More volunteers needed
Gilmer residents can be proud that a local nonprofit is now offering more to those in need.
Generous donations and the help of volunteers has allowed local nonprofit thrift store Faith, Hope and Charity to expand its operations.
Faith, Hope and Charity raises money for many other local nonprofits as well as its own charitable initiatives. Last year, it raised more than $754,000 for organizations that help community organizations.
The money went to scholarship programs, financial assistance, the Boys and Girls Club, the Gilmer Community Food Pantry, the Gilmer Learning Center, Habitat for Humanity, the Gilmer County Warming Center and many other organizations.
“We’ve been able to expand because our sales have continued to increase, and our donations have continued to increase,” Store Manager Jan Day said.
On average, Faith, Hope and Charity makes $25,000 weekly in sales. All the staff are volunteers, so the vast majority of the money goes back into the community.
“The dedication of our volunteers makes it possible,” she said.
After several maintenance and improvement projects last year, the thrift store is ready for program expansion.
High levels of community giving have left the store with lots of resources.
“The increasing level of donations continues to cause us to have to close or modify donation hours until volunteers can empty the overflowing carts,” Day said.
Several new services will help the Faith, Hope and Charity nonprofit thrift store expand their operations in the next year.
“The dedication of our volunteers makes it possible,” said Day.
The store will expand its shopping hours to 4 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month.
“That is something that will be new and will hopefully improve our service to the community,” she said.
It will also add a new pop-up dressing room and extend community service hours to the court system. Finally, it will network more with local churches and local organizations.
But to make these programs run smoothly, the store needs more volunteers.
Anyone interested can drop by the store or call Day at 706-635-3035.
Faith, Hope and Charity is located at 449 Industrial Boulevard in Ellijay.
“We need you,” Day said. “I need more people every day.”