First & Second Thrift Store is in need of some volunteer summer help.
While most in the community know this is a great place to get rid of your lightly used items and a great place to pick up bargains, it is so much more than that. It is also a major fundraiser for Cook County nonprofits.
Since June 1, 2007, First & Second Thrift Store has generated $431,167.58, and it has all gone back to the community. Last year the store paid out $60,000 to 33 nonprofits, but it took 75 volunteers to make that a reality. Had those volunteers been paid, their average hourly wage would have been $13.75 per hour.
Volunteers select where they would like their “wages” to be sent. To give you an idea of where donations go, at the end of 2016: . Cook County Senior Center, $12,413; . Bethlehem Lutheran Church, $5,214.69; . Cook County Food Shelf, $4,960.31; . St. John’s Catholic Church $4,207.50; . Grand Marais Playhouse, $3,671; . Cook County Tennis Association, $3,266; . Cook County Higher Education, $2,567.51; . Care Partners $2,206.88; . Arrowhead Animal Rescue, $2,076.25; . Cornerstone Community Church, $1,711.88; . Evangelical Free Church, $1,217; . and on and on.
So if you have some free time and would like to volunteer, then stop in at First & Second Thrift Store and fill out an application.
“We are in need of a variety of volunteers to work as soon as possible,” said Lois Johnson, who is in charge of the operation.
“This has already started to be a very busy summer and it will take lots of people to help. We need volunteers in all areas: cashiers, sorters, etc. We are especially needing a volunteer that can work non-store hours to help us keep our store clean.”
If you would like to learn more about volunteering, stop in the store, which is located at 211 E. Highway 61 in Grand Marais, or call 387-1826.
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