16 Cents, 3 Shoes and 5 Socks Blog
Second Customer Appreciation Winner Jill Krema receives $1,500 Shopping Spree!
Customer Appreciation Winner Courtney Stroeher receives $1,500 Shopping Spree!
Because of your generosity, support, encouragement, and prayers, we can help others in our community. We were blessed to receive this message.
"I work for Consistent Care Services. We do intensive medical case management specializing in addiction, mental health, and homelessness.
We have a program called Fresh Start, where we help transition patients from the hospital to intensive inpatient chemical dependency treatment. Once they graduate from treatment, we place them in an apartment for 60 days while we connect them with intensive outpatient therapy, NA/AA Meetings, sponsors, counseling, and job training, and we work on securing housing.
The apartments are empty when we get them. I’ve been able to fill four apartments with my connections through my service project but ran up against a roadblock with the most recent apartment. No one had a twin-size bed to donate.
Thanks again for the bed. I appreciate how much you do for our community."
Community Health Worker/Client Advocate
Consistent Care Services
Karen Holzer never imagined she would win our Annual Valentine’s Day Giveaway. The prize of the Queen-Size Mattress set valued at $2,999 could not have come at a better time. Karen's birthday is in February, but that's not what matters most to her. Her priority is helping her husband, Clark, who is facing stage four esophageal cancer. Most people know Clark by his childhood nickname, Smokey. The cancer forced him to leave his longtime job as a cook at The Swinging Doors , and he retired on December 1. “The bed we have right now is ancient and falling apart," Karen said. "As my husband is currently going through chemo, I think this new bed will be much more comfortable." Smokey's daughter, Annette Guise, nominated Karen for the prize. Here's part of what she wrote, "My stepmom, Karen, has been an incredible source of support for him throughout this difficult journey. A new bed would help make their struggles more manageable and comfortable." Karen’s family was there when she got the call she had won the mattress set. She teared up. Thanks to our loyal customers and hardworking employees, we can help others in our community.
Congratulations, Biscuit!! The two-year-old Corgi mix is our July Pet Bed Giveaway winner. Owners Vicki Trefry and her husband of 51 years, Tim, picked up Biscuit’s new cozy sleeping spot yesterday from 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks. “It’s a very nice bed, so soft and furry on top,” said Vicki. “It looks like a mattress. My 21-year-old granddaughter says she’d even sleep on it.” The winning photo captures Biscuit mix lying in a dog bed with his body overhanging the sides.“He’s definitely outgrown his dog bed,” laughs Vicki. “We’re thankful to win a new one.” The couple rescued Biscuit two years ago from her cousin, who thought he was a different breed. “She thought he was a Cocker Spaniel, which is supposed to be hypoallergic, but three of her four great-grandsons ended up being allergic to him,” said Vicky. So, I rescued him from three allergic boys.” The couple, who met at Riverside High School in Chattaroy, are long-time customers of 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, and 5 Socks. They started shopping when the store first opened its location on Francis. Again, Congratulations to Biscuit, Vicki, and Tim! We want to thank everyone who sent a photo of their pets.
This couple had the winning bid to take home the recliner. All the money helps children in foster care. To help children in foster care, we donated this genuine top-grain leather rocking recliner valued at $999, plus a massive stack of gourmet snacks and beverages to the Embrace Washington Flannel Ball. Congratulations to Melissa and John. They had the winning bid and took home this unique auction item. We're proud to support Embrace Washington . During their Flannel Ball fundraiser, thousands of dollars were raised to help children in foster care.
Annual Valentine's Day Mattress Winner! We delivered Bailey's brand-new Immunity Queen Size Mattress Set valued at $2,999. She was the lucky winner of our annual Valentine's Day giveaway. "I'm very grateful that they can do this yearly," said Bailey. "It gives people a chance to do something for themselves. Like most parents, I put things on the back-burner if it doesn't involve my kids." Winning the mattress was just what she needed. The past few years have been challenging. "In late 2022, I left a really bad relationship. The majority of my belongings were tossed out or destroyed." Due to a work-related injury, Bailey's been out of work for over a year. After three surgeries, the doctors are unsure if she can return to her position as a medical assistant. "When I saw 16 Cents' Facebook post about the contest, I thought it could be an amazing opportunity to get a new bed," said Bailey. "I needed one but didn't have the funds for it. All our extra money goes straight to the kids." Bailey has been sleeping on an old mattress purchased several years ago and is looking forward to sleeping on the new one. "It was hard to believe we won until 16 Cents messaged me," said Bailey. "I'm looking forward to having a new mattress, let alone a whole new set. It's really special. I feel like this is going to be our year."
Best Seats in the Embrace WA Auction House! Thanks to 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks for donating this fantastic auction item for our Backwoods Flannel Ball! A genuine top-grain leather rocking recliner valued at $999, plus a massive stack of gourmet snacks and beverages! Hurry and buy your Backwoods Flannel Ball tickets here: https://www.embracewa.org/ . Every ticket purchased helps a child in foster care.
Isabel's Blessed with A Brand New Bed! In 2021, Isabel arrived at Union Gospel Mission with nothing. Before she came to Union Gospel Mission , she says she "made terrible choices" due to her drinking and the toxic relationship she was in. "I had no direction and left everything I owned behind, including my apartment, belongings, and furniture." After two years of maintaining her sobriety and working hard to understand what caused her to drink in the first place, Isabel moved into a senior community. In the last two years, she has also worked on building her community at church, which she attends three times a week in addition to her weekly 12-step recovery meeting. When church friends asked how they could help, the first thing that came to Isabel's mind was a bed. That's when one church member, Matt Dean, reached out to 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks. After Matt shared Isabel's story, we were happy to donate a new mattress, box spring, and frame. "I've never had a new bed, thank you," she said through tears of joy. As our delivery team was leaving, Isabel said, "I'm new to this kind of generosity. God has blessed me through 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks, and I'm forever grateful."
700 PAIRS OF NEW PAJAMAS! During our Pajama Drive for children in foster care, 700 pairs of new pajamas were donated 😍 Because of your generosity, hundreds of children in foster care will find a new pair of pajamas under the Christmas tree 🎄Thank you to everyone who donated and supported Embrace Washington and Teen & Kid Closet. ❤️ 16 Cents, 3 Shoes & 5 Socks employees were thrilled to be the drop-off locations at all 5 stores.
Over the last ten years, 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks owner Jason McSteen's story inspired many people – including the staff he hires. Most of our team share a similar story of overcoming tremendous odds to be where they are today. As part of celebrating our 10th anniversary, we want to introduce our staff members to show appreciation for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to their continued personal growth. Introducing our North Division Store Manager, Andrew Richards. Andrew started as a sales associate four years ago, working at several store locations, helping fill in. He recently earned the manager position at the north store at the end of July. Andrew came to work for us after purchasing a mattress. "I heard Jason's story and liked his dedication to God and recovery. It means a lot to me. I've been clean and sober for eight years in November, and working at 16 Cents helps my sobriety." Andrew grew up in a low-income neighborhood in Oregon. When he was 16, Andrew found himself on the wrong side of the law, leading to his incarceration. When he was released from prison, he transferred his post-prison supervision to Spokane to find employment and stability. "I thought it was the better option," said Andrew. "I could either go to a halfway house with a bunch of guys I was in prison with or go to Spokane and live with my parents. Instead of relying on a broken system to get me on my feet, I thought it was the better option coming here." His past mistake wasn't held against him, and he was given a 'second chance' at 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks. Andrew works hard to continue growing as an individual and employee. "I'm thankful that I told Jason about my criminal history. It wasn't something he held against me," said Andrew. "He only wanted to know how I got as far as I did and managed to keep it together." Over the last four years, Andrew has been part of our growing business, going from one to five stores. "Jason encourages us to be dedicated to our customers," said Andrew. "And to work from a place of integrity and compassion."
Reflecting on our last ten years, we proudly serve the Spokane Community as a second-chance employer. Our dedicated team members are overcomers, and we’re proud to introduce them to show our appreciation for their continued commitment to making 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks a success. Meet Downtown Store Manager Tim Peyron. Tim worked his way up from day laborer to upper management in just four and a half years. Living in a faith-based Christian Discipleship program – Reaching Out Advocating Recovery (ROAR), Tim had been clean & sober for nine months when the call came from 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks. “My first day was day labor to help receive a truckload of mattresses,” said Tim. “At the end of the day, Owner Jason McSteen offered me a full-time entry-level warehouse job. Since then, he has coached, trained, and encouraged me to the position I’m in today.” Over the years, Tim’s hard work and dedication earned him several promotions, including Warehouse Assistant Manager, District Operations Manager, and Assistant Manager for the valley location. On October 1, he became our downtown Store Manager. “I’ve been in several different positions,” said Tim. “Jason must have seen something promising in me because he took me under his wing. He’s invested much time in me, which you don’t see in many organizations. But he made me earn my stripes,” he added. “Everyone has a part to play, but I love that you’re not stuck in any position. All I had to do was strive to accomplish my goals.” The day Tim started working became a pivotal moment in his life and a continuation of his sobriety. On September 22, he celebrated five years of being clean & sober. Since he started working, he’s moved out of ROAR, received full custody of his 16-year-old son, and has shared custody with his seven-year-old daughter. “Absolutely, it played a role. When I lived in ROAR, I didn’t have custody of my kids,” said Tim. “Fast forward, my son lives with me, and my daughter is with me throughout the school year.”
Rising from the ashes, 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks delivered hope for a Medical Lake family. Melissa and David Mangis are picking up the pieces after the Medical Lake wildfire, having lost their family home in the tragic event. “They lost everything,” said Charlene Roman. “It was extremely devastating for them.” Charlene and the Mangis family are members of the same church, Crossroads Christian Fellowship. Once she learned of their loss, she spearheaded a church-wide effort to help them. “I submitted an email to 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks, in the hope that they could help with some of the items they needed,” said Charlene, who didn’t mention her request to anyone. “I have purchased numerous pieces of furniture from 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks in the last four years; I know their heart for the community.” We responded to Charlene’s request, and our team surprised the family with a brand-new Queen bed frame and a twin-over-twin bunk bed. We delivered it to their new apartment in Airway Heights. “The family is so humble. I think they would have been happy with anything,” said Charlene. “I feel blessed 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks responded and helped the family with nice new items.” We can help others in our community because of our loyal customers. Thank you for shopping at our store with a story.
This family signed a lease and has moved from homelessness to housing! They are beyond excited, thanks to the hard work of everyone at Family Promise of Spokane . So, please join us in congratulating them as they enter their next chapter! Family Promise of Spokane equips families and the community to end the cycle of homelessness. Learn more here: https://www.familypromiseofspokane.org/ .
Frontier Behavioral Health works with community partners to offer behavioral healthcare and related services to individuals of all ages. We partnered with Frontier Behavioral Health to furnish 24 apartments at their supportive housing facility earlier this week. We are grateful for their contributions to improving people's lives in our communities. Thank you, Frontier Behavioral Health. Our community is at the heart of everything we do, and we're incredibly grateful to our loyal customers who make it possible to support local organizations. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for choosing to shop at our store with a story. Your support means the world to us.
Jonathan Jones is the grand prize winner of our Give Dad The Best Seat in the House contest! Saturday, we delivered the grand prize, a brand-new recliner, and a Wagon Master meal from Longhorn Barbecue . His wife, Jenny, said this about Jonathan. "I am proud of my husband, Jonathan. He is an exceptional person who served his country as a veteran. Jonathan is a shining example of kindness and authenticity. He is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, and I strongly believe that his selflessness deserves recognition." Congratulations, Jonathan, and Happy Father's Day!
Due to various circumstances, a woman and her children only had a few hours to move out of their home. So they started over in a new apartment and had absolutely nothing. Thanks to the support of our loyal customers, we donated and delivered a bunk bed, mattresses, and other blessings. The grateful mom sent this message:
"I had just lost my house. I was given 3 hours to get out, so I only left with a couple of garbage bags of clothes for myself and the children. It was just a horrible time for us. I'm very grateful for what was given to my family and me. We got a bunk bed and a couch, and my kitchen was filled with dishes and food. We had nothing, and everyone came and gave my family stuff to live. Please tell everyone we are doing much better than we were. Tell them I will always be grateful to them for helping my kids and me. I can never say how much it blessed us!
Because of our generous customers, we can help others in our community. Thank you for shopping at our store with a story.
Congratulations, Amanda Mitchell! She is the grand prize winner of our Annual Valentines Day Giveaway Amanda won a Backsaver queen-size mattress valued at $2999 She was nominated by her friend Jennifer Dunkle Jennifer shared this about Amanda. "Amanda has helped make sure that my kids have Christmas gifts. She is ALWAYS making sure that we are taken care of. We also have another neighbor with some disabilities, and Amanda and her husband go above and beyond to help her. Amanda also works hard every day at her job, and as soon as she is done with her job, she goes around and asks others if they need help. She has such a kind heart. Amanda will help wherever needed. I'm blessed to know and have her as my friend and neighbor." We can help others in our community because of our loyal customers. Thank you for shopping at our store with a story.