NOVA Thrift Shop manager retires, new manager comes on board

After 14 years overseeing NOVA Thrift Shop operations and helping establish it as a superior fundraising entity and an “ambassador” for Network of Victim Assistance’s services, Karen Corbett, the shop’s first manager, has retired.

Todd Bozes has already stepped into his role as manager, overseeing the five part-time paid employees and 60-some dedicated volunteers who keep the shop going seven days a week for shoppers and donations.

NOVA Thrift Shop (NTS) has turned gently used, no-longer-wanted clothing and household items into over $2,075,680 for NOVA’s programs and initiatives since its founding in 2001. The two managers are the only full-time paid employees NTS has ever had, which helps explain the shop’s modest overhead and how it is able to contribute an impressive 57 percent of its income to the nonprofit whose mission it supports.

“I think it’s important for people to understand that when they donate their second-hand clothing and household items to NOVA Thrift,” says Corbett, “whatever money we raise stays right here in our community, providing important services to Bucks County residents.”

NOVA’s services include not only direct assistance to victims of crimes – counseling, court accompaniment and more – but also preventive and awareness education for all ages – young people, teens, adults and the elder population – through programs in schools, training for professionals, special events and other NOVA-sponsored programs.

“Our mission from the beginning has been to raise money for NOVA and to serve as its ambassador in the community,” Corbett noted. It’s a mission she takes very much to heart.

“I always want people to leave here with a warm feeling for NOVA and some understanding of its services, so if they ever find themselves needing those services, they feel more comfortable seeking help from an agency that is familiar.”

NTS helps ensure that items once destined for landfills are repurposed and used, and donations of goods are eligible for a contribution receipt for tax purposes. Along with special events and a lively auction initiative, the shop continues to operate a modest consignment program.

The new manager will be spending much of the next year helping plan the move to a new, larger NOVA Thrift Shop that, pending approvals, will be constructed at the corner of Broad Street and Route 313 south of Dublin in 2016. It is just up the road from the current 3700-square-foot shop on Route 313 at New Galena Road in Fountainville.

“The new building will be a fun challenge, and just putting together all the details will keep me busy,” says Bozes, who earned a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and previously managed the Fogelsville Goodwill in western Lehigh County for five years.

“I’m excited to be part of the NOVA family, with its volunteer corps and great staff, and to be back in the mission-focused nonprofit sector with this organization, where coming to work with a purpose gives added satisfaction.”

Shown in photo: Todd Bozes, new manager of NOVA Thrift Shop, accepts the keys to the shop from Karen Corbett. At the left is the thrift shop’s mascot, whose sign reads: I’m a NOVA Thrift Shop Diva. Come shop with me!