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Shoppers Spend Less, Give More At Thrift Store

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By SHERRI LONON

In The Loop

Published: February 14, 2009

LAND O' LAKES - Bargain hunters looking to stretch their dollars as much as possible will find they can do so in good conscience at the New To You thrift store.

That's the message thrift store manager Tina Manning wants to get out to the public.

When shoppers go looking for deals at New To You in Land O' Lakes, they are "supporting a good cause and giving back to the community," she said.

One of the fundraising arms for Christian Social Services, the thrift shop carries household goods, books, movies, clothing and more. Since donations come in every day, Manning promises shoppers a slightly new experience every time they walk through the doors.

Manning does a lot of her own shopping at the store rather than at mainstream retail outlets.

"I prefer to support Christian Social Services because I see the need walking through the door," she said. Buying here "is a two for one."
Christian Social Services is a nonprofit agency that provides food and other assistance to residents of central Pasco and northern Hillsborough counties. The food pantry, which is supported by a coalition of local churches, served up 74,008 pounds of food in 2007 and helped 993 families. It saw that amount climb to 100,175 pounds of food and 1,293 families served in 2008, said Jacquie Petet, executive director of Christian Social Services.

The agency provides assistance to individuals and families with a stated financial need.

With times hard and getting harder, Petet said the agency is trying to position itself to be able to help those in need better. To this end, it recently changed its days of operation, shifting the thrift store and pantry to a five-day-a-week schedule. This means those in need of food pantry assistance on Saturdays will be able to get it. New hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday for the store, donations and assistance. Saturday hours for all three services are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"This organization is a testament to how Christianity should look," Petet said.

Residents are invited to stop by during business hours. Donations of thrift store items and nonperishable food items also are welcomed, as are cash donations and gift cards. Volunteers also are in demand.

The organization also is looking for a new counter/display case up to 8 feet in length and 40 inches in height. LOL Transport & Moving has volunteered to pick up the case if one is donated.
Christian Social Services is at 5514 Land O' Lakes Blvd. For information, call (813) 995-0088 or visit the thrift store.

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