advantage of this service!  (March 2023)

  • Brian Kelly, webmaster and cyber assistant of Elks Lodge #882 in Galena, visited The Mop Shop and presented Mindy with a most generous donation on March 3.  Many thanks to the Elks for their support...and all they do for our community.  They are among those who make Jo Daviess County the special place we all call home!  Thank you! (March 2023)

  • The Mop Shop was pleased to provide informational flyers to the Senior Resource Center in Freeport.  They have scheduled 8 outreach opportunities aimed at responding to questions from residents of Jo Daviess County.  Appointments are being held in Galena, Stockton, Hanover and Warren.  Among the topics addressed will be aging and disability benefits, Medicare and Medicaid, benefit access, Part D and general aging.  Please call 815-777-1316 or 815-235-9777 for further information. Appointments are required.  The Mop Shop serves all communities within Jo Daviess County.  New clients are always welcome! (February 2023) ​

  • United Way 211, a resource call line for critical services in Illinois, recently expanded its 211 call services.  The Mop Shop was selected to be included in their database.  211 is available on a 24-hour basis to provide service for the following:  food, shelter, counseling, health care, transportation, etc.  The database provides information specific to The Mop Shop including location, days and hours of operation, client eligibility and products provided.  The Mop Shop is delighted to be associated with United Way and welcomes this additional opportunity as a means of spreading the word about the service it provides within Jo Daviess County! (February 2023)​

  • BREAKING NEWS! TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE!  Due to increasing calls for transportation to The Mop Shop, Jo Daviess County Transit plans to begin providing service on Saturday, January 14.  Clients in need of rides should call 815-777-8088 for further information.  There is a .50 roundtrip charge.  Please take advantage of this service!  We look forward to seeing you in the New Year! (January 2023)

  • Happy New Year!  Many thanks to Volunteer Karen Landoch for reaching out to Abbi Porter, manager of the newly renovated Stonedrift Spa at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa.  The Spa reopened in December following a move to their new location.  New robes were purchased for use by their clients and robes used previously, washed and sanitized, were donated to The Mop Shop.  Sizes include S, M, L, XL and XXL.  The robes will be made available to clients in the New Year while supplies last.  Many thanks to Karen, her husband Tom, Eagle Ridge Resort and the staff at Stonedrift.  What a great way to start the New Year! (January 2023)

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