The thrift store at No Longer Bound has relocated to a new, much larger facility.  

“We just wanted to offer a more upscale environment," said Jason Pankow, donations manager for the organization. "It’s a brand new building. It’s really well lit and it has quality merchandise."

The store opened June 15, drawing nearly 100 customers in its first three days. Pankow expects traffic to increase.

Pickups, which add to the variety of merchandise, occur daily. Items range from clothing, toys and jewelry to appliances, furniture and construction materials.

Proceeds from the store benefit the 10-month, faith-based drug and alcohol program for men and their families.

The residential program consistently stays at capacity, with 40 men currently enrolled. There is typically a waiting list of about a dozen others, Pankow said.

“Pretty much as soon as we get an opening, we fill it right up,” he said.

A handful of the residents help Pankow and two interns operate the 6,000-square-foot thrift shop.

“In addition to getting off drugs and alcohol, they can leave here with some work ethic and some skills,” he said.  

Prior to opening the thrift shop, Pankow said, the organization collected only clothing for program participants and then sold the excess from the barn.

Nicole McCoy said thrift stores are a great way for nonprofit organizations to raise money. Residents unable to financially contribute can still “clean out their closets to make donations.”

McCoy is executive director of Forsyth Community Connection, an organization that serves as a liaion between nonprofits and families in need.

“[Thrift stores] also provide a much needed service for citizens in the community to be able to buy goods that are well cared for, clean, in good shape and are at a reasonable cost,” she said.

“It meets three needs -- the funding of an agency, those looking to support the agency in some manner, and then those in the community that need an affordable place to buy items.”

E-mail Jennifer Sami at jennifersami@forsythnews.com.