A community redevelopment project three years in the making is one step closer to having built its future. The PTA Thrift Shop, in conjunction with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, held the ribbon cutting for the redeveloped Carrboro store complex on Thursday, October 17.
PTA Thrift Shop Board and Campaign Team members, donors, volunteers, town officials, and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School District officials were in attendance at the event, which was emceed by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Aaron Nelson.
“Our ribbon cutting was a huge milestone in our redevelopment journey. It gave us an opportunity to thank everyone for their support. This community has truly built our future---and we are so grateful for their time and donations.” shared Barbara Jessie-Black, PTA Thrift Shop executive director.
The new store complex, which is slated for a December 2 grand re-opening, will enable the PTA Thrift Shop to increase its already substantial 61 years of community impact on education, human services, and economic development. The redeveloped site consists of 14,000 square feet of retail space, donation drop-off site, processing and administrative offices with an additional 8,000 square feet dedicated to lease space, 100 percent of which is currently leased by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Head Start Administrative Offices.
Gill Hare and Dawn Ruston, community building campaign co-chairs and school district parents, continue to encourage Chapel Hill and Carrboro residents, school parents, local businesses, and foundations to invest in an organization whose mission has been to give back to the community.
“The new store is one step closer to opening—but the PTA Thrift Shop still needs our support—now more than ever. When you drive by the new building, remember that this is an organization that employs people in our community, donates $265,000 to our school system annually, and provides nearly $100,000 worth of coats and clothes for community members in need. Now, that is a high-impact mission!” explained Hare, who in conjunction with Ruston, has spent over two years raising funds for this project.
The PTA Thrift Shop is continuing to offer a variety of giving options to support the project, including on-site naming opportunities, $500 brick pavers that will be placed at the front entrance, and a $12x12 campaign (a donation of $12 for 12 months). The organization will hold its annual Birthday Bash fundraiser on January 31, 2014 at Top of the Hill Great Room. Tickets will go on sale via the website in mid-November. For more information on how to help, visit www.ptathriftshop.org/donate
The PTA Thrift Shop has two resale stores in Chapel Hill and Carrboro that sell a range of donated goods and treasures from clothing to furniture. Started in 1952, the nonprofit donates its profits—more than $5 million over the last 15 years—to local public schools through the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for each school. The organization also provides in-kind donations to help clothe clients of local social service organizations and partners with the community in supplying gift cards to its stores for families in need. Known as an environmental leader for its recycling and other eco-focused efforts, the PTA Thrift Shop was named the 2010 Progress Energy Sustainable Business of the Year and has received “Green Plus Certification” through the Institute for Sustainable Development.
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