Today I had the pleasure of meeting with Don Russell and he took a few minutes to tell me about the Community Thrift Store, how it came about and what it does for the citizens and other organizations of Pickens County. The Mission of the Community Thrift Store is to serve the members of the community who find themselves in need of essential goods and basic human and life-enhancing services. And that is just what they do, going on 8 years now. People come to the Community Thrift Store to donate their used items, they come here to get clothes, sometimes for free, and sometimes they come to the Community Thrift Store for good bargains. The thrift store generates about half a million dollars per year and about $380,000 of profit goes back into the community to help people. There is abundance here in Pickens County and because of that, the thrift store ships about 150 tons of excess clothing per year overseas. The Community Thrift Store today is a large organization and they have been able to help other organizations get started and help them maintain. And the thrift store depends on donors! You and Me! They have about 120 to 130 volunteers who work the thrift store. They are there to help sort out the clothing and other items, price them and put them out on the floor. And they always need volunteers; it’s a great place to work, you get the satisfaction of helping others and you can work your own schedule. Don’t be mislead, sometimes its hard work but its so gratifying! The Community Thrift Store has become a very important part of this community because they are here for those who need them. Check out the Community Thrift Store – if you have reusable items, bring them by. If you have large items that you’d like to donate but have no way to get them to the store, call the store (706-253-7770) and they’ll set up a time to come by and pick it up! The Community Thrift Store is excited about being here and helping the citizens of Pickens County!
www.pickenscommunitythriftstore.org
Check out this video – Don Russell talks about the thrift store and what it means to him and the community-
