In description, Sans Souci is a Columbus thrift store that provides clothing and household items to community residents. In reality, it is a lifeline for many.
What’s remarkable is that Sans Souci, which is French for “without worry,” has been providing a helping hand for 40 years.
That’s exhibited by the fact that it offers items at low costs, and often for free to those who live below the poverty level. That’s a tremendous help for an individual who needs a warm coat to get through a cold winter, for example.
However, Sans Souci has played a vital role in the lives of many in other ways, too.
It hires people who have struggled to get a job elsewhere due to personal barriers, such as lack of education, mental and physical disabilities, a criminal history or a lack of transportation.
By providing employment, Sans Souci has played an instrumental role in helping employees achieve self-sufficiency — an accomplishment that brings a great deal of satisfaction and happiness to a person.
The organization’s longevity is due in part to an ongoing need. It supports more than 2,600 individuals annually. Sans Souci has grown from about 5,500 customers annually to more than 55,000 last year, and gave away $97,253 in clothing.
However, that longevity also is due to tremendous community support. Donations from some residents are the lifeblood that provides the goods that other need to sustain themselves. That’s a sign that Sans Souci’s mission resonates with many people, and that many people care about their community and its residents.
That’s a partnership that should help Sans Souci continue to lend a hand to residents for years to come.
