ORANGE : Abortion Foe Puts Beliefs Into Store

Two years ago, Simon Cassar was picketing Southland clinics that offer abortions, trying to dissuade pregnant woman from undergoing the procedure.

But when Cassar, an engineer for McDonnell Douglas and the father of two children, found himself doing a stint in jail as a result of his actions, he decided that he had to find another way to encourage motherhood.

Tender Hearts, a newly opened consignment shop selling children’s clothing at substantially reduced cost, is the result of Cassar’s search.

“We were praying,” Cassar remembered. “And I thought this is a way to make motherhood less expensive for moms.”

Tender Hearts contains about 3,000 items of clothing, Cassar said. The majority of the articles are on consignment, but at least 2% are donated by people supportive of the store’s goals. Moreover, any pregnant woman entering the shop is entitled to two free items of clothing for her unborn child, and profits support shelters for single mothers.

“I feel called to help mothers and this is the only way I know how without impacting my own family life,” Cassar said. “There are a lot of single mothers barely making it, and we applaud their efforts to raise their children by themselves.”

The store is a project of “Moms Helping Moms,” a nonprofit Christian organization based in Alhambra that helps mothers and children in need.

Tender Hearts, at 2004 N. Tustin Ave., also sells children’s furniture and toys, including strollers, baby furniture, stuffed animals and books.

Profits from the shop go to local homes for single mothers.

Tender Hearts is open weekdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For further information, call (714) 921-4777.