GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) – Lennox’s toy box was opened on August 17, 2018, the same day her namesake turned 9.
“It’s named after my son, Lennox Evan Ostendorff,” Gentry Ostendorff told FOX Carolina. “I just wanted to get his name out there as long as I could.”
Lennox died on October 8, 2021.
“He survived longer than expected,” Ostendorff said.
Doctors diagnosed Lennox with a rare genetic disorder called adrenoleukodystrophy. The condition causes certain fatty acids to build up in the brain, causing the brain to stop working properly.
With the help of a friend who owns a building on East North Street and others who had items to donate, Ostendorff opened a thrift store to make ends meet while caring for Lennox.
“I thought if I could find those hundred-dollar items and sell one hundred-dollar item a day, then I could spend the rest of my time with it,” Ostendorff said.
Ostendorff used Facebook Marketplace to showcase his wares and opened the store by appointment.
“When COVID hit and everyone was stuck at home, a lot of people who were cleaning (things) wanted to donate,” Ostendorff said. “In order to be able to deal with all this stuff, I had to charge people to come and remove everything.”
Lennox’s Toy Box opened on August 17, 2018, which marks Lennox Ostendorff’s birthday and National Thrift Store Day
Ostendorff said he has found this a rewarding business because in many cases, he is helping people move forward after life-changing circumstances. On occasion, he will donate his services.
“Sometimes I’m blessed enough to do it and sometimes I have a hard time and I can’t handle it,” he said.
While August 17th marks Lennox’s birthday and the opening of Lennox’s Toy Box, it’s also National Thrift Shop Day.
“Unfortunately, I doubt I’ll ever be open that day,” Ostendorff said.
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