In Swarthmore Town Center, a new thrift store with a mission beyond selling second hand items and run by an Archbishop Carroll staff member has opened its doors. Heart & Soul’d at 14 Park Avenue celebrated its grand opening on Jan. 26.
The brainchild of Mrs. Terri Crossan, campus ministry assistant, and her sister, Kristen Mancini, Heart & Soul’d is not just another thrift store; it’s a non-profit venture with a profound purpose. The store’s primary objective is to use its proceeds to support foster care and adoption services for families looking to adopt or foster children.
Before its physical storefront debut, Heart & Soul’d operated as an online thrift store, catering to a growing community. The sisters have now expanded their reach with the opening of the brick-and-mortar store, bringing a wide array of donated clothes, shoes, purses, household items, jewelry, furniture, and paintings to the heart of Swarthmore.
Mrs. Crossan explained the store’s inspiration.
“Kristen & I were inspired to create Heart & Soul’d when we were watching a TV Show where a woman could not afford to adopt her foster daughter for 11 years until a relative paid the costs for her to formally adopt,” said Mrs. Crossan.
The purpose of Heart & Soul’d is crystal clear – to generate as much revenue as possible from the sale of donated items and direct these funds to other non-profit organizations that support financial assistance for foster and adoptive families. The store is unique in that it acts not just as a retail space but also as a hub for community engagement and support.
Mrs. Diane Gimpel, senior English teacher, already made a purchase from Mrs. Crossan — a Michael Kors tote bag.
“I figured I’d do my part, I’d get to help with her adoption and fostering family cause, I would help her business get off the ground, I would get a bag in return that I want, and everybody’s happy,” said Mrs. Gimpel, who is an adopted child.
The Heart & Soul’d Wall, a symbolic space where adopted and foster children can paste a construction paper heart with their name on it, adds a personal touch to the store’s philanthropic mission. Behind the scenes, Heart & Soul’d is actively involved in various events and fundraisers, including a recent $1,000 donation to Well Rooted, a non-profit organization.
Mrs. Crossan highlighted upcoming events, like a fashion show on Feb. 10 where foster, adoptive, and biological children will walk the runway to raise money for FosteringHope Delco.
“There is so much more than the physical Store to Heart & Soul’d,” said Mrs. Crossan.
Heart & Soul’d aims high, with a goal to donate $10,000 each to three organizations: Well Rooted, FosteringHope Delco, and Adoptions From the Heart.
