This season brings out philanthropic energy in all of us. Giving typically spikes this time of year, and there is better awareness of how we can work to meet the needs of our family, friends, and neighbors. For Claudia Lacy, director of The Langdon, and a small group of dedicated volunteers, there is no such season. Their season is 365 days a year.
The Langdon opened in 2014, but arriving at opening day was no small feat. After years of persistence, Claudia secured the lease for the charming cabin on the lake and was not entirely sure what purpose it would serve. But she had an abundance of ideas.
A Mound native, she wanted to have a place for items to be donated and shared with people in need. A “year-round rummage sale” of sorts for her community and beyond. Claudia has a background in investment banking, and her financial acumen came in handy as she hatched a plan to not only sell items but have a larger impact donating the profits.
Everything, and I mean everything, is freely given at The Langdon. From light bulbs overhead to price tags to the wood burning in the fireplace, everything is donated, allowing fifty percent of proceeds from sales to be donated to other charities and non-profits. The balance pays the rent and keeps the lightbulbs on.
As a donor, you choose the charity where the money will go from your items. Claudia is focused on charitable, religious, scientific, and educational organizations and sends donations quarterly. So far, over 250 unique organizations have benefitted from the generosity of Claudia and her team.
Long-time volunteer Gail thinks this is part of the magic. “In the past, I had attended the big galas. I really believe in non-profits. But this is so different. Being able to support the smaller organizations. It’s meaningful. It’s very empowering to be able to choose.”
Open the first seven days of each month, the Langdon has a treasure trove of items from fine China, clothing, luxury handbags, jewelry, furniture, art, and unique décor. The remaining three weeks of each month are devoted to outreach projects of every ilk. Claudia and a team of roughly a dozen volunteers do it all. Their stories are endless and incredibly inspiring. They have furnished spaces for those in need. Resourced housing for others. Assisted people in organizing, cleaning, and sorting through lifetimes worth of items. Perhaps most significantly, they have provided a welcoming third place for many community members who stop by to buy gifts, have a chat, get a hug, and enjoy a cup of chicken noodle soup.
It’s a store, but really it’s so much more than a store. It’s a store that has created a community who pays it forward, and the ripple effect is quite stunning. Claudia says her goal is to “make it worth the drive.” Of the 702 (and counting) donors, Claudia is obviously donor #1. And did she see herself at the reins of this place surrounded by luxury items and precious family heirlooms? She laughs.
“No. I would have thought this whole thing was hilarious. I vowed to my mother I would never buy used things. I went into investment banking so I could buy new fancy things.”
But Claudia’s mother witnessed her realize her dream for this place a decade ago. Celebrating their 11th anniversary this past May, The Langdon has plenty of fancy things just at palatable price points.
Carolyn, a volunteer of seven years and known by many as ‘the tender aunt,’ calls The Langdon her happy place and credits Claudia’s vision and stewardship that make it a success.
“She is the guardian of things that people have given up. She does not take it lightly.”
The care and respect shown to donors helps them part with things they no longer use or need, and sometimes things they inherit from an estate.
Perhaps you have a pair of antique lamps that no longer serve you but could make a big difference in the lives of another. Or maybe you need an afternoon field trip for some great shopping. My own visit was special. I was warmly greeted by a number of lovely volunteers who are all passionate about the mission and spirit of the Langdon. The joy Claudia radiates for her cause is palpable. She is exactly where she should be.
To volunteer, donate, or pick up some gorgeous crystal stemware, visit The Langdon. It’s worth the drive.
Open the 1st through the 7th of each month
2529 Commerce Blvd, Mound http://www.thelangdon.org/