Omro Thrift Store 20th Anniversary Celebration

Omro Thrift Store Twentieth Anniversary Celebration
The month of October, 800 East Main St, Omro 920-685-0568

This October, The Omro Thrift store will be celebrating its  
20th anniversary! Our community takes great pride in the good work  
done by this wonderful organization over the last 20 years. During  
that time the store's dedicated volunteers have received  
countless donations of clean, gently used treasures. The sales of these  
items have in turn provided much-needed support for community organizations, charitable causes, and individuals in need in the Omro area.

Back in the 1990s, a committed group of Omro citizens envisioned  
a volunteer-run, nonprofit business whose proceeds would benefit  
the community. Minutes of an early meeting, held in October of 1996,  
record a discussion laying the groundwork for the Omro Thrift  
Store. Members in attendance were: Gerald Smith, Mavis Smith,  
Audrey Janiak, Doris Strehlow, Elaine Peck, Elmo Merry, Pastor  
Edward Slusser, Carlton Buerger, and Janet Schettl. The group  
discussed their ideas for the store over the next few months, and  
eventually plans were made to purchase Omro's old Subway building. The  
Thrift Store opened its doors in October of 1997 and was granted tax  
exempt501(c)3 status as a nonprofit organization in 1998. The start-up  
was aided by grants from the Rural Ministry, Evangelism and  
Church Development Committee of the Presbytery General Assembly, the  
Special Ministries Fund of the Winnebago Presbytery and the Bay Area  
Agencyon Aging. A portion of the original financing for the project  
was provided through an interest free loan from the city of Omro, &  
the rest was financed through F&M Bank of Omro. Although the  
grant money received at the outset of the project was helpful, the  
vast majority of the mortgage was paid off through sales receipts from  
the store. In most cases, start up money provided by area churches  
and organizations was paid back as well. It is a testament to the  
hard work of the volunteers, the excellent leadership of the  
store's managers, and the wonderful support of the community that  
the mortgage has been entirely paid off and the store now operates  
free and clear. Born out of the dedication of its founders  
and volunteers, and fueled by community support and donations, the  
Thrift Store has truly flourished.

Now it is time for the Omro Thrift Store to say "Thank You" to all the  
people who have helped and encouraged us over the last 20 years. To  
show our appreciation to the community, there will be a storewide 20%  
off sale during the entire month of October. Our store could not exist  
without the loyal support of our donors and customers. We look forward  
to having the chance to meet and talk with all ofyou! Come on in, meet  
the volunteers, and enjoy special treats and fantastic savings, along  
with drawings for gift certificates andother surprises!
TheOmro Thrift Store is open Tuesday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm  
andSaturday 9 to 1. We are located at 800 E Main Street in Omro.  
Formore information about the store, you may call 920 685 0568 or  
visitour Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you all at the  
Store soon!