Eat, Sip, Shop: Nonprofit, providing free clothing to those in need … – 69News WFMZ-TV

SALISBURY TWP., Pa. – The season of giving is upon us, and for individuals looking to give back during the holidays or any time of the year, a store opening soon in Lehigh County will help community members in need of clothing, shoes and other items.

Caring DAM Hearts, a nonprofit organization that has a mission of assisting and providing hope to homeless people, veterans and less fortunate individuals in the Lehigh Valley region, is planning to open its newest retail location – carrying new and gently used clothing, shoes, home goods and more – in mid-January at the South Mall in Salisbury Township.

Proceeds from the new shop – dubbed Caring Hearts Cache’ Thrift Boutique – will support the nonprofit’s Caring Hearts Clothing Closet and More store, at 7935 Route 873 in Washington Township, Lehigh County, near Hucksters Discount Groceries.

The Slatington area store, which opened in February 2022, is unique in that all of the displayed items are free to any person in need. You won’t find any price tags.

“It’s like a treasure hunt,” said Denise “Neice Eie” Martinez, founder, CEO and president of Caring DAM Hearts. “We’re constantly getting new donations. So, you never know what you’re going to find. We have brand new designer pieces, men’s suits, coats and outerwear, prom dresses, hand bags, infant clothing, everything.”

Martinez, a resident of Washington Township, founded Caring DAM Hearts in 2016 following a serious health scare.

A former corporate baker for 29 years, the stress of the job weighed on Martinez and she went into cardiac arrest while driving home from work one day.

After undergoing surgery for a heart condition, supraventricular tachycardia, Martinez was advised by a doctor to look into other professional work.

She fell into a depression following the surgery, but she eventually found comfort through a program called Transitions at Lehigh Valley Health Network.

The program led to Martinez forming a friendship with a homeless woman, who changed her outlook on life and helped her realize where she wanted to devote her energy following her baking career.

She soon established Caring DAM Hearts – with DAM being an acronym for her name – out of her garage before opening the first location of Caring Hearts Clothing Closet in 2020 on Linden Street in Allentown.

The operation outgrew the Allentown space within a couple of years, leading Martinez to open the Washington Township store in 2022.

In recent years, she’s also opened “Caring Hearts Cache’ booths” – carrying a similar mix of products – at The Slatington Farmers Market in Washington Township and South Mall Mercantile in Salisbury Township.

Proceeds from these booths’ sales, along with money raised through grant writing and fundraisers throughout the year, help to cover the nonprofit’s rent, electric bills and other overhead expenses.

With the retail booths proving successful, Martinez couldn’t help but see more opportunity for growth.

“I’m so excited,” Martinez said of the forthcoming boutique. “I have such an incredible team, and I just felt like we could do even more at the South Mall. It’s a mall that’s coming back to life, and I’m just super excited to be a part of it.”

Caring DAM Hearts also does community outreach, including visits to homeless encampments, where volunteers “provide a handup not a handout” by offering tents, tarps, bedding, clothing, hygiene products and someone to talk to.

Caring Hearts Cache’ Thrift Boutique, which will operate near Back to the Arcade at the mall, will support this outreach along with the Washington Township store, where all items are free.

The new boutique will be volunteer-run and cashless (only credit and debit cards accepted), Martinez said. Discounts will be given to veterans and senior citizens.

Prior to the boutique’s opening in January, Caring DAM Hearts will hold a Free Clothing Giveaway event, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (or while supplies last) Nov. 24 and 25 in the South Mall’s Community Room.

Additionally, donations of clothing, shoes, fashion accessories and other items such as books, glassware, figurines, stuffed animals and kitchen items will be accepted at the event, Martinez said.

Donations can also be dropped off year-round at Caring Hearts Clothing Closet and More and Rentschler Auto Dealerships, 255-275 N. Walnut St., Slatington.

“Once we get settled into our cache thrift boutique, we will be accepting donations there as well,” Martinez said. “But we have to get settled first.”

In addition to preparing for Caring DAM Hearts’ new retail boutique, Martinez is also gearing up for the nonprofit’s seventh annual Project Warm & Cozy, kicking off Dec. 2 and continuing through Jan. 14 in Slatington’s Victory Park, Route 873 and Grove Street.

The initiative allows community members to drop off jackets and winter accessories at various area locations, where they will be picked up and later hung in the park for anyone in need.

Drop-off locations include Rentschler Auto Dealership, Slatington Farmers Market, Truist Bank in Walnutport, Krause Toyota in Breinigsville, Parkland Medical Center and Philly Pretzel Factory and UPS Store in Whitehall Township.

Individuals also can attend the kick-off event, where they can bring the items (preferably sealed in plastic bags) to hang themselves.

The kick-off event, noon to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 in the park, will include free pictures with Santa, free refreshments (pizza, cookies and hot chocolate), holiday music by DJ Jay Rehrig (noon to 3 p.m.) and Burn Duo live entertainment (3-5:30 p.m.).

In conjunction with Project Warm & Cozy, Caring DAM Hearts is also presenting the inaugural Community Christmas Trees at Victory Park event, where individuals can adopt and decorate a live Christmas tree in memory or honor of a loved one, church group, business, etc. for $45.

A blessing of the trees and prayer will be presented by Pastor Henry Distler at approximately 4:15 p.m. on Dec. 2.

The event aims to raise funds for Caring DAM Hearts while illuminating the park and bringing joy to the community.

Individuals who are interested in adopting a tree or volunteering with Caring DAM Hearts should call 484-240-9774.

More at South Mall

South Mall in Lehigh County scores new retail tenants

SALISBURY TWP., Pa. – Just in time for holiday shopping, more retailers are breathing new life into the South Mall in Salisbury Township, Lehigh County.

A new tenant, DragonKnight Gaming and Collectibles, is expected to open in late November next to Eyebrow Thread, near the center of the mall.

DragonKnight offers a wide array of new and vintage trading cards, comic books, action figures and collectibles such as Marvel statues and anime-related items, owner Logan Shannon said. Full story here. 

Slatington news

‘Cheers!’: Gin Mill owner opening new Lehigh Valley tavern

SLATINGTON, Pa. – A longtime destination for beers, burgers and banter among friends is finding new life in Lehigh County.

Slate Mill Tavern, a family-friendly tavern offering high-quality American pub fare, is expected to open within the next few weeks at 751 Main St. in Slatington, co-owner George Yaniger said.

The new restaurant and bar will occupy a renovated property that previously housed The Shack, a tavern that operated for more than 20 years before closing in 2022. Read more here. 

Dozens of small businesses offering Veterans Day discounts at Slatington Farmers Market

WASHINGTON TWP., Pa. – A popular destination for local produce, artisan wares and specialty food and drinks is honoring veterans this weekend in Lehigh County.

The Slatington Farmers Market, at 8281 Route 873 in Washington Township, will hold a Veteran’s Day Celebration – “recognizing the unwavering strength of our past and present military personnel” – on Saturday, Nov. 11, according to a news release.

The event, to be held during regular business hours (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.), will feature the farmers market’s vendors offering various discounts and specials to customers identifying themselves as a past or present military service member. Read more. 

New life for landmark businesses

‘Hawk Music is back!’: Beloved Bethlehem business returns at new location

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After a seven-month hiatus, an iconic Bethlehem retailer is continuing to hit the right note at a new location.

Hawk Music, offering sales of drums, guitars and other musical instruments along with instrument rentals, repairs and lessons, has found new life at 721 Linden St. in Bethlehem – a few miles southeast of its former home of 50 years at the Westgate Mall.

The business reopened for lessons and repairs a few days ago, and it will begin offering retail, consignment and rental services later this month, according to new owner Jason Marish. Full story here. 

‘Hands that will continue our legacy’: Landmark Northampton County restaurant gets new owner

WIND GAP, Pa. – A beloved Slate Belt restaurant has a new owner, and it’s a familiar face to regulars.

Shiloh D. Thomas, a longtime worker at Detzi’s Tavern in Wind Gap, officially took the reins of the 63-year-old restaurant on Wednesday, ensuring “Detzi’s shall continue!” according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.

The 570 N. Lehigh Ave. establishment was listed on the market in March, causing loyal patrons and staff alike to get emotional about it. Full story here. 

Easton area news

After hiatus, Easton-area sports bar, indoor golf facility swings back into action under new management

PALMER TWP., Pa. – A destination for fresh food and fairway fun is once again welcoming customers in Northampton County.

X-Golf Easton, a 10,000-square-foot sports bar and indoor golf facility, opened Saturday at 80 Kunkle Drive in Palmer Township.

The facility replaces the former X-Golf Lehigh Valley facility, which temporarily closed in April as ownership sought a new area location, which didn’t come to fruition. Read more here. 

‘Tantalize your taste buds’: Jasmine owner opens 2nd Easton area restaurant

FORKS TWP., Pa. – The owner of a popular sushi, hibachi and Thai restaurant in Forks Township has brought another Asian dining concept to the area.

Yong Lin, who’s operated Jasmine Japanese and Thai Restaurant at 1855 Sullivan Trail since 2011, last week opened another eatery – Naruto Ramen & Bubble Tea – about a mile south of Jasmine at 281 Town Center Blvd. in Forks.

Naruto, offering seating for more than 30 customers, occupies a renovated space that previously housed a Subway eatery in the Forks Town Center. Read more. 

Lehigh County news

‘Largest location yet!’: Family-owned business sets opening date for new Whitehall store

WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Just in time for holiday shopping, a popular family-owned business – selling crystals, jewelry, unique gifts and more – is expanding its footprint in the Lehigh Valley.

Handmade Mystic, owned and operated by husband and wife Andrew and Danyel Harrison, will hold a grand opening of its new retail location 11 a.m. Nov. 18 at 2180 MacArthur Road, Unit 6A in Whitehall Township, according to a post on the business’ Facebook page.

The public is invited to celebrate the Whitehall location’s opening with refreshments, tarot readings, henna and more. Full story here. 

Cirque du Soleil will return to Allentown for first time Since 2019

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Corteo, the long running production from Cirque du Soleil, is heading to Allentown.

Corteo will be presented at the PPL Center for six shows from March 28-31, 2024.

A media release says this engagement marks the first time that Cirque du Soleil is returning to Allentown since 2019. Read more here. 

Veterans Day discounts, events

Wawa offers free coffee for veterans, active duty, families

Wawa will serve free coffee on Veterans Day to those who served.

Any size hot coffee will be available to military veterans, active-duty personnel and their families on Saturday, Nov. 11 at all Wawa stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Florida.

No military identification is required. Read more. 

Veterans Day events happening in our region

Macungie, Saturday, November 11 at 12 p.m. – Rising River Brewing, in partnership with The Sticky Pig and La Frikitona Foodtrucks, will offer free meals for veterans between 12 and 6 p.m. on Veterans Day with a valid ID. Meals will include a 12oz drink of choice from the brewery. 

Pottsville, Saturday, November 11 from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill will sponsor a free Veterans Breakfast at the LVHN Sports Performance Center on the campus of Schuylkill Haven Area School District (601 E. Main Street, Schuylkill Haven). Full list here. 

Odds and ends

2 new Marriott-branded hotels to open in Lehigh Valley in 2024

More lodging options are coming soon to the Lehigh Valley.

Springwood Hospitality, a Hilton- and Marriott-branded select-service and extended-stay hotel developer and manager, is planning to debut a SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel in Lower Nazareth Township and a Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott hotel in Bethlehem Township in summer 2024, according to Rebecca Szabo-Silfies, corporate director of sales for Springwood Hospitality.

The SpringHill Suites, with 113 suites on four floors, is being constructed at 3774 Eastgate Blvd., about a quarter mile north of the Route 248 exit of Route 33. Full story here. 

Community rallies around Bethlehem restaurant owner following cancer diagnosis

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh Valley community is showing its support for a popular Bethlehem restaurant owner in her time of need.

Mary Lopresti, owner and operator of VegOut at 1 E. Church St., has been forced to temporarily close her vegan eatery after recently being diagnosed with a rare cancer.

In a post on the business’ Instagram page, Lopresti explained the situation and instructed customers to stay tuned for updates regarding the restaurant’s reopening and any adjusted hours or menus that may be necessary. Read more here. 

Jaindl Land Company awarded Business of the Year, other companies recognized at Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – More than 1100 business leaders made their way to Bethlehem for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting, held at Wind Creek Event Center.

As always, the day includes an energetic performance from Chamber President Tony Iannelli. This year the Philadelphia Mummers joined him.

“It’s not a deep message, it’s just to celebrate the Lehigh Valley,” Iannelli said. “So it’s a day to day ‘hey we’re doing good.’ We know we have work to do, but today’s the day to say we’ve done good, let’s celebrate.” Full story here.