By Sarah Opdahl
The New Fairfield Community Thrift Shop (“NFCTS”) just reached an exciting benchmark—$1,000,000 in philanthropic community giving. A thriving, all-volunteer venture, the Thrift Shop has worked toward this goal since opening in 1984.
Current NFCTS President Karen Jaslow, who began volunteering for the shop six years ago, is thrilled to have contributed to the success of the Thrift Shop. “It’s about helping take care of our community, which is how it should be in small towns, taking care of each other.” She went on to point out that the shop provides the perfect place to purchase items locally, affordably, sustainably, and charitably. Proceeds from each sale are poured directly back into the New Fairfield and Sherman communities.
The Thrift Shop gives to a variety of parties in New Fairfield and Sherman, from the Social Services departments and schools to local booster groups and operations, such as New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare Society and the town fire departments. In total, there are currently 106 individual groups who have benefited from the Thrift Shop’s support, which amounts to a multitude of people whose lives were impacted by the shop’s work. The giving was “slightly up this year,” according to Jaslow, who explained that they are meeting many requests for help with home heating bills in conjunction with New Fairfield Social Services and New Fairfield’s elementary school was the recipient of a large donation to fund a field trip for the entire first grade in the spring. The Thrift Shop’s Finance Board also approved increased giving to fund scholarships for New Fairfield High School seniors.
The Thrift Shop has over thirty volunteers, from teens to retirees, and they are always happy to welcome more helpers. In addition to shifts at the shop, the full group gets together for an annual pizza social, a holiday party, two general meetings per year, and more. Jaslow says, “if you’re looking to give back to your town, or if you are new to town and want to meet your neighbors, come and volunteer.” Just stop by the shop for a volunteer application or request a PDF to be emailed to you.
In keeping with the vision of the Thrift Shop’s founder, Dana Welles, Jaslow wants residents to know, “we’re here to help.” From the beginning, Welles and former president and town Social Services Director Caryn Reilly were so pleased to see the shop thrive. “I take my hat off to Dana Welles and I remember when she came in with a proposal for the Thrift Shop. I volunteered from the very beginning,” Reilly said, “I’m so happy that it continues to fund social services in town, this was just such a welcome source of revenue.”
There’s a process to follow for assistance, either individuals can reach out to New Fairfield Social Services Director Cindy White at 203-312-5669, or groups can complete a request form for funding that is available at the Thrift Shop. Decisions about funding cycle through the governing boards for the shop and parties are then relayed information about their requests. Though there are bylaws that prohibit some forms of giving, all requests are welcome.
An excellent way to support the endeavor, of course, is to shop. In addition to lovely seasonal apparel, shoes, games, toys, and home goods, the holiday shop is now open. Come in for cheerful decorations and check out the gently used items and the shelf of donated new items that will serve as the perfect re-gift.
The NFCTS is open Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; and Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.