Valley Thrift Shop Celebrates 40 years of Volunteerism

Valley Thrift Shop recently celebrated their fortieth anniversary in service to the New Bethlehem community. The occasion was marked with an open house, door prizes, and refreshments on March 23 and 24. Valley Thrift Shop began in 1983 as the mission of local churches to help those in need. Donations of clothing and household items were offered at reasonable prices and all proceeds above rent and utilities were used to support local non-profits. Through the years the community has supplied donations which are welcomed to stock the store and the inventory has grown to include decorative pieces, books, holiday items, jewelry, games, CDs, and DVDs. All profits continue to support the local charities. Valley Thrift Shop is completely operated by volunteers. Co-directors Debbie Silvis and Judy Jacklin are currently assisted by 51 volunteers; but there have been hundreds of volunteers over the past 40 years. Many of them are members of AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Program, sponsored by Community Action Inc. April is National Volunteer Month. Community Action, Inc. thanks the Valley Thrift Shop volunteers for their tireless efforts in making a difference in people’s lives and their community. Valley Thrift Shop is located at 224 Broad Street, New Bethlehem, PA and is open 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Donations are accepted during store hours. If you are interested in volunteering or are looking for volunteer opportunities, contact Community Action, Inc.’s AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Program at (814) 226-4785 or [email protected].