Washburn outreach for the needy funded through new resale shop
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/7/6/17767517/published/bootstrap-corrected.jpg?1574278539)
November 20, 2019
Vinnie Roberts
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, the spirit of giving is in the air in Barry County. However, one resident keeps that spirit alive all year long.
Steve Hodgin, a resident of Washburn and local artist, has always focused on helping the area’s most downtrodden. In the past, Hodgin has provided a variety of aid to people in need, from clothing and food to temporary living spaces.
Hodgin has previously provided temporary living spaces in both his home and in secondary rooms of his workshop to various members of the community in need of a warm bed. The situations are always temporary, but Hodgin says that he likes to do whatever he can to help people from the community in need.
Hodgin is also the owner and primary designer for Steve Hodgin Signs and Art. He’s been working in the field since 1971 and completed job work for Six Flags, Silver Dollar City and Bass Pro, in addition to painting a number of murals.
“I’ve always done what I can to help people,” explained Hodgin.
In early May of this year, Hodgin opened up a new store in Washburn called the Bootstrap Resale shop. According to him, this new venture is a way to assist the community by providing a place where residents can buy gently-used, affordable goods.
The store makes no profit, according to Hodgin, with all profits devoted to keeping the shop operational, as well as individual outreach.
“Whatever we make at the store, 100 percent of it goes to either pay the store rent or help people," explained Hodgins. “It annoys me when I look at the percentages of companies like Goodwill or the Salvation Army and see the percentage of money that goes to actually helping people is so small. To me, that’s not right.”
According to Hodgins, the store accepts donations of all kinds, and has received a sizeable number of donations from the community.
“I’ll take anything that I can sell. If we ended up getting used automobiles and boats, I’d sell those, too,” he explained. “Generally, it’s been furniture, appliances, bedding sheets and clothing.”
The shop also currently contains a variety of pictures and art, as well as a selection of children’s toys and clothing.
Hodgin explained the shop hasn’t been able to really get a foothold yet, but hopes that business will pick up soon so as to be able to better serve the community.
“We’re losing money right now, but I’m hoping to see that change,” he said. “I’m hoping that, somehow, the store will make more money so that the store can help more people.”
The Bootstrap Outreach Project Resale shop is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. The shop is located in Washburn on Business Highway 37 next to Eagan’s Supply.
The shop is always accepting donations during business hours. According to Hodgin, donations can be brought to the back door of the shop for drop-off.
For more information about the Bootstrap Outreach Project, contact Steve Hodgin at (417) 295-4634.
Vinnie Roberts
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, the spirit of giving is in the air in Barry County. However, one resident keeps that spirit alive all year long.
Steve Hodgin, a resident of Washburn and local artist, has always focused on helping the area’s most downtrodden. In the past, Hodgin has provided a variety of aid to people in need, from clothing and food to temporary living spaces.
Hodgin has previously provided temporary living spaces in both his home and in secondary rooms of his workshop to various members of the community in need of a warm bed. The situations are always temporary, but Hodgin says that he likes to do whatever he can to help people from the community in need.
Hodgin is also the owner and primary designer for Steve Hodgin Signs and Art. He’s been working in the field since 1971 and completed job work for Six Flags, Silver Dollar City and Bass Pro, in addition to painting a number of murals.
“I’ve always done what I can to help people,” explained Hodgin.
In early May of this year, Hodgin opened up a new store in Washburn called the Bootstrap Resale shop. According to him, this new venture is a way to assist the community by providing a place where residents can buy gently-used, affordable goods.
The store makes no profit, according to Hodgin, with all profits devoted to keeping the shop operational, as well as individual outreach.
“Whatever we make at the store, 100 percent of it goes to either pay the store rent or help people," explained Hodgins. “It annoys me when I look at the percentages of companies like Goodwill or the Salvation Army and see the percentage of money that goes to actually helping people is so small. To me, that’s not right.”
According to Hodgins, the store accepts donations of all kinds, and has received a sizeable number of donations from the community.
“I’ll take anything that I can sell. If we ended up getting used automobiles and boats, I’d sell those, too,” he explained. “Generally, it’s been furniture, appliances, bedding sheets and clothing.”
The shop also currently contains a variety of pictures and art, as well as a selection of children’s toys and clothing.
Hodgin explained the shop hasn’t been able to really get a foothold yet, but hopes that business will pick up soon so as to be able to better serve the community.
“We’re losing money right now, but I’m hoping to see that change,” he said. “I’m hoping that, somehow, the store will make more money so that the store can help more people.”
The Bootstrap Outreach Project Resale shop is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. The shop is located in Washburn on Business Highway 37 next to Eagan’s Supply.
The shop is always accepting donations during business hours. According to Hodgin, donations can be brought to the back door of the shop for drop-off.
For more information about the Bootstrap Outreach Project, contact Steve Hodgin at (417) 295-4634.