Sunday, August 19, 2007

New thrift store meets fiscal goal

The Second Generation Thrift Shoppe, which was officially opened by U.S. Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter and Mayor John Larochelle at the start of the year, has, after six months of operation, met its projected revenue target.

The income from this store, along with another in Greenland, helps to finance the work of New Generation. The non-profit's mission is to "provide support for homeless women in crisis during pregnancy and to mothers and children, in order to foster a new generation of healthy, self-sufficient, fully functioning and happy families."

Speaking last week, New Generation Director of Fundraising Catherine Edison said that in the six months to the end of June, the Rochester thrift store had grossed $36,000, before allowing for expenses, well on track to reach its goal of $70,000 in revenues for the first year of operations. She thanked everyone who patronized the store for their support.

"Right now we are more than breaking even," she said.

For New Generation's current fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30, 2008, the long-established Greenland store is projected to turn in a clear profit of $50,000 and the Rochester store, it is hoped, will contribute another $20,000 in profits towards the core work of the organization. Over 20 percent of referred pregnant, homeless moms come from Strafford County.

Last week, while Edison was making her announcement, the Rochester thrift shop, located in the Sherwin Williams Plaza off Old Dover Road, experienced a steady trickle of customers.

Dick Freeman, who first read about the store's existence in "The Rochester Times," looked happy as he headed out the door with a DVD containing 10 movies, a new National Guard planner and an aluminum cookie sheet, all for under $2.50. Darlene Jeacopella looked equally pleased with a large wooden spice rack designed to dangle from a fridge.

"We have expanded our houseware section," said store manager Janice Hamilton. "This is a great place to furnish a camp or an apartment."

Indeed this writer could not resist buying eight wine glasses at 25 cents each, although his wife reminded him, when he got home, that he already had 36 wine glasses stored in the attic. Oops.

The stores are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Donations to the stores come in from individuals and from community groups like churches.

For more information on the work of New Generation and the various fund-raisers throughout the year, visit www.newgennh.com.

In addition, Edison indicated, New Generation would like to add someone from the Rochester area to its Board of Directors.