Changing displays draw customers to Helping Hands Thrift Shop in Rockmart.
Helping Hands Thrift Store is preparing for the arrival of summer and fall merchandise thanks to the generosity of the local community.
Gay Nell Scott, manager, said she has had plenty of help during the past week decorating the windows for the summer season. Her granddaughter Tanya Robinson volunteered to assist with interior window displays. She attached colorful fish to a blue background for a sea and beach scene complete with varied types of shells.
Several women at the shop were interested in the beach display. “Let me know if these things will be available,” one called out. “I love shells.”
Scott invites everyone to visit the thrift store and view the merchandise: books, clothing, collectables, dishes, seasonal supplies such as pots for the garden or patio, household goods, select pieces of furniture that includes a white baby bed and more.
The front showroom is neatly arranged for easy viewing by shoppers who not only make a purchase but also spend time visiting volunteers and staff.
All proceeds from the thrift shop, located at 107 Church Street, Rockmart, go to support the food pantry.
Each donation helps purchase food for people in need, according to Betty Cornwell, director.
A total of 7,530 people have received assistance since Jan. 1, 2015. This includes the following:
January: 506 households, 465 children, 169 seniors, 9 homeless, 13 veterans and 6 new families. During this month, a total of 17,350 pounds of food was distributed.
February: 312, households, 277 children, 157 seniors, 11 homeless, 12 veterans and 4 new families. Food given out totaled 10,371 pounds.
March: 424 households, 457 children, 153 seniors, 10 homeless, 9 veterans, and 21 new families. A total of 13,582 pounds of food was distributed.
April: 457 households, 476 children, 147 seniors, 15 homeless, 13 veterans, and 51 new families with 24,349 pounds of food given to participants.
May: 410 households, 437 children, 142 seniors, 5 homeless, 8 veterans and 29 new families; 11,227 pounds of food distributed.
June 1-17: 258 households, 296 children, 4 homeless, 7 veterans, and 24 new families; 7,802 pounds of food.
A total of 84,881 pounds of food was distributed to 7,539 people from Jan. 1 through June 17, 2015.
Helping Hands, a nonprofit agency, was orga- nized in 2001 under the leadership of Clint and Betty Cornwell. It was first located at 616 Elm Street and later moved to a six-room building on Church Street in Rockmart.
Betty Cornwell said the agency offers help programs to people receiving food. This includes Senior Boxes, a special list of non-perishable items for persons qualifying – through a federal program – as low income and over 60 years of age.
Blankets and carrying bags are given out to the homeless and the agency keeps special food on hand for people without refrigeration or electricity.
A representative from the Atlanta Community Food Bank visits on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. She coordinates with Department of Family and Children Services and assists people having problems with or wants to apply for food stamps.