The “Shop Local” slogan was created to build awareness and to help Long Island’s small businesses compete with retail and big box stores. One small Ronkonkoma business brings this concept to an even loftier level. “The people affiliated with Options Thrift Shop are one big family,” described Linda Longo, Community Resources Coordinator, Options for Community Living. “Thrift Shop volunteers, customers and donors are devoted to one another, to our store and to our mission. I usually can tell the day of the week and the time of the day by who is in the store at any given time.”
Options Thrift Shop opened its doors in 1991 to provide pre-vocational training for residents who live in Options for Community Living’s supported housing programs for adults recovering from mental illness. Today, there are about ten Options volunteers who are paired with community volunteers to work on developing their retail and customer service skills. Over the years, Options residents have parlayed this vocational training into paid employment at various Long Island retail establishments. Interestingly, many Options residents still continue to volunteer “with their families” at the Thrift Shop in addition to working at their paid jobs!
Options resident Charlie R. has developed a strong bond while working with Thrift Shop volunteer Paul Bocci from Nesconset. “It is not likely that I would have crossed paths with Charlie without Options,” said Bocci who began volunteering at the Shop when he found himself at loose ends in retirement. “Today, I’m proud to call Charlie my ‘brother from another mother.’ I also cannot adequately express the respect I have for him, for all the volunteers who work here as well as for everything that Options for Community Living does to help people in need.” For his part, Charlie is a highly dedicated individual who “loves working at the Shop” and even received an unexpected benefit from volunteering. The 72-year-old walks two miles to and from the Thrift Shop to get to work, which his doctor credits with helping Charlie to significantly improve his cardiac health.
Options Thrift Shop is beautifully decorated and fully stocked for the holiday shopping season. Stop by to discover your “ugly sweater” to wear to a holiday gathering or browse around the Shop for festive wreaths, centerpieces, ornaments, plants, and so much more all lovingly crafted by Options residents who volunteer their time at the agency greenhouse and craft room. In addition to seasonal items, the Thrift Shop has numerous household, clothing, toys, etc., items for sale. There always is something for everyone!
In addition, Options Thrift Shop hosts an anticipated Mother’s Day Plant and Craft Sale and Fall Harvest Festival annually. Located at 392 Hawkins Avenue, Options Thrift Shop is open year-round, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 631-676-4579 for more information.
About Options for Community Living, Inc.
Established in 1982, Options for Community Living, Inc. operates residential programs for adults recovering from mental illness and affordable supported housing and care coordination services for individuals and families with chronic health conditions. Options’ mission to assist people to live independently and with dignity in the community has grown through the years to serve more than 1,500 adults and children annually. The agency also runs the Options Thrift Shop, which is open year-round, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Thrift Shop’s phone number is 631.676.4579. For more information about Options for Community Living, Inc., please visit the website at www.optionscl.org or call 631.361.9020.
Photo Captions:
Options resident Charlie R. has developed a strong bond while working with Thrift Shop volunteer Paul Bocci from Nesconset.
SHOP LOCAL at Options Thrift Store for the holiday season and beyond. Linda Longo and volunteer Maryann Rossi pictured here.
