By Roxy Ekberg
Republican Staff
Founded in 1999, New To You Thrift Shop celebrates its 25th anniversary during Emerson’s Tri County Days.
In its 25 years, the thrift store has donated over $450,000 to the community through funding requests for various projects, according to a press release.
New To You’s mission reads “Recycle, Resale, Reward,” co-president Corliss Hassler said the store helps recycle items that may otherwise end up in the landfill, reselling with 100% volunteer work, and using funds to give back to the community.
Hassler said the store provides an opportunity for volunteers to contribute to the thrift store and help fund other community projects that would not otherwise receive funding.
New To You provides alternative funds for school field trips, Vacation Bible School, and larger projects such as the Emerson Veterans Memorial, and the Post 60 Market.
The thrift store is managed entirely by a volunteer staff with ages ranging from 14 years old to retirement age.
Over 300 community members have donated their time and services over the last 25 years, with a total of over a quarter of a million hours volunteered.
“It takes all three entities to make this successful — the volunteers who work the store, the people that bring in their quality donations, and then also we have customers that helped to buy this and allow us to turn around and give this money back to the community,” Hassler said.
There are currently over 30 volunteers donating their time to New To You. Volunteers are tasked with various jobs, including creating window displays, sorting and pricing merchandise, posting updates on social media, and assisting customers.
The thrift store offers a scholarship program to Emerson High School seniors who have volunteered community service hours to the store or its various community service projects.
Founded by Father James Kramper with the aid of area church women and the Magnolia Masonic Lodge, New To You was created by volunteers and has been completely volunteer-based for 25 years.
“I think [25 years] is totally amazing when you figure that it's always been 100% volunteer,” Hassler said.