Because the homeless and hungry can't wait

By Anya Tikka
MILFORD — There’s something angelic about Lauren Anderson-Reynolds, the executive director who runs a thrift store that supported other charities during its recent "Give Back Saturday" event.
Behind the unassuming door at 611 Broad St. in Milford is Calling All Angels Mission, which Anderson-Reynolds runs with the help of new husband and secretary/treasurer, Charles Reynolds; assistant manager Robert Abbott; and vice president Penny Werner.
Lauren explained she got the idea for her charity work first from her mother, a choir director who helped everyone she could.
“God lays something on my heart,” she said, prompting her to take action to do good for others.
"Give Back Saturday" happens right after the shopping frenzy in big ticket stores immediately after Thanksgiving.
“The chamber of commerce sent an email to all the businesses about it, wanting to encourage business in town," said Charles, a musician and writer. "But because we already have low prices and cannot go any lower — in fact many of our clients can’t even afford them — we came up with the idea of 'Give Back Saturday.'”
For the whole day, the store donated half of its sales to a different charity each hour, including the Tristate Pregnancy Center, Pike County Hands of Hope, the Ecumenical Food Pantry, the Pike County Humane Society, Safe Haven of Pike County, Pike County Developmental Center, St. Jude’s, and Empowering Port Jervis. By mid-afternoon, the shop was quiet — a little disappointing considering part of the profits would be donated to charity.
But Calling All Angels Mission doesn’t stop after Saturday’s event. It works continuously with the area charities, coordinating efforts to keep those in need clothed and fed.
“Many people don’t know agencies like Salvation Army have to go through an application," Lauren explained. "And it takes time, when the people who need help need it often immediately.”
Calling All Angels Mission receives with open arms those who fall through the cracks, providing clothes or food. Those who are homeless or hungry — and there are many — can't wait, she said.
"I’ve heard there are many homeless near the water in Port Jervis, she said.
There’s no red tape or application process for those who come to the shop for help.
The store often takes part in fundraising events and teams up with the other area helping agencies.
National Homeless and Hunger Awareness Week was from Nov. 12 to 20 this year, an event held annually the week before Thanksgiving. The Lauren and Charles chose Nov. 12 to get married.
The newlyweds were beaming as they looked around their store. And although their honeymoon got postponed in the rush of activity, they're planning trips to Philadelphia to see family, and elsewhere when time permits.
“In this day and age, in this area, many don’t realize that many go homeless and hungry," said Lauren.
For more information email callingallangelsmission@gmail.com or visit callingallangelsmission.com.