Representatives from area nonprofits happily accepted checks from the First & Second Thrift Store on February 13. They represent local churches, schools, youth organizations, human services programs and more. The representatives were quick to thank the hard working volunteers who keep the thrift store and donation center going, earning the money that means so much to small community nonprofits.
At 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13, the Cook County Senior Center was filled with excited representatives from area nonprofits. It was time for twice-yearly distribution of profits from the First & Second Thrift Store in Grand Marais, which is always a fun event. Throughout the year, volunteers staff the thrift store and the donation center, accumulating hours to be credited toward their designated organization. No one is sure just what they’ve “earned” until the numbers are tallied and announced at the gathering. It’s always a pleasant surprise for the volunteers and the nonprofit organizations to see just how much has been raised.
At the gathering this week, 25 different organizations received a portion of the $20,044.75 made at the thrift store from July 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. In all 68 volunteers worked a total of 1,822.25 hours! The payout amount for this period was $11 per hour. The payout varies depending on store profits and expenses, but since the store opened in 2007, local nonprofits have received $198,214.98.
First & Second is located in the Cobblestone building next to Pumphouse Fitness. The store is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The warehouse for accepting donations of clean, lightly used items is located on the south side of the garage behind the Cook County Senior Center. The donation center is open Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
If you are interested in volunteering at the thrift store and raising some money for your favorite local nonprofit, contact Thrift Store Coordinator Sally Berg at (218) 387-3326. For warehouse volunteering, please contact Robin DuChien at (218) 387-2072.
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