Local Consignment Shop Donates to Charities

Michelle and Bernie Terpstra, partners of New 2 You Consignments, located on Route 181 North in Lake Hopatcong, keep charity in mind as they run their business.

They collect gently used unstained clothing, toys and more from consignors who wish to earn a percentage of the profit from the sale of their new or used goods.  Consignors have an option for goods not sold within 60 days of the beginning of the season—to either pick up their goods for return or allow the shop to donate them to worthwhile causes. 

"We generally donate goods at least twice per month, depending on what we have," Michelle said.

Bernie has a friend in Union who many times refers needy charities to the shop. What follows is a list of just some of the charities/causes that have benefitted from the shop's generosity:

• Anysoldier.com: a program for U.S. soldiers in combat. Soldiers are "adopted" and receive gifts such as stuffed animals, basic necessities and baked goods. According to Michelle, soldiers enjoy offering children they meet stuffed animals as a sign of friendship. As stuffed animals are commonly brought to the consignment shop but are not sold there, many of these small items are donated to this cause.  "I have several relatives who served previously and currently in the armed services, so this has special meaning to my family," Michelle said.
• SanteBus: Relief for Haiti Doctors without Borders Program.
• Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Society.
• Tricky Trays sponsored by Jefferson Township schools.
• Red Ribbon week for the DARE Program sponsored Ellen T. Briggs and Stanlick schools. The shop donated 30 pairs of sunglasses for children who did not bring in sunglasses for the program.
• United Methodist Church’s Bridge Run in NYC: New 2 You donated winter coats.
• Saint Patrick’s High School in Elizabeth: sneakers were donated.
• Saint Joseph’s Social Center in Elizabeth.
• Battered women’s shelter in West Milford: Michelle previously worked there and was aware of their need.
• Newton’s Project Self-Sufficiency: A program to assist displaced homemakers with training and daycare services; the service helps widows and victims of divorce.
• Homeless shelter in Irvington.

The shop has been open since August 2009.