Options Thrift Shoppe Seeks Volunteers

Naples, FL –The Shelter for Abused Women & Children is seeking volunteers to help staff the agency’s 8,000 square-foot Options Thrift Shoppe, located at 968 Second Avenue North in Naples.

“We are really a community-based endeavor,” explains Options Thrift Shoppe Manager Karen Balzano. “We rely on the community to make donations to Options, shop here, help staff the store and, most importantly, help provide women and children lives free from abuse.” She continues, “If you’re looking for a way to give back, to help others, this is a great way to do it!”

Awarded first place for Consignment Clothing Sales and second place for Consignment Furniture Sales in the Southwest Florida People’s Choice Awards 2006, Options Thrift Shoppe provides a ten percent discount to store volunteers. Currently, Options volunteer opportunities include:

• Customer Service Specialists to greet shoppers and donors as they enter Options, help donors fill out donation forms after receiving the donation and answer questions about Options and/or the Shelter
• Thriving Thrifters who are responsible for retailing, pricing, organizing and sorting merchandise for resale
• Pick-up/Delivery of items being donated to the thrift shop

Individuals interested in volunteering with Options should contact the Shelter for Abused Women & Children at 775-3862, ext. 235.

One hundred percent (100%) of the proceeds generated by Options are used to fund the services offered by the Shelter, such as the 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, transitional living, outreach counseling, children’s counseling and educational programs.

In addition to providing financial support to the Shelter for Abused Women & Children, Options is also a free department store for the agency’s program participants who receive gift certificates to shop for the clothing, household furnishings and furniture needed to start their new lives free from domestic violence.

Donations of new and gently used items, including clothing, furniture and household items are accepted at the store located at 968 Second Avenue North in Naples. To arrange for free pick-up of larger donations, please call the Options Manager at 239-434-7115.

For more information about the Shelter for Abused Women & Children, Options Thrift Shop, as well as programs and services, please call 239-775-3862, or visit the Shelter’s website at www.naplesshelter.org.

Media Contact:
Mary Ann T. Green, mgreen@naplesshelter.org, 239-775-3862, ext. 211