It takes tremendous belief in a vision to establish a non profit organization. The vision: Every child can shine; we can help them shine from the outside in. Who has the passion to persevere? LaShawn Dorsey, owner of Star Child’s Thrift Store 10901 Hickman Mills Drive.
On March 1, 2010, LaShawn’s dream to make good, gently used and some new clothes and school uniforms affordable to families became reality. As a mother of six, she knows how hard it can be to keep everyone outfitted well. Couple that with today’s economic woes, and help is almost essential.
LaShawn and husband Eric, a boiler-maker, moved their family to Missouri in 2007 from Southern California. Everyday is a new experience for them and their children because of the climate difference. They love it all, especially the snow and all the springtime flowering trees.
Though born in Kansas City, she was quite young when she and her mother moved to Los Angeles. LaShawn has memories of a childhood spent waiting while her busy entrepreneurial mother went on appointments. She is fortunate to be bright and love to read because she learned a lot from the piles of books around her in the backseat of a car during the waits. At about age 7, she was convinced that someday she’d be sitting right next to Christie Brinkley reporting the news, as co-anchor. That led to her attending community college for journalism. But just reporting the news did not suit her after all. She would rather be making things happen.
A turning point in her life came when she attended a party in an upscale, exclusive community. Her eyes were opened as to what people could accomplish regardless of age, gender or race. She gave herself permission to be empowered and say, yes I can. She moved to Marino Valley and made a fresh start. That’s about the time she met her husband in church. They were married in 2001.
Currently LaShawn is attending UMKC for a degree in Early Childhood Education because. She believes that degree will enable her to help more children than she can reach through her store. Helping children and youth to a better life is her passion. Organizing a local Youth Build Project that meets at Star Child is another way she helps her community.
“I’m all about see a need fill a need,” La Shawn will tell anyone. “If you don’t know what’s happening with your neighbors how can you be there for them?” she asks pointedly. “Help your neighbor. Take action. Don’t blend in with the normal crowd. Be constantly working behind the scene. What you do today you may not see for a long time. The seeds planted today will grow tomorrow.” These are wise insights from a young mom who says she “sometimes feels old” because she’s “been there/done that so much already.” The good news for South Kansas City is that she uses that thinking to make positive changes in the community.
“This place is emotionally exhausting, yes,” she shared. “I stay with my belief system which is God-centered. When I’m empty at night, I am full in the morning. There’s only One who can do that.”
On June 26, Star Child hosted the 1st Annual School Uniform Drive. People came in droves to donate new socks and t-shirts and were thanked with the best barbeque around. It was a huge success and LaShawn is very grateful.
Meet this dedicated woman, shop at her pretty little shop that does not resemble a typical thrift store, or donate goods or funds Monday through Saturday 10 to 7, Sunday 11:30 to 2:30. Everyone can participate in this project established for the greater good.
