New Albion gift shop aims to minister to community

Photos by Tom Rivers – Shelcy Plueckhahn, right, opened Capable Hearts today at 12 East Bank St., Albion. She is pictured with her sister Jewel Shingleton.

ALBION – A new gift store with Christian books and inspirational messages opened today at 12 East Bank St.

Capable Hearts is more than a business, said owner Shelcy Plueckhahn. She sees the store as a ministry for the community. She wants the site to be used for Bible studies, youth groups and as a support for people enduring grief.

Plueckhahn knows about suffering a devastating loss. Her son Demitrios Alexandris was 14 when he died in October 2009. Demitrios had several disabilities and was well-loved by his Albion classmates.

He was expressive in sharing his Christian faith. He drew a heart for his mother and that drawing hangs inside Capable Hearts. It also is the store’s logo.

“Losing Demitrios was the hardest part of my life,” Plueckhahn said. “This store is like having my son here. This is him continuing with his messages. He started it and we’re going to continue it.”

Plueckhahn and her family created this display which she calls “the ladder of hope.” It includes resources to help people with their grief.

Plueckhahn works full-time as a family advocate at Head Start. She is running the new business with her family and friends. She is selling books, archangel figurines and other gifts to cover the costs of the storefront and programs.

“Our mission is reaching out to people,” she said.

She knows not everyone is comfortable in a church setting. She hopes the store will provide a place for people to connect with God and others in the community.

For more information on Capable Hearts, visit capablehearts.com.