Thrift Store generates $40,000 for Bridges of Hope to help families

BAXTER - Bridges of Hope recently announced that $40,000 that was generated through its Thrift Store will be used to connect families in crisis with services such as housing and utility assistance, access to mental health services, and parenting support.

The board of directors at Bridges of Hope spent five years researching ideas for a start-up business venture to provide financial support to the organization's mission of building bridges between families and those that can help. Just one year after in September of 2009, its charity thrift store Common Goods opened to the public.

"The community response to the store has been encouraging," Jana Shogren, Bridges of Hope executive director, said in an e-mail. "People shop often and donate generously; especially after learning they are helping others at the same time."

Shogren also reported that Bridges of Hope created seven new jobs in the community by opening Common Goods, located north of Baxter on Highway 371, after Bridges of Hope received $107,000 in startup funding from the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation, Crow Wing Power Community Trust, Initiative Foundation and Otto Bremer Foundation.

According to Shogren, community partners also contributed to the success of the store by providing an outlet for goods that aren't a good fit for resale. These partners include Habitat for Humanity's ReStore, Brainerd School District, New Pathways, SalemWEST, Salvation Army and the Women's Center. The goal of these partnerships is to serve more individuals, keep donations local, and prevent items from unnecessarily ending up in the landfill.

"So many families are facing tough times and now Bridges is more prepared to help." Bill Brekken, Bridges of Hope board member, said in an e-mail. Brekken reported proceeds from the store could account for up to 12 percent of the funds needed to serve families at Bridges of Hope over the coming year.

Bridges of Hope is a nonprofit organization that has been serving the lakes area since 2002.