Thrift Shop Gives Treasures and Greyhounds a Second Chance

Everyone deserves a second chance and at a West Central Street thrift shop, it's not only donated treasures that are given a second go, but the greyhounds the shop helps save as well.

Since it opened in Natick's downtown area nearly three years ago, volunteer-run has been collecting old jewelry, books, dishes, cookware, clothing and more from locals looking to give their once-treasures a new home. All of the money made from the sales at Second Chances are in turn given to Hopkinton-based Greyhound Friends, a charity dedicated to help save greyhounds, a largely abused breed of dog.

"We were always looking for different sorts of ways to connect with people about greyhouds and what's happening to them," said Louise Coleman, who founded both the shop and the organization. Second Chances, she said, serves as an "outpost" to spread the word about greyhound abuse and racing, which is practiced at 13 tracks in Florida alone. Greyhound Friends raises money to bring the dogs back to safe territory, pay for their vet bills and have them adopted into loving homes.

Shop at Second Chances and you will be supporting the cause all while finding unique items you would not be able to find at department stores—a perfect idea for the holiday shopping season.

"You can buy presents inexpensively for a fraction of what they would cost otherwise," said Coleman.

Second Chances is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering to work at the store, call Louise Coleman at 508-435-5969 or email greyhndfds@aol.com.