Start-Up

Who We Serve

The Mop Shop: Clean Homes. Healthy Families. Stronger Communities

What Is The Mop Shop

The Mop Shop is a community-based initiative in Galena, IL, that provides essential cleaning supplies to individuals and families in need. Unlike food pantries, which typically do not carry hygiene or cleaning products, The Mop Shop fills a crucial gap by helping people maintain clean and healthy living environments.

Why Cleaning Supplies Matter

Providing cleaning supplies to those in need improves: public health: reduces the spread of illness by promoting proper sanitation. Dignity and well-being: allows families to care for their homes with pride. Mental Health: a clean environment reduces stress and fosters stability. Children's Development: Children thrive in hygienic, orderly spaces.

Community Benefits

Communities that support access to cleaning supplies: enhance overall community cleanliness and morale - support low-income families and seniors - encourage volunteerism and local giving - strengthen connections between residents and service organizations.

Spotlight: The Mop Shop – Galena, IL

Founded in Jo Daviess County, The Mop Shop operates monthly distribution events where families can select items like: mops, brooms, and sponges - laundry detergent and dish soap - paper towels and toilet paper - trash bags and disinfectant wipes.

This effort is powered entirely by donations, volunteers and generous community partners.

To Start:

Step 1

Identify a space that is available at no or low cost. Consider an open room in churches, schools, community buildings or even shelves in an existing food pantry. Be especially sensitive to the possible needs of potential clients: seek space that allows easy access to the building, a first floor location is recommended with limited steps and available parking. If there's a bus stop nearby, all the better. Remember, start small and grow your program.

Step 2

Share your plan with friends, family and neighbors. Ask to speak at churches, civic organizations, coffees, athletic leagues, etc. Submit stories to local newspapers and magazines. Request interviews with local radio and television stations. Post notices in local banks, grocery stores, thrift shops, laundromats, hair salons and even gas stations.

Step 3

Identify those who support your efforts and are eager to serve as volunteers. You may be surprised how many people are interested as the word spreads. Note that volunteers serve as community ambassadors. Communication with them is essential to your success. Make certain they are well informed. See list of volunteer responsibilities below.

Step 4

Gain support from area churches, banks, businesses, civic organizations, athletic clubs and youth groups such as school clubs, 4-H and Servant Leadership groups. Collect cleaning supplies through donation drives. Always acknowledge gifts from those who support your efforts. This is critical. A thank you note or letter is imperative and appreciated by the donor. Word spreads, relationships develop and community support grows quickly.

Step 5

Keep your eyes open for sales! We found an old wash tub at a garage sale for $10, painted it white and it serves as our desk! When Sears closed, we bought 3 chairs for $8 each. When a neighbor had a garage sale, she gave us our first set of shelves! That should be your mode of operandi as you prepare to stock and restock your shelves. Look for bargains. Work to develop relationships within your community and they will support you.

Step 6

Seek out grant opportunities. The Pollination Project in California financed our metal shelves as a result of a successful grant application. I established two grants in both Illinois and Iowa in Missy's memory when she passed away 6 years ago. There are a total of 4 - $500 grants available to help get you started!

And then...if you wish,

Visit our website at themopshop.org. It is updated several times a month;

You may use our logo;

I'll send you a copy of our registration form as well as our flyer and post card;

I can provide a copy of Fast Facts, a single sheet summary of current data;

Contact me at 815-281-1995;

You're welcome to visit The Mop Shop in Galena.

If you choose to visit us, I'll share copies of the annual books written each year!

Good luck!

Mindy Dalgarn, Director

The Mop Shop

dedicated to home, health and happiness

Clean homes. Healthy families. Stronger communities.

Three or four volunteers staff

The Mop Shop. Responsibilities include:

gather client notecards, call numbers, registration forms, pens and outdoor signage prior to opening
greet clients as they arrive
register new clients
provide clients with their Mop Shop notecard and call number
escort clients from the waiting area to The Mop Shop
review procedure for selecting items
record items selected for inventory purposes
assist in packaging selected supplies as needed
use wagons to transport supplies to vehicles as needed
restock shelves as products are depleted
provide list of products to be replenished
provide written count of new clients and family members at closing
file notecards at closing
file registration forms from new clients at closing
One volunteer also serves as the scheduler. She sends a request for volunteers to note their availability each quarter and establishes the work schedule.
One volunteer also receives product donations and wraps items distributed in multiples (ie plastic garbage can liners, linen donations)
The director also acknowledges donations, purchases product, reconciles monthly statements, updates the website and serves as the community liaison.
Most importantly, volunteers serve as knowledgeable and enthusiastic community ambassadors.