AFAC looking to open thrift store in Au Sable Forks

AU SABLE FORKS | The Au Sable Forks Action Corporation (AFAC) is looking to open a nonprofit community thrift store — "The Community Chest" — somewhere downtown. At the time this article was written, AFAC was in the midst of securing a location for the shop, which will use all of its profits to support ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) families in the towns of Black Brook and Jay. AFAC is hopeful to be in its location and begin setting up by mid-February. Once open, the thrift store will be open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. AFAC is currently seeking volunteers to help with store setup, work shifts once open, and a variety of other tasks. So far, 15 spirited individuals have signed up to volunteer, such as Carrie Plumadore. "I've always thrifted. My mother got me started when we were old enough to go," she shared, expressing that another positive aspect about this shop is that it keeps perfectly good items out of the landfill. "It believe its a good thing not to be so wasteful." According to Capital One Shopping, thrifting reduces carbon emissions by an average of 25% compared to buying new. It also plays a critical role in reducing the 11.3 million tons of textile waste generated annually in the United States, which accounts for 7.7% of all landfill waste. Secondhand shopping offers a practical way to reduce waste. By encouraging people to buy pre-owned items, thrift stores reduce the demand for new products, lower carbon footprints, and conserve natural resources. Once a new location is secured, AFAC will start accepting donations to stock the thrift store, including clothing, shoes, and accessories, as well as household items — all kept reasonably priced and affordable. "This is a very multi-faceted endeavor," said Lynn LaDieu. "Not only is it helping people by keeping prices low and helping the ALICE families in the community, but it's also helping to bring revitalization back to downtown." The addition of The Community Chest is only one of many efforts by residents of the towns of Jay and Black Brook to help revitalize downtown Au Sable Forks. Last month, the North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC) announced that it had secured $315,000 through the 2025 New York Main Street (NYMS) Program, a grant, which was administered by the Housing Trust Fund Corporation, to support targeted revitalization efforts in downtown Au Sable Forks. This funding will support eligible facade improvements, building renovations, accessibility upgrades, and code-related improvements to help stabilize historic buildings, support small businesses, and strengthen the hamlet's Main Street corridor. Not only will the thrift store be a welcome addition to downtown, but it will also be a great way to help local families in need once it opens. ALICE families are working individuals in households who earn above the federal poverty level but still can't afford essentials like housing, food, childcare, healthcare, and transportation. They often don't qualify for public assistance, either. However, until the AFAC opens The Community Chest to start assisting others, the group is now in need of assistance themselves. Monetary donations are greatly appreciated, and those interested in volunteering in any capacity should either email afac12912@gmail.com or text 518-569-5100 to request a volunteer form. Paper volunteer forms are also available for pickup at the Au Sable Forks Free Library.

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AFAC looking to open thrift store in Au Sable Forks

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