Volunteers go the extra mile at Gabriel's Trumpet Book and Gift Store

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COVENTRY — “Good morning! Welcome to Gabriel’s Trumpet,” Mary Williams said warmly. At the Coventry Catholic bookstore and gift shop, customers are made to feel right at home.
When a visitor walks into Gabriel’s Trumpet, chances are they will be greeted with a smile and offered a cup of coffee. Not only is the store entirely volunteer-run, but it also donates proceeds from sales to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
The volunteers make every effort to provide a comfortable, friendly space that will be spiritually enriching for volunteers and customers, an environment that could not be matched by an online bookstore, explained Williams, who has been sharing her time at the store for a little over a year.
“Sometimes people just need someone to talk to and a lot of the time it’s just listening. If someone is grieving we listen. Some people think we are just a religious store, we have so many items for everyone. That’s the difference between online [and a brick and mortar store] — and I’m an online shopper. We are able to help them and talk to them about what they need. And nobody ever welcomed me at Amazon,” Williams said smiling.
Walking into the store around the holidays, visitors can browse through many seasonal gifts, including unique Advent candle holders and nativities from around the world as well as many specialty gifts for Christmas. The store also features a large children’s section, pro-life area, along with a variety of items to remember loved ones who have passed away.

For more information, or to volunteer, please call 401-823-4884. Gabriel’s trumpet is located at 477 Washington St. (Rte. 117), Coventry. Store Hours through December 20: Open Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Special Holiday Hours: Closing Saturday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m. Re-opening Thursday, January 2, 10 a.m. Regular Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.