Tucked away in the Morgan Hill Plaza shopping center on Monterey Street is a small shop that impacts the lives of many local residents. From this modest location, Global Literacy Outreach operates many ministries benefitting low-income families.
In 2008, Sara and Ralph Goduco were living in Vacaville. She was a kindergarten and preschool teacher at Solano Community College; he worked in the software industry. When they felt a call to ministry, they attended a revival in Florida, receiving God’s message to serve others.
The following year they began attending a ministry school sponsored by Convergence House of Prayer, a large and active church in Fremont. This was the impetus to form Global Literacy Outreach and open a tiny thrift shop in Morgan Hill’s Oak Glen Plaza. While they paid the rent themselves, Ralph continued working full-time (as he does today). Donations of second-hand goods from the public allowed them to resell merchandise to the poor, investing the revenue back into the ministry. Success led them to move to their current, larger location in 2012.
The key idea behind this ministry is that too many children fall behind in school because they lack necessary supplies. The Gift & Thrift Store provides students free items like paper, rulers, pencils, markers and erasers. This effort has expanded to four major events each year:
• Easter baskets: Every April they gather supplies to make free Easter baskets available for children throughout the community; 600 were distributed last year. Included during the distribution day are free food and photos with the Easter Bunny.
• Backpacks: Before the beginning of each school year, there is an annual giveaway of backpacks containing a selection of school supplies requested by local schools; 600 were given last year.
• Turkeys: Every Thanksgiving turkeys are distributed to low-income residents, helping them to have a festive holiday meal. More than 200 were given away last year.
• Christmas presents: Gifts, food and drinks are given to children and photos with Santa can be taken during the distribution time.
GLO is a registered nonprofit organization. It accepts tax-deductible donations of goods at its store located at 16965 Monterey St. No. 114 and sells them at minimal cost: few items are priced above $2. In addition to clothing (all washed before sale), the store offers small appliances, televisions, DVDs, books, dishes, bedding and more.
The shop is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. In addition to the Goducos, there are eight volunteers from local churches who staff the store. More volunteers would allow for longer hours; already some 400 customers visit each day.
GLO offers other ministries, including:
• Someone is always available to pray with customers who want spiritual support, and a small box near the door accepts prayer requests.
• Regular Bible studies.
• People are often referred to local churches.
Donate goods during the store’s open hours or call (408) 706-6499 to schedule a pickup. Monetary contributions are always welcome and volunteers are needed to staff the store.
For more information, visit globalliteracyoutreach.com or email gl********************@gm***.com.
