/ Business of the Month / The Thrift Shop
Business of the Month: October 2020
The Thrift Shop
Congratulations to
The Thrift Shop
1315 Hwy 155St. Germain, WI 54558(715) 479-9050
With the tremendous growth in non-profits* in Wisconsin and in particular, Vilas County, from 2000 to 2010, the Vilas County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to recognize a third non-profit that has been nominated, The Thrift Shop, as its October Business of the Month.
According to The Thrift Shop Co-Manager Ellyn Dahnke, The Thrift Shop became a reality in 2010 due to an idea and hard work from Susan and Roger Mommaerts and the efforts of devoted volunteers.
"The community is grateful to have a place to purchase quality items at reasonable prices," said Ellyn. "We are known as 'St. Germain's only Dept. Store' and appreciate the support from our donors and customers, who also enjoy the social aspect of a gathering place."
Jerry Sykora and Ellyn serve as co-managers at the store operated by 30 volunteers from the St. Germain United Church of Christ and the community.
The non-profit, however, serves as more than just a nice place to shop. All of the merchandise is donated to the store. Proceeds from the merchandise support the church and local charities and needy residents of St. Germain.
"We provide scholarships to Northland Pines and Lakeland High School seniors and continuing ed students," said Ellyn. "Each month our 'counter charity' customer donations are matched. These include Vilas Food Pantry, Angel on My Shoulder, Wild Instincts, Honor Flight, Special Olympics, Save the Dome, the Kalmar Center and many others."
She added that their community outreach includes donating needed items to victims of fires, the homeless and people temporarily needing assistance and helpful resources.
Material donations include sheets for making quilts, vases to floral businesses, backpacks for students needing weekend food, items to women's shelters, clothing to hospital emergency rooms at five local hospitals and baskets for raffles.
"If the thrift hhop didn't exist, our church would be deeply affected, our community would not have a convenient donation center and a source of quality merchandise for everyone at a reasonable price," said Ellyn.
