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Second Chance Emporium: An April Snapshot

By Bill Bishop
Sherry Faith saw that there was an American flag for sale at Second Chance Emporium in La Grange, so she was in line 90 minutes before the store opened at 9 a.m. Friday. She got her flag, which she will add to an Independence Day display on her front porch on Baumgarten Street in Schulenburg. Photo by Bill Bishop

Sherry Faith knew exactly what she wanted to buy when the doors to Second Chance Emporium opened last Friday at 9 a.m. “I saw it on Facebook and got here at 7:30,” Faith said.

Faith’s strategy worked. She found the American flag pictured on Facebook and by midmorning she was standing outside the non-profit second-hand store with her prize.

Soon everyone will be able to appreciate Faith’s find. The flag will be part of the Independence Day display she is preparing for her front porch.

“Since Covid, I’ve been trying to decorate my porch to cheer people up,” Faith explained. She has rigged a Halloween display and then porch themes for Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. Soon it will be July 4th and the flag will be there on the distinctive porch on the 1100 block of Baumgarten St. in Schulenburg.

Faith and many, many others find that the store at the end of South Reynolds in La Grange is ready for all seasons, needs and occasions. There are Christmas decorations even now at the shop, as well as mystery books and clothing for the new baby.

Second Chance is operated by area churches and all “profits” go to local non-profits. The store makes regular monthly grants to local social service groups, such as food pantries in La Grange and Schulenburg; Tejas Medical Clinic; Combined Community Action; and Bluebonnet Trails Community Services.

Second Chance makes special grants each month, too. These are the grants made this month:

• A $9,079 donation to St. Mark’s Medical Center to purchase a bladder scanner with a mobile cart and printer.

• A $2,000 grant to the City of Ellinger to help start up the newly-formed city’s water and sewer infrastructure.

• A $15,500 donation for scholarships to students at five Fayette County high schools — Fayetteville, Flatonia, La Grange, Round Top-Carmine and Schulenburg.

Sherry Faith is doing her part to keep the money flowing to these worthy causes. She reports spending about $100 a week at the store’s Friday and Saturday sales. “It’s my entertainment,” she said.

Ours, too. Just check out the front porch on the 1100 block of Baumgarten St. in Schulenburg.

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