King’s Things Christian Thrift Store and Furniture Store in Swedesboro has been achieving its mission to feed and clothe those in need since it was founded back in 1983. For the past 20 years, the Gerry Siglow has acted as the president of the nonprofit organization. Now 79 years old, Siglow is stepping into the next chapter of his journey, retirement.
Looking back on his time serving the community through the organization, he emphasizes that the beating heart of King Things is those who selflessly devote their time volunteering. Siglow said, “We were able to get some great people who volunteered to help you do nothing by yourself. It’s an organization that has teamwork.”
He went on to share that some of the key members of the team include Gretchen Kunkle, who manages the thrift store, and Meredith Cachuela, who manages the food pantry, citing that both do a marvelous job at what they do.
By those who know Siglow personally, his unwavering dedication to serving a cause bigger than himself is inspiring. Mary Beth Rambler, the outgoing Vice President and long-time friend of Siglow said, “If I were to call him, if anyone were to call him and say, we have a client that is in distress, he would immediately drop everything to handle what he could do for that person, even if they are not clients.”
She went on to add, “He takes phone calls in the middle of the night to turn the heat back on or the electricity back on for those in need. I think that says a lot about the person that he is.”
Rambler, who has worked alongside Siglow for almost 14 years, shares that she has learned many things from him over the years. Citing that one of the most major things she has taken away from him is knowledge on the structure and intricate innerworkings of what goes into running a business.
“He has that business experience, and he does it very well, because King’s Things can provide for a lot of people in all these different areas that we service.”
Carol Dupper, who is a long-time board member at King Things and whose husband, William “Bill” Dupper Sr., was one of the founding members, also spoke to the devotion and humility Siglow brought to the organization for two decades of service. “Gerry’s always been very devoted to helping people. That’s been his focus for 20 years, and oftentimes he would give up time with his family to take care of somebody in need. His main goal was to make sure that people who were in need were taken care of,” Dupper said.
King’s Things offers many special programs to assist those in need in the community. One of these projects is known as the benevolence project, which is an outreach program that assists those in need with funds in emergency events such as funeral expenses, car repairs, and utilities.
Siglow says that over his duration as president, they have been able to pay out over $400,000 in benevolence, one of his biggest accomplishments. “Our mission to feed and clothe the needy it takes on other forms. You just can’t give them a bunch of food and say that’s it. If they don’t have electricity, if they don’t have heat, and if they don’t have running water, then life is very, very difficult,” he explained.
Dupper reminisces on one of the many other special projects spearheaded by King’s Things, its Christmas Program. While working alongside Siglow and the many other devoted members of the organization, they were able to assist around 150 kids and 80 families in the community in need during the holiday season.
“I think the main thing that I wanted people to know about Gerry is his sincerity and his dedication,” Dupper emphasized. This past year, through the initiative, they’ve seen tremendous growth.
King’s Things assisted more than 200 families, providing over 400 adults and more than 300 children with turkey or roasting chicken, along with ingredients for a Christmas meal, and a week’s worth of food. Every child also received at least three wrapped presents, and each family was also given a festive holiday plant.
As Siglow prepares for the shift in leadership, he makes a note to celebrate all the saints in his journey of helping make the community not only a better place, but a home. He thanks Catherine Botto, who has helped with the food pantry for years, Gene DeRosa, who works for the county, who helped when patrons needed help at the county level, BillDupper, who worked alongside Siglow many times as he helped others. Siglow also makes a note to recognize his wife, Barbara Siglow, for staying alongside him throughout his journey and providing the utmost support in his passions and endeavors.
Siglow also urges those willing and able to help to volunteer. He adds that the volunteer shifts are one day a week for three hours, but those who would like to can devote more time as well. However, he cites that a lack of volunteers is one of the most critical issues that King’s Things is currently facing.
“We have food to help people. We have funds to help with assistance, but what’s tomorrow going to be like if we can’t open the doors?” he said. “If we can maintain a core of volunteers in the thrift store, furniture store, and pantry, we can continue to serve the community,” he went on to add.
Starting in July, Dan Stephens will take the reins as the new president of the organization, building on the two decades of selfless service and dedication that Siglow leaves behind. As he enters retirement from King’s Things Christian Thrift Store and Furniture Store, Siglow is still active on the Logan Township Zoning Board and still has a willingness to help those in need within the community in whatever way he can.
Moving on to his next chapter, Siglow said, “I still have many peaks to climb, mountains to climb, and I’m just trying to remain healthy.”
By Asiya Robinson
