By Linda Stinnett

 When Andrea Paquette found her job in real estate sales slowing, she began looking for something which would help her stay busy.

Earlier this year the former Keepsakes shop was preparing to close and Paquette and her husband, Mike, took over the shop. The inventory from the former owner did not stay.

“We are trying to give it a new modern approach and style with inventory that will appeal to everybody,” she said.

The shop, New and Nearly New, offers children’s clothing and toys, women’s size 12 and up, costume jewelry and Mike’s contribution – some fly fishing equipment and tying kits. Some consignments have come in with the new tags still attached.

The Paquettes see the shop as a way to help young families. Money made from the shop has also helped several charities.

“I wasn’t looking at it as just a job,” Andrea said. “It turned out to be a way to help out in the community as well.”

The couple also enjoyed going to the shop when a family called early on a Sunday morning. They were headed to a Chiefs game and saw some of the football team’s accessories in the window. The Paquettes said if anyone sees items in the window, they will come during off hours.