Tucked into the corner of Huron Street and Quay Street in Port Huron, near Acme Locksmiths and across the street from Lynch’s Irish Tavern, is a gift shop that is no ordinary gift shop.
It may appear to just sell cutesy touristy items like beach bags and Made-in-Michigan apparel, but upon closer inspection, the shop is taking community service to a higher level.
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Lynn Vinson, owner of Touchstone Services and A Little Something, Stacey Redfield, director of Touchstone Services, Sallie Smith, employment coordinator for Touchstone Services, and Lucie DeLine, manager of A Little Something celebrate the store's fifth anniversary.The store just marked its fifth anniversary, originally opening in May 2012 as a resale shop, A Little Something has grown into a store that provides work skills to anyone with employment barriers.
Its name stems from the idea that inside the store, there is “A Little Something” for everyone.
The shop decided to partner with Touchstone Services, a nonprofit organization providing individuals with jobs to hone their social skills, customer service, inventory, and stocking abilities.
“We believe it is important to teach these skills because a lot of them have not had the structure in their lives to learn the skills to be successful in the job setting,” says A Little Something manager Lucie DeLine.
That is sentiment echoed by former employees, who always return.
“The former employees are grateful for our services, and often come back to see us and shop in the store,” says DeLine. “We feel that our involvement with these people promotes personal growth and self-esteem.”
The barriers could be anything from disabilities, past indiscretions, lack of transportation, or any other situation that could prevent them from getting and maintaining jobs.
“Not only do I love what I do and the team that I do it with,” says DeLine. “But I believe in what I do, as well. The personal satisfaction and fulfillment I obtain from helping others be successful in achieving their goals is far more rewarding than financial gain.”
A Little Something has flourished into a must-visit place to shop, for tourists and locals. The shelves and racks are stocked with unique items like homemade soaps and bath salts, garden accessories, kitchenware, candy, jewelry, men’s apparel, and much more.
“We try to keep our merchandise as unique and different as we can,” says co-manager Kim Tallmadge. “We like to change it up often and keep it fresh for our customers.”
Many of the products feature unique designs tailored to the love or Port Huron and Michigan. 
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The store works with different vendors and attends buyer shows throughout the year, and the management team decides unanimously what to carry. They do not make any of the merchandise themselves, but carry a lot of consignment items by local artists.
The website is still a work-in-progress, but consumers can shop online through the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/alittlesomethingretail/, and by calling the store. They will ship within the United States for a flat shipping fee.
Even the employees and managers sometimes have to curtail their desire to shop in the store. “We have had to give ourselves strict guidelines on what and how much we personally purchase,” says Tallmadge. “However, we do most of our gift shopping for others within the store.”
“I love this store!” says customer Jeni Vincent. “They have the most adorable gifts and always have items that make me smile. What a gem in our downtown!”
The owners and managers of the store love being a part of downtown Port Huron, especially since they help out so many other people.
“We believe the passion for what we do by conquering barriers and helping others while still allowing us to work in a retail setting with great customers is more rewarding than our past positions,” the team says in a joint statement. “The uniqueness of the store and customer service is what keeps our customers coming back.”
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