Good in spite of Uncertainty: Mary Ellen's Closet staff reminisce about first year in business
(Talk of the Town file photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Mary Ellen’s Closet owner Gary Grepke, above, surveys the expansion of his business on the second floor of the McGregor building late last summer. Below, boxes of brightly colored yarn awaited donation to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home for use by volunteers in creating mittens, hats, scarves and gloves for children in need. Mary Ellen's Closet donated the yarn for use by the project volunteers, one of many ways they gave back to the community during their first year of business.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
A business that began just at the darker days of the recession has been a bright spot in downtown Columbia City, offering struggling families a place to find the things they need and providing local residents with a place to donate their unwanted clothing, housewares and appliances.
This month, Mary Ellen’s Closet celebrates their first anniversary in business providing quality second hand items from the McGregor Building in downtown Columbia City. 
Owner Gary Grepke wasn’t certain how things would play out as his business opened in what quickly became apparent was the least positive business climate in some time. Still, he and store manager Linda Williams kept at it – and kept the doors open.
Williams describes the first year of business as having many ups and downs.
“When we first opened, the goal was to be able to run the business plus be able to donate to different places and organizations,” Williams said. “By the grace of God, we are doing both.”
Grepke had said before doors to the business, named for his mother-in-law, that he’d like to be able to donate portions of the business’ proceeds to support causes in the community.
“I feel with every donation, it’s an indicator that we are going in the right direction and that trust is what motivates us at Mary Ellen’s Closet,” Williams said.
Since opening, Mary Ellen’s Closet has made donations to Passages Inc., The Lighthouse homeless shelter, the Whitley County Humane Society, numerous families whose homes were destroyed by fire and helped several churches.
“We even sent clothes and toys to the Philippines,” Williams added, saying they’ve also helped Helpline and The Salvation Army. “We were honored to help Santa at a local school.”
Mary Ellen’s Closet has also participated in the activities of the Downtown Business Owners Group and the Columbia City Area Chamber of Commerce’s Whitley County EXPOsed event.
Since initially opening on the first floor of the building at the corner of Van Buren and Line Streets, they’ve expanded now to take up much of the first two floors of the building with a wide, ever-changing selection of second hand items, including clothing and antiques.
So, what’s in store for the year ahead? Williams is optimistic and thankful to the shoppers and volunteers who’ve gotten them this far.
“As we look forward to the next year and we dare to dream, our hearts lead the way and our customers give us the path,” Williams added.