After six years, Second Chance Unique Repeats, a thrift store and baby depot on Penetanguishene’s Main Street, will be closing its doors.

Owner Judy Casey opened the store in 2002 after the Big Sisters of Huronia closed its thrift store.

The move to the Main Street location, which resulted in higher rent and lower foot traffic, has required that Casey make a very difficult decision.

“I’m very sad. It’s been a big part of my life for 10 years … and I am going to miss it,” says an emotional Casey.

Casey says she opened the store after seeing a need in the community for this type of service, and admits it’s going to be a sad thing to give up.

“Unless a miracle happens and someone offers another building in a good location with very reasonable rent, I have no choice but to close.”

The store is the only one of its kind in Penetanguishene, she says, noting it also serves as a local baby depot for families needing diapers, formula and other necessities. All money earned at the store is used to help support the St. Vincent de Paul food bank.

The store is in the process of doing a silent auction which will continue until June 28 in the hopes money earned will help her pay off some of the debt brought on by the extremely long and cold winter.

Casey says what she will miss the most is the chance to meet new people and work with the volunteers, who have helped her run the store for the past six years.

“The customers are not just customers, they become friends, and the volunteers become like family,” she says. “So many people have helped to keep Second Chance running and I feel like I am letting everyone down.”

Casey is hoping that between now and October – when Second Chance will be closing its doors for good – someone in the community will step up to the plate and take over the Baby Depot.

“That’s what hurts the most. There’s a really big need for it. It’s amazing how many young mothers and fathers come in here looking for food or diapers,” she says. “I don’t know what will happen (if no one takes it over). It’s the poor children that will suffer.”