Barnstead Food Pantry And Thrift Shop Celebrate 1st Anniversary
How do you use the profits generated by a small Thrift Shop to provide
needed benefits for our neighbors during this difficult economy? In the
NH way of creativity, volunteerism and “no-cost-to-the taxpayers”
solutions, Elaine Swinford, Barnstead’s Welfare Director, developed a
method where townspeople donate their gently used clothes, furniture,
and other household items to the Barnstead Thrift Shop. These items are
then sold by the Thrift Shop and the proceeds are used to support the
Barnstead Food Pantry (food supplies, rent, utilities, etc).
The Food Pantry used to be in the basement of the Town Hall,
distributing food to those in need every Saturday morning. Director
Swinford decided to move the Food Pantry out of the Town Hall to its own
private location, and at the same time, created the Thrift Shop. The
advantage of moving it to its new location (134 Suncook Valley Rd.) at
the Bosco Bell strip mall is that those in need are able to be served
with confidentiality and respect. The steady flow of traffic makes it
much more difficult to discern who is receiving assistance.
The Thrift Shop just celebrated its 1st Anniversary. Over 500
families have been served in the first year. With the economy still
struggling, there will be even more families in need as the jobless rate
continues to climb. The outpouring of support has been tremendous;
people are willing to donate items to the Thrift Shop rather than going
to a “regular” consignment shop where they and the shop owner share in
the profits. Barnstead citizens recognize their neighbors’ plight and
voluntarily donate their profits; the Thrift Shop donates its entire
portion of the proceeds, as well. And where does the money go? It goes
to the Barnstead Food Pantry to purchase food for the benefit of those
in need. The Food Pantry is entirely supported by the Thrift Shop.
With the holidays just around the corner, now more than ever we need
to remember those who have fallen on hard times. The intent is to give
those in need a “boost” so that they can get themselves back on their
feet. And you wouldn’t believe how many have come back after getting
back on their feet to offer their assistance to others with cash and
merchandise donations. And, rest assured, the confidentiality of those
receiving assistance is honored. The Food Pantry is operated under
strict guidelines from the State of New Hampshire.
The Thrift Shop has a vast array of goods/items: Clothes ranging
from Walmart to Madison Avenue, furnishings for your baby’s room, toys,
games, and electronics. Stop by and see Harry – maybe you’ll find that
treasure you’ve been looking for!