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Community Corner

The Woman's Exchange Celebrating 80 Years!!






April 14, 2014  On June 18, 1934, in the midst of The Great Depression, The Woman’s Exchange of Monmouth County opened its doors for business in the rear of an electric store.  As The Depression took its toll on families everywhere, we began our mission to enable women to sell their handicrafts and help support their families. 
The Woman’s Exchange was very well received. By 1950, the shop had grown and prospered, and the Little Red House on Church Street in Little Silver was purchased. In 1985, the Little Red House was demolished to make way for the building that we presently occupy.
Our non-profit organization is part of a consortium of Woman’s Exchanges in 13 states with 27 gift shops in operation, all dedicated to ‘helping people help themselves’.  Presently, there are over 250 craftspeople selling their handmade products in our shop. Since 1934, we have paid our crafters more than $2,590,000.  Our profits are donated to area charities. Recent recipients include: Lunch Break, Mary’s Place, Saturday Soup and Meridian Behavioral Health Services.  Since 1980, we have donated more than $610,000 to local charities. 
This June, we are celebrating our 80th year in business, selling newly crafted, fine quality artwork, greeting cards, jewelry, hand-painted pottery, placemats, pillows, beautiful fabric bags, children’s handcrafted blankets, clothing and booties, baptism gowns, hand-painted onesies and sweatshirts, wooden toys and many ‘Shore Inspired’ items from artisans located throughout the country. We also sell manufactured items such as candles, body lotions, scarves, handbags, wallets, beach bags, hats, and jackets, children’s clothing, books and toys.  During the Christmas season, we carry an extensive collection of handcrafted ornaments and gifts, hand painted ornaments imported from Austria, and Byers Choice Carolers, to name a few.
The Woman’s Exchange offers complimentary giftwrap, special order options on many items, personalization and gift certificates.
The Woman’s Exchange is open Monday-Friday from 10 am – 5 pm and on Saturday from 10 am – 1 pm.  Our staff includes 5 part-time staff members and over 70 volunteers. New student and adult volunteers are always welcome!  We will celebrate our anniversary on Friday, June 6 with an Open House that will include store specials, trunk shows, raffles, give-aways and refreshments.   Check us out on facebook and our website, www.TheWomansExchange.com, for our latest updates.






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