This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
12/14/2018 03:09 PMFollowing an unexpected $10,000 contribution received this summer, the volunteers of Branford's Homemaker Thrift Shop recently took in a second unanticipated $10,000 gift that was given as a match to the summer donation.
Homemaker's board president, Pat Mansfield, said the first $10,000 contribution was made by an out-of-town relative of a Homemaker's volunteer and the most recent $10,000 donation arrived in November thanks to a matching grant program of The Capital Group.
"We received a $10,000 matching donation from the Capital Group, which matched the donation of the family of our volunteer," said Mansfield.
Mansfield said the non-profit Branford organization is extremely gratified to have taken in the two unanticipated contributions, which together have added up to $20,000 more than anticipated in fundraising and giving for 2018.
The first $10,000 contribution, together with $4,000 from Homemaker's fundraising efforts, was distributed in August to the six charitable Branford causes Homemaker's supports throughout the year. The total $14,000 was distributed with donations of $2,500 each to Branford Food Pantry, Community Dining Room, Branford Counseling Center and Orchard House Medical Adult Day Center; with $2,000 each given to Branford Emergency Fuel Assistance Fund and Branford Medical Transport programs.
In late November, Homemaker's board was back visiting with representatives of the six Branford charities; bringing with them yet another round of unexpected checks. The $10,000 matching gift from the Capital Group, together with $5,000 earned through Homemaker's fundraising efforts, added up to $15,000 given away last month. The money was distributed as $2,500 for each of the six charities, said Mansfield.
Organized in 1976, non-profit Homemaker Thrift Shop has, to date, raised well over $400,000 which has all been given back to local charities in community.
Homemaker Thrift Shop raises funds by taking in contributions of items for resale through the store, located at 4 Brushy Plains Road. All thrift shop sale proceeds benefit local Branford charitable causes. Homemaker volunteers donate their time to help stock inventory contributed by community members and others. Many of the volunteers have been with Homemaker's for 15 to 25 years.
Homemaker Thrift Shop is located at 4 Brushy Plain Road in the Brushy Plain Plaza (Unit 115). Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. — 4 p.m. For more information, call (203) 481-5161.