Valley Charities Appreciates Donors
Contributed by Randi Perlman
The Wasilla thrift store known as turn-A-leaf has a well-deserved reputation for housing a wide array of useful and needed items, sold at very reasonable prices affordable to all. The many and varied donations received from countless generous donors are greatly appreciated and are one of the main reasons turn-A-leaf has been able to thrive and grow with the community.
We’ve all heard the expression “one person’s junk is another’s treasure”, and that sentiment plays out almost every day on the thrift shop’s floor, both when an item arrives in the warehouse for sorting and when it is discovered on the shelves by someone who came in looking for that very thing! It’s a wonderful feeling, and a true win-win for all, when a donation reaches its perfect destination and finds a new home. These sellable donations generate the revenue needed to operate the thrift store and any associated community programs.
Donors give from the heart to help their fellow Mat-Su residents, friends, and neighbors – something our community is famous for – but it’s important to consider the condition of an item before donating. Sorting through the myriad of donations regularly received at the thrift store is mostly done by paid staff, making it a large part of turn-A-leaf’s payroll expenses. If items are damaged (such as chipped, broken dishes or torn, stained clothing) or not in working order (such as electronics), they will not find their way onto the shelves. This unsellable merchandise cannot be used by the store and therefore becomes an expense to dispose of. This can be in the form of trash removal costs, transportation costs to deliver any recyclable materials to Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS, our local recycling center), and other associated costs such as fuel and staff time.
Valley Charities, Inc. (VCI), a nonprofit organization, is the parent company of turn-A-leaf Thrift Store. Like all nonprofits, VCI attempts to keep operating expenses to a minimum so it can continue providing affordable programs and services to their clients and customers. We are fortunate to have a strong philanthropic environment in the Mat-Su Valley. By considering the physical condition of a donation before bringing it to turn-A-leaf, kind donors can help keep costs down and prices low, enabling VCI to connect those who need help with the help they need and fulfilling the large and growing resource demands in the Mat-Su.
This time of year, as Alaskans file for their PFDs, there is another simple way to donate to VCI. Donations made through the PICK CLICK GIVE program (PCG) provide much-needed dollars for the Valley’s nonprofit organizations. VCI uses the monies received through PCG to fund their Endowment. This fund was created as a safety net to catch those Mat-Su residents who find themselves in hard times and often fall through the cracks of other programs. Mini grants can be applied to cover a portion of unexpected costs such as medical expenses, home repairs, or other wellness related challenges. Endowment funds can often ‘bridge the gap’ for community members and bring them hope. Direct donations to VCI can also be made on their website at www.valleycharities.org. All donations support VCI’s mission ‘to enhance our community’s resources, health and social well-being through our work and partnerships’
Valley Charities, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing life-changing programs and opportunities to Valley residents. VCI has been quietly serving the Mat-Su Borough for over 60 years. Through their Housing Assistance Partnership Program, Mat-Su Reentry Program, Medical Equipment Lending Program, and turn-A-leaf Thrift Store, alongside many strong community partnerships, VCI serves the needs of Valley residents and helps them thrive. These compassionate programs encompass and fulfill VCI’s vision to make the Mat-Su Valley a healthier and happier place to reside for everyone. For more information, visit www.valleycharities.org or call (907)-376-5740.