The Treasure Chest celebrates 7 years this weekend, Feb. 8
By Garrick Moritz, Gazette
The Treasure Chest in Garretson has become a cornerstone on Main Ave. It started with inspiration and a meeting of the minds, and became something that has benefited many.
“At the time, the building was for sale, and it had been for sale for a while,” said Connie Johnson. “Terry came home, and said that he thought that we should buy that building. I didn’t think much of the idea, I didn’t know what we’ d use it for, but I just let it go.”
What happened next, Johnson credits to divine inspiration. She woke in the middle of the night, convinced that God wanted them to buy the building and use it for the benefit of the community. She said she was confused, that she didn’t understand, but that she decided to go give the building a look. In her mind, the word Monopoly for some reason had stuck and wouldn’t go away. And when she had Terry take her inside on a tour, they found an old sign advertising the classic board game in the office section. It struck her like a thunderbolt.
“I didn’t know what was happening,” she said. “I just knew that we had to buy the building because God wanted us to, and because he wanted the building used for his purposes.”
So they bought the building and began painting and redecorating, and a meeting of the minds occurred on Main.
“Kris Frerk had been talking about trying to open up a vendor operation in town. With this building, we could provide that space. It was a meeting of multiple purposes for all. We also were looking for a place to store items that people needed. (With the idea of creating a charitable consignment and thrift store on the model of Goodwill and the Salvation Army.) Clothing donations, toys, furniture, appliances. Donations of every kind. One of my biggest fears was how would we get the people we needed to help, but the volunteers came and have stayed. We have constant volunteers, and they are truly heartwarming people working in fellowship. Lots of people with huge hearts and wanting to help others. No one gets paid, everyone donates their time and it’s truly magnificent. I am constantly amazed. I feel so blessed, and I know my prayers were truly answered.”
“It’s become much more than just a store,” said Kris Frerk. “It’s a gathering place for fellowship in our community. It’s given people a purpose and a place to go. People come for morning coffee and it’s amazing. The outreach of our charitable contributions is widespread. Supporting local families and sending donations all over. I’ve hauled four truckloads of items to Lower Brule this past year, and I know they appreciate it.”
“Our charitable arm has sent items locally and all over the world,” said Johnson. “I can’t count the number of lives we’ ve touched, and we’ re not done. More is coming, I’m sure of it. I recall one man who came into our store. After browsing for a moment, he suddenly began to weep. I asked him what was wrong and he told me he’d looked for this particular picture for more than 20 years and searched everywhere for it. I knew that it had been waiting there just for him, there are no coincidences. I watch all the little things just like that, happening here on a daily basis. It is all about caring for each other, and for people who you may never meet. Our job is just to love everyone who comes through those doors.”
The Treasure Chest will be celebrating their 7th anniversary this weekend, Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. with a free hot dogs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
