PakRatz: Shopping For A Good Cause

Help stop domestic and sexual violence by shopping at the Women's Center resale store PakRatz!

Marquette, MI – Most of us love the thrill of the hunt at a summer garage sale or a local thrift shop, of which Marquette has several. However, it came to our attention that many people are not aware of one resale shop in particular that holds a wealth of treasures for the home and heart, the Women’s Center PakRatz Resale shop at 1310 S. Front St. in Marquette.

Sales from the PakRats Resale store support Women’s Center programs for victims of domestic and sexual violence. (photo by Ron Caspi)

Furniture from the PakRatz Resale Store.

Now there is everything from furniture, to household goods, clothing, jewelry,  toys, and baby goods but the real treasures to be found by shopping at PakRatz are not on the racks and shelves but inside your heart and soul as dollars spent here directly support the programs and mission of our local women’s center to Protect, Educate, Advocate, Counsel, & Empower (PEACE) victims/survivors of domestic and sexual abuse in Marquette and Alger counties.

Nikke Durand, store manager at the PakRatz Resale shop wants to be sure folks know that shopping in the store is open to everyone in the community in addition to providing survivors of abuse with emergency clothing and household goods as they restart their lives in new homes.

There is a huge selection of clothing to choose from for men, women, and kids. (photo by Ron Caspi)

In fact PakRatz even offers a punch card incentive program for regular shoppers where you receive a punch for every $5 spent. Upon filling up your punch card you will get $5 off on the next purchase.

There are more opportunities to do good for others in your community beyond shopping as well.   If you’re looking for a meaningful organization to get involved with you can pick up a volunteer application at PakRatz and become a volunteer at the women’s center office, Harbor House Women’s Shelter, or at the PatRatz store.  Store sales, volunteers, and community service workers play a huge role in helping them  provide the many support services they offer through the Women’s Center.

Nikki Durand, manager of the PakRatz Resale Store in Marquette, MI. (photo by Ron Caspi)

Nikke Durand had this to say about working with the PakRatz Resale store, “I feel like I help out the community every day that I’m here. We’ve seen some very cool endings to some very bad situations. It makes my job feel like I’m here for a purpose and reason every day.”

You too can gain the satisfaction of helping your community by shopping, donating, or volunteering at the PakRatz Resale store. Donations accepted anytime during store hours. For more info: PakRatz@Miuplink.com or 906-225-1103

Jewelry from PakRatz.

store hours:
10-5  Monday – Wednesday
10-6  Thursday
10-5  Friday
11-4  Saturday

by Erica McMillan

Out of curiosity and necessity I have become accustomed to wearing many hats in life. The latest hat in my collection is as owner/publisher/author/photographer/videographer for Marquette Magazine. Among other things I am a doula, certified breastfeeding counselor, NMU student, and mother of 5... whew, I'm getting tired just writing that...

Facebook Website