Thankful For The Thrift Shop Around The Corner Changing Lives

BRANFORD, CT — A person came in and donated looking-like-new child's car seat and what can only be called a baby condo with bassinet, play space, changing table and you-name-it built in. Not cheap.

Homemaker Thrift Shop manager Karen Bussey took to Facebook.

"A customer just donated a pack-and-play and a car seat. I'd like to give these away free to a customer in need. Will need to pick up today. Call and I’ll put your name on them. Karen."

For more than four decades, non-profit Homemaker Thrift Shop has given away nearly half a million dollars to local charities and agencies and groups that serve the under-served, those in need. And they did that by selling clothing, housewares and the like. Used items donated or consigned and then re-sold with all the money going to support community programs that help neighbors with fuel assistance, medical transportation, counseling services and more.

Just in the past week or so, $25,000 raised by Homemaker Thrift was given to local groups, $5,000 to each: Branford Counseling Center, Branford Fuel Assistance, Community Dining Room, the Branford Food Pantry and Orchard House Medical Adult Day Center.

And so far in 2019, has donated $40,000.

Beth Fox, a Stony Creek stay-at-home mom of a severely disabled daughter, volunteers countless hours at Homemaker, and sits on the board. She said for the past two year as a volunteer she’s seen great generosity and great need. And being able to bridge the gap between the two is its own reward, she said. Plus, the shop has had “record sales,” which enables it to give. And give.

The shop at 4 Brushy Plains Road in Branford consigns and resells donated items including clothing, housewares, jewelry, antiques and collectibles. It’s a busy place with tons of great stuff (Hula lamp!) and a growing customer base.

Beth noted that, “Even I shop here.” The shop is one of a very few consignment thrifts that are non-profits where all proceeds are donated. And for some consingers, it’s a way to help them give while also earning a little money.

Like Donna from Guilford who said she’s been consigning and donating at Homemaker for more than five years.

“For me it is a win win. With the items I consign Homemaker Thrift gets to turn that money into help for the community and with the money I make from the consigning I put towards helping needy kids have a happy holiday each year,” she said. “Everybody wins."

And the shop gives in other, creative ways. For example, some clothing items that have reached final markdown, are out-of-date or similar are bagged up and given to the Fish and Loaves clothing and living supplies closet at Saint Paul & St. James Episcopal Church in New Haven. Kate from the church explained:

“About 2 years ago I asked Karen (Bussey, Homemakers Thrift Shop manager) if there might be some extra clothes that they would like to donate.” Anywhere from 100 to 150 people visit the closet to get clothes for themselves and their families gratis.

“Since then, every single week, Homemaker Thrift has donated many bags of clothing to the clothing closet. Their contributions have meant that many more people have had the opportunity to get clothing from those donations. It's become a joint effort between the church and Karen and the staff at Homemaker Thrift and we really appreciate it."

Fox said the shop is “ always looking for new volunteers.” With 30 now, and at least one woman who has been volunteering for decades, there’s nonetheless always a need. And the shop, open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., accepts donations “anytime” they are open.

To learn about volunteering, consigning, donating, or thrift shopping, call 203-481-5161.