If I could give more than 5 stars I would for the People's Free Boutique by Quirk. I was looking…read morefor a place to donate for all of those affected by the LA fires. That's when I found Melynda and Quirk. What Melynda has done is not only absolute genius, but shows what an enormous heart this woman has, her incredible kindness and fantastic talent!
I was in the entertainment business for 17 years, with the majority of that time working in the costume department. I was extremely grateful for having a good career but had to leave to take care of my special needs son. I've worked as a private stylist whenever the time permitted but that was becoming less and less.
When the fires happened I wanted desperately to do something, get involved, help. By doing something I really knew how to do. I considered trying to put together some kind of free store but absolutely knew I would not be able to devote the time needed. When I found out what Melynda was doing I was absolutely thrilled! Contacted her immediately and told her I had a garage full of beautiful things that I wanted to donate. We immediately exchanged numbers, with Melynda giving me her private cell immediately. With the help of my husband we got to work! When we got to the first location there were a fantastic group of folks loading box after box into a U-Haul. They were loading in from the donations that had been delivered or shipped to Quirk to move to their next location which was much larger.
Our first trip we were delivering rolling racks, clothing, and boxes of supplies. That's when I met Melynda! We gave each other a big hug like we'd been friends our whole lives. I told her I was so incredibly grateful for what she was doing! She just smiled and said she wanted to do her best to help. She didn't hesitate to start helping load boxes and managing to do it all while being fashionably dressed!!! Impressive in itself!! When I went around the corner on the 2nd floor towards her shop the amount of rolling racks, racks of shoes, racks of every kind of supplies lined up all the way down the hall on both sides. There were boxes and boxes, bags and bags. Melynda was at this point back near her shop. A young woman, of normal size was trying on different outfits that had been put together for her. Not only did everything fit, it was stylish and fun and with each outfit you could tell whatever this lovely woman had been through for a brief moment all that seemed gone and she was shopping and enjoying herself. As well as getting advice from someone who knew her fashion! Finding new and flattering outfits she might not have put together on her own. She seemed so completely happy and it was something that really has stayed with me to this day.
Melynda's shop was full of great clothes for women that had been donated and the shop across the hall was filled with men's. Everything was on hangers, had been sorted by size and quality checked, I know because I immediately started helping! I actually was sent to the next floor, where I saw again the massive amount of donations!!! It was so well organized. This floor was where everything was being sorted and sized, it was just amazing!
After the years of experience of going through costume houses, loading and transporting rolling racks full of clothing, setting up wardrobe trailers, it was absolutely obvious to me how much work was required to get all of this done!
When I was sorting, I came across a beautiful vintage piece and put it aside. Later I showed it to Melynda, thinking she might actually want it for her store. She immediately recognized the vintage designer, knew it was valuable and said it would make someone truly happy. Not thinking twice about keeping it!
And that's how I was immediately in 100 percent!
The following Sunday we were delivering another load but now to the new space. It was huge! Very well organized, and buzzing! Families with smiles on their faces leaving with bags of clothing! Full of thanks. And a children's area had been created with clothing, toys, books, diapers, formula, even items for special needs kids!!
I know this is a long review but honestly, I could go on!!!
Melynda has put her own shop on hold for months so that she can focus on this nonprofit. She is in the midst of trying to get the space longer so more people can benefit.
Melynda is one of a kind, truly. I am so grateful for someone like her and a huge shoutout to all of the volunteers who are helping to make this happen!!!
If you are a victim of the fires, this place is a treasure!
Please support Melynda in anyway you can! Donate! Volunteer! Stop by her vintage shop! Let her help bring out the happiness in you that something as simple as an outfit, a sharp eye for fashion, and a smile can only do!!!!
All my very best to Melynda and hopefully I can continue being a small part of this amazing project!!!!
