By BARBARA ROBITAILLE

Ruth’s House Antiques & More is an unassuming little antique shop located at 228 W. Main St. in downtown Washington. It’s a very special little shop. You can always find wonderful treasures there. More importantly, it’s a little shop that puts your money to work towards changing lives and giving hope to families here in Beaufort County.

A few years ago a group of pastors in Washington came together to decide how they could make a big difference in the lives of families in Beaufort County. There was a need to help families coping with unimaginable living situations. They desperately needed a safe haven. They united their churches to rise up in compassion to find the resources to offer new hope to the victims of domestic violence. Thankful for the commitment of the people in this county and their churches, the doors of Ruth’s House were opened for the first time on Feb. 4, 2013. Today, women and children in Beaufort County have a safe place to live and get all the assistance they need to a build a new life for themselves.

Shortly after the house opened for the first time, enthusiasm grew in our community to do more. After Ruth’s House hosted a very successful fundraising event to sell donated antiques and collectibles, a new idea was born to turn the event into a special store called Ruth’s House Antiques & More, first established near the Turnage Theatre in downtown Washington.

A year later, we moved to a new location on West Main Street, next to Wine and Words. We work tirelessly to create a very special little antique shop featuring the many treasures donated by people in and around Washington. Are you looking for a new bedroom set or a dinette set? Or maybe collectible china and serving sets? We also have chairs, glasses, pictures, jewelry and oh, so much more. There is always something new every week.

We continue to ask for donations for these types of items. If you, or your neighbor, have something to donate, please contact us at 252-721-1647 or 252-940-0007. You may drop small boxes off at the shop. For heavy items, we can make arrangements to pick them up with the help of Washington (noon) Rotary Club members who are partnering with us to support this worthwhile project.

Please come visit us. Our volunteers will be sure to greet you and tell you about our mission.

Barbara Robitaille is a Ruth’s House board member.