South Side Seniors Use Flea Market to Help Community

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Shoppers look through clothing and wares at the flea market run by Kathy Kline and other vendors at the Church of the Living God, 2159 E. 95th St. Photo courtesy of Kathy Kline.
Shoppers look through clothing and wares at the flea market run by Kathy Kline and other vendors at the Church of the Living God, 2159 E. 95th St. Photo courtesy of Kathy Kline.

Kathy Kline and the other senior women, who work as flea market vendors on Chicago's South Side, want to make a positive impact on the community by providing clothing and other household items at reasonable prices.

"We're currently operating at the Church of the Living God at 2159 E. 95th Street, said Kline, excited about the business venture she hopes will continue. "We've been trying to get the word out that we're here and we want people to come by and see what we have to offer. Our prices are very affordable. We want it to continue as a resource for the community"

Kline and several other senior women set up tables and racks filled with clothing and other items.

"I sell a lot of new and gently used clothing for men and women, suits shoes, jeans, dresses, shirts, ladies hats, African attire, rugs, African artifacts and leather coats.

Kline said you won't find a lot of heavy duty appliances or tools at their flea market.

But you can find small end tables, radios, children's clothes; some brand new and some small appliances.

"We want our flea market to be a permanent fixture," Kline said. "We also have a florist."

Kline wants to encourage residents to support the flea market.

"We're trying to hold on a stay prayerful," Kline said of the flea market venture.

Fliers promoting the flea were written in English and Spanish and are being handed out to promote the flea market.

Flea market hours are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays only.

If you want flowers, need small appliances, want to just socialize and meet new people, come out on Saturday morning to take part in the flea market festivities.

"It's always a lively experience and people seem to have a great time," Kline said.

By Deborah Bayliss

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