WINGS to hold drive one year after blaze destroyed Palatine resale shop

It's been one year since a fire destroyed the WINGS resale shop in Palatine, one of the domestic violence agency's most vital revenue streams.

Dedicated staff and volunteers will mark the June 18 anniversary by holding a donation drive Saturday at the site of the former store at Northwest Highway and Rohlwing Road, now just a concrete slab.

From noon to 5 p.m., people can drop off household items, clothing and accessories in good condition to be sold at one of the agency's three resale shops. Sales go to help victims of domestic violence and their children through WINGS housing and services.

Donors also will receive resale store coupons and maps to the temporary site WINGS opened in the Park Place Shopping Plaza at 1315 Rand Road, Palatine.

Despite its proximity to Walmart and Whole Foods, the location is generating 30 percent to 40 percent less revenue than expected, Executive Director Rebecca Darr said, and nowhere close to the $500,000 the former store made each year.

“It's not doing as stellar as we thought it would,” she said. “A lot of folks are still trying to find us.”

To raise its visibility, Women in Need Growing Stronger is trying to work with the shopping center landlord to get a spot on the marquee close to the street.

Meanwhile, the Palatine-based organization is in the midst of a capital campaign to raise funds to buy a new building. Darr said it's more beneficial for a nonprofit to own than rent because it's exempt from paying property taxes.

While the blaze sparked a period of financial and logistical nightmares, the outpouring of support that followed proved a testament to the important work being done at WINGS. She recalled how WINGS filled a warehouse with 34,000 donated items within two months.

“It's been a struggle financially and emotionally to get through this, but to have the public recognize us in such a meaningful way was very powerful,” Darr said.

For more information including a list of items that can't be accepted, visit wingsprogram.com.