Husband-Wife Team Aim to Help Low-Income Residents with New Resale Shop in Ferndale

For Dennis and Maria Long, retirement is more of a beginning than an ending.

Both newly retired – Dennis worked as a master electrician and Maria managed retiree benefits – the Detroit couple is embarking on a new adventure that officially began Tuesday at the .

Dennis Long said his wife has long wanted to open a business of her own. "I guess you could say it's like a new beginning," he said.

D's Treasure Chest sells gently used clothing for women and children, as well as children's items such as strollers and other baby gear.

"We aspire to provide quality merchandise at bottom-basement prices," Maria Long said.

Maria Long is also involved in the nonprofit Sister Outreach Services, which provides financial assistance including rent and utility payments to low-income Metro Detroit families going through a financial hardship.

At her shop, Long said women will be able to find a suitable outfit for a job interview very affordably, even for less than $5.

Jennifer Roosenberg, executive director of the , attended the grand opening Tuesday. She said the new business was good news for the community.

"It just gives people within this area another destination to walk to," she said.

People are welcome to donate clothing to the shop, Long said.

For more information, check out the D's Treasure Chest Facebook page.