Options Thrift Shoppe Receives Top Awards

Naples, FL – The Shelter for Abused Women & Children's Options Thrift Shoppe, located at 968 Second Avenue North in Naples, received top honors in the Naples Daily News' fifth annual Southwest Florida Choice Awards.

"First and foremost, Options is a free department store for the victims of domestic violence we serve at our Shelter," explains Options Store Manager Karen Balzano. "So, it's wonderful to receive these awards again this year as it demonstrates a continued show of support for victims and survivors of intimate partner abuse, the Shelter and the work we do to break the cycle of violence. We're thrilled."

Based on readership response, for the fourth consecutive year Options Thrift Shoppe was awarded the Choice Champion Award for Consignment, Clothes and the Choice Star Award in the Consignment, Furniture categories.

Owned and operated by the Shelter for Abused Women & Children, Options Thrift Shoppe is an 8,000 square-foot store managed by Shelter employees and staffed by volunteers. Fully 100% of proceeds generated by Options are used to fund the programs and services offered by the Shelter, such as the 24-hour crisis hotline (775-1101), emergency shelter and transitional living program (40 emergency beds, 20 transitional housing beds), outreach counseling, children's counseling and educational/outreach programs and more.

"Perhaps as important as the funding Options provides for the Shelter," details Balzano, "is the fact that Options serves as a department store for Shelter program participants who receive complimentary gift certificates to shop for clothing, household furnishings and furniture as they begin their new lives free from domestic violence."

Donations of new and gently used items, including clothing, furniture and household items are accepted at Options Thrift Shoppe, located at 968 Second Avenue North, 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.

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