Hospitality House Thrift Store sales top $2 million
The Hospitality House Thrift Store in West Rome has topped the $2 million mark in sales, eight years into its existence.
The Hospitality House was founded in 1978 to battle what continues to be a major problem of domestic violence. The facility was originally developed with just five beds with a seven-day stay limit, the facility now houses a maximum of 27 women and children for up to 90 days at a time. Part of that growth can be attributed to the funds raised at the thrift store, 610 Shorter Ave., which first opened in 2009.
Vicki Roth, the store’s manager since 2010, said the original concept of the thrift store was to generate some revenue to help offset legal expenses incurred by the Hospitality House.
Malinda Kogerma, executive director of the Hospitality House, said the thrift store has been instrumental in the facility being able to help women and children relocate. “It’s been instrumental in helping our whole foundation keep going,” Kogerma said.
“We’ve done so well that now we’re able to help victims of domestic abuse with medical and dental expenses, school supplies for the children, along with some limited rental
assistance,” Roth said.
Kogerma said Hospitality House also collaborates with other agencies across the community to
provide assistance to victims of abuse or exploitation.
Manager Vicki Roth said the thrift store merchandise is available thanks to contributors across the community.
She estimated that clothing and household items account for 80-90 percent of the sales, with toys and other items making up the balance of sales.
“I love to go to these kinds of places,” said Evelyn Self as she held a shirt up for size against
her husband, Andrew Self.
“We want to encourage people to continue to give and to continue to buy from our store because the $2 million is great, but when you’re working with approximately 800 victims a year the money goes quickly,” Kogerma said. “Even though this $2 million is a big milestone for us since 2009, we continue to need the support of everyone in the community. Most of the money goes directly to victims services.”