Gloria Andersen of Asheville breathes new life into “bling” picked up at garage sales and broken jewelry donated to Second Chance Thrift Store by creating one-of-a-kind handmade earrings and bracelets, which she then donates back to the store. Andersen purchases fittings and miscellaneous beads to use as spacers. The end result is wearable art.
“Making jewelry is my therapy, and I’m doing a good deed for victims of domestic violence at the same time,” said Andersen, who has volunteered her time and donated her craft to Steps to HOPE’s Second Chance Thrift Store for more than a year.
After retiring from operating several Hallmark shops in South and North Carolina with her husband, Andersen was inspired to become involved as a volunteer by her sister, Carolyn Cobb, who has volunteered at Second Chance Thrift Store for more than seven years with her husband, Don. Don Cobb refers to this dynamic duo as “The Volunteer Sisters.”
Steps to HOPE Executive Director Rachel Ramsey said, “We love our volunteers and are in awe of their many talents. Without their help, we would struggle to provide the support needed by victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.”
– article submitted
by Debra Backus