Elgin's Sporting Goods Store Is Run By Volunteer Employees

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Image via Trib Local

Patricia Keeney's family has owned the Keeney’s Sporting Goods/PK’s Antiques in Elgin for 127 years, but currently, the only people manning the register are the ones who shop there.

Having run of the sporting goods shop and antique-filled basement shop for 17 years herself, Patricia was forced to cut staff and her own health insurance when the economy began slipping, and recently became too ill to run the store. Instead of closing up shop, volunteers from Elgin's Downtown Neighborhood Association have been controlling the store for her and selling her antique goods and sports equipment while she's out sick.

Though they're unsure of how long she'll be out or what exactly her ailments stem from, the community is willing to pitch in without question:

“Pat could use the help and she would do it for anyone else,” said Karin Jones, co-owner of Kirkpatrick, Jones and Herzog Insurance Inc. who has been helping out along with her husband Gentry.

Elgin: home of the kindest people in America.
· Shop Owner Gets Help From Her Friends [TribLocal]