The Beaufort Area Boys &amp; Girls Club opened a Thrift Store on Wednesday, August 22 at 1211 Harrington Street in Beaufort.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to give our teens the valuable working experience that they need to help build character and strengthen their life skills and at the same time, help support our club financially,” said Kendall Erickson, President of the Beaufort Area Boys &amp; Girls Club. “It’s a win-win opportunity for us with the generous support of donated items from our loyal patrons,” he added.
The Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of America is a national organization whose mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.  The Beaufort Area Boys &amp; Girls Club was founded in the mid 1980’s by Beaufort residents and currently has 475 registered members with a daily attendance of 170. The Beaufort Club provides a safe and fun place for young people, 6 to 18 years old for afterschool hours and during the summer.
“We are asking our community to look through their homes and garages to see what they would like to donate to our Thrift Store,” said Jane Truslow, Thrift Store Manager.
The Thrift Store is completely dependent on any and all donations in order to make this business opportunity successful for the Beaufort Area Boys &amp; Girls Club as well as the teens who will be working and/or volunteering there for valuable retail experience. Erickson and Truslow ask that anything the community could possibly donate would be appreciated. Items needed include all types of apparel, furniture (indoor/outdoor), appliances, bedding, dishware, electronics, housewear, plastics, books, lamps, pictures, computers, lawn and garden items and more.
The Thrift Store will be open to receive donations from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For questions, please 379-6350. All donations are tax deductible and they will issue receipts for all merchandise.
A grand opening and ribbon cutting is planned for mid- September.