Golden K Chairwoman Joan Jouppi introduces Denim Heart Thrift representatives from left are Christina Ureta, Angela Elliot-Johnson and Cait Flynn.

By Judy Sielaff

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — Summer is coming to an end and the cool night air is reminiscent of fall. To quote Oscar Wilde, “And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.”

Golden K seniors arrived with smiles on their faces and songs in their hearts. Joan Jouppi kicked off the meeting. Lois Outcalt continued the music by leading the singing of several golden oldies, accompanied by Alyce Derwinski on the piano.

Jouppi introduced guests, Angela Elliott-Johnson, Cait Flynn, and Christine Ureta of Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency. The group greeted them by singing the “Welcome Song.” This week’s birthdays include Dave Sielaff and Darrell Miller. Anniversary wishes go out to Bob and Mary Tachick.

Thought for the day was read by Lois Outcalt: “When you come to the edge of all the light you have known you are about to step out into the darkness. Faith is knowing one of two things will happen. There will be something to stand on or you will be taught how to fly.”

The 50-50 drawing that was won by Bob Bowman. Gary Proudfit read the Happy Dollar entries, which included gratitude for Jouppi’s willingness to step in and help whenever needed. The Calcari’s are looking forward to a visit from their daughter.

Peanut sales will take place on Friday, Sept. 2, with a rain date of Saturday, Sept. 3. Members were encouraged to sign up for three hours at a minimum if they are able. It is also suggested that two members work together at each location.

Angela Elliott-Johnson addressed the Golden K as the program manager of DICSA’s Denim Heart Thrift and Pantry.

Denim Heart was started in 2019 by Melissa Stabbe. Unfortunately, she was a victim of a house fire in Milwaukee years ago and she lost everything in the fire including her beloved pet Miss Kitty. She received very little assistance from any programs in her area and the lack of help turned out to be motivation for her. She vowed that once she became solvent, she would help those in need. With that dream, Denim Heart was born.

Stabbe assisted all kinds of people, some of who were also fire victims, in the community with new clothes/bedding/personal supplies and even food from her small pantry.

She coordinated with other agencies such as The Caring House, The Salvation Army and Northpoint Behavioral Health Care Systems, to name a few.

She donated to many community fundraisers and local events and held a Free Coat Drive last October in downtown Iron Mountain. Stabbe also donated items to our local school clothing closets for children less fortunate and the Prom Dress Swap at the Dickinson County Library. There are plans to continue all of these projects

Elliott-Johnson feels blessed to have this inspirational woman as her mentor and dear friend. They met back in 2017 as coworkers at DICSA. She was able to volunteer at Denim Heart and volunteering eventually turned into a complete career path change when she became an employee at Denim Heart.

Due to unfortunate circumstances, Stabbe had to make the difficult decision to close the doors of her thrift store late spring in order to care for members of her family back in Milwaukee. Miraculously just a few short months after the heartbreaking closure, Elliott-Johnson and her coworker Cait Flynn were approached by Kristin Sommerfeld, Executive Director of DICSA and Christina Ureta, CSFP AND TEFAP Director.

These ladies came up with a plan to make it possible to reopen under the amazing Community Action Agency, which Elliott-Johnson had worked with for over 30 years and continue on with Denim Heart.

And so, with Stabbe’s blessing and some hard work, they reopened Denim Heart Thrift and Pantry.

They are still the same thrift store with the same affordable prices. Examples of that are $1 for children’s clothing; $2 for adult clothing and $1 for household items. They also offer free shopping to anyone in need.

An expansion is planned to have a much larger food pantry thanks to a generous grant. Currently, they have two walk-in coolers and one walk-in freezer. The thrift and food pantry are judgement-free zones and no one is turned away. They will refer to other agencies if their assistance is needed.

Denim Heart is now open in their new location in Kingsford at North 621 Hooper St., near the Kingsford post office. Current business hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

They graciously accept donations from the community by appointment during those hours of operation. Call for an appointment is 906-767-0132.

Golden K meets at 10 a.m. Mondays at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. Guests are always welcome.