Because the Trading Post benefits charities , many people bring items to donate , rather than for consignment . Any items that are not able to be sold are donated to homeless shelters , city missions and other worthy nonprofits .
than a flea market .” The volunteers try to keep the store neat and tidy , with attractive displays .
Today , there are 30 volunteers who maintain this valuable community resource , donating their time and talents .
While Perella handles much of the business and human resource side of running the store , Co-President Maureen “ Mo ” Harrod lends her creative talents .
“ The beautiful windows are done by Mo ,” explains Perella . “ People who have never noticed our store before are now deciding to stop and visit because of her beautiful window designs .”
Harrod ’ s windows are striking and look as though she might have been trained by Kaufmann ’ s or Macy ’ s , but Perella says her flair for window design comes naturally . The store ’ s volunteers range in age from high school students to retired persons . They work as cashiers , receive and tag clothing from consignees , and handle administrative functions , and usually devote two to six hours every week .
At the end of the season , all the volunteers vote on five or more charities to receive the money that has been earned through sales . Because the Trading Post benefits charities , many people bring items to donate , rather than for consignment . Any items that are not able to be sold are donated to homeless shelters , city missions and other worthy nonprofits .
If you would like to donate items , or take something to the shop for consignment , the items should be in working condition and cannot be damaged or stained . Furniture , large appliances and electronics are not accepted . And items are priced for the neighborhood , to make them affordable , regardless of their original purchase price .
Perella says , “ I just sold a lady a beautiful handmade purse for $ 5 and some glass canisters for $ 1 each . Last week I sold a lady a dress for a cruise for $ 4 . It ’ s a great place where almost anyone can afford to get the things they need .”
Despite the financial benefits for both the consigners and the shoppers , Perella feels the most important aspect of the Mt . Lebanon Trading Post is the sense of community :
“ We can do 10 times more for the community than the original members . It ’ s the social aspect that is so important . We help the community and we ’ re a part of it . Because we will have been in existence 80 years this year , we are charter members of the Dormont Historical Society . We give back to the community .” n
MT . LEBANON ❘ WINTER 2022 15