If you’re looking for a place to browse craft items and other treasures, to gather for coffee and treats or as a place to donate items and help others, Karen Onken has just the place for you.
A Place In Time – Coffee, Crafts & Treasures opened in late October. It is located on Main Street in Sanborn in the former Roth TV location. The front portion of the large building is filled with crafts, clothing, furniture and other donated items.
Onken explained that the business is a not-for-profit. The business proceeds will go to help Sanborn youth by assisting summer rec and helping with youth programs. “I do get what money is made from the craft items I sell,” said Onken. “This is to help me with the cost of the display items I have purchased. I take no other payment. This I do voluntarily. I’m hoping to offer craft classes for youth this summer. I also would like to be able to help families in emergencies, but that all takes money.”
The coffee pot is always on at A Place In Time and there is hot chocolate and apple cider as well. “There are several tables available if you want to come for a different spot for coffee and chat with a friend,” invited Onken. Red’s Catering brings treats every week. These often vary from week to week and come on trays so are perfect for taking home for family or to enjoy with coffee and friends.
If you seek something positive to come out of the pandemic, look no further than A Place In Time. “While not feeling well and during COVID I had been doing a lot of crafts to fill my days,” noted Onken. “The finished item totes and totes of craft stash items was overtaking my house.” There were also crafts from one of Onken’s friends who helps out when available.
Onken continured, “I had been looking for a way to sell my crafts and I have always wanted a business. I had looked at building options to purchase or rent but there is not much available. I had discussed wanting to rent this building but at that time I wasn’t feeling well and just couldn’t swing it. The building is owned by Bert Van Dam and his son Jeremy. No one was renting it and so they have allowed me to use the building. I feel so blessed.”
The Main Street location is not just a “Place” for Onken to store crafts but also to create them. Said Onken, “I have moved most of my craft items and supplies to the store and turned the office into my own craft room so while waiting for customers or items to clean and mark I can craft. I love it.”
Numerous items have been coming into A Place In Time. There are many new items and crafts for Christmas giving. This includes lots of ornaments and some small decorated Christmas trees.
Onken put forward this request to the public, “When doing your Christmas preparations, set out a box to put those items you no longer need or items you purchased and don’t know why, you may not need but others may need or enjoy it. I wipe everything down with disinfectant and spray fabrics or wash for your safety.”
Onken is accepting any and all donations except the usual electronics and printers that cost money to dispose of. “Several people have donated items and this is so appreciated,” she said. “I have no infant items which I know could help others.” At this time Onken has chosen to do donations and not consignment because she actually doesn’t know what space she would have available and she really wants to create a fund to help the youth.
A Place In Time is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and also on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. “I look forward to helping to bring business to our Main Street,” expressed Onken. “My hours coincide with Reborn Treasures (the next storefront to the north) so you can stop once and visit two stores. However, if I’m in crafting on other days I would welcome you to come in and look around or drop off donations. I hope more items come in and go out so you never know what ‘treasure’ you can find.”