Recently, Name Tag, Inc. had the opportunity to make a product donation to Bethesda Thrift Shop in Minnetonka, MN. Bethesda Thrift Shop is a non profit organization that is affiliated with Bethesda Lutheran Communities. This dates back to 1904 (Wow! That is incredible!) and is based in Watertown, WI. We got a chance to talk briefly with Pat Bellefeuille, who is a store manager there. Pat was able to give us some insight into what Bethesda is all about!
Bethesda has 21 thrift shops in 8 states that rely on more that 3,000 volunteers who donate more that 260,000 hours each year. 100% of our net profit goes to support our mission. Pat’s store will be celebrating it’s 20th anniversary this Feb. It was started in 1993 and was run by all volunteers for the first 17 years.
When we asked if Bethesda Thrift Shop has a mission statement Pat responded:
“Our mission is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through services that share the good news of Jesus Christ.”
We were able to donate some of our Mighty Badges, and their accessories to the people at Bethesda Thrift. When asked what they would be used for we received a heartfelt answer.
“The name badges were are given as a way to recognize the many hours our volunteers have volunteered. We have some people who have badges with as many as 18,000 hours on them, and many who have 4,000 or more hours. At the end of each year we total the hours for each volunteer, when a they reach 500 hours of volunteering they get their first badge, when they have 1,000 hours they get another one and so on. These badges are worn with much pride by those who have earned them. They are presented at the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet we have each spring. These name badges mean a lot to our volunteers as this is about the only recognition that they get for their many years and hours of selfless service.”
In 2010 they moved from their small store in Hopkins to a much larger 17,000 sq. ft. store in Minnetonka, MN. At that time a full time manager was hired with 2 assistants and 3 part time cashiers to allow the store to be open 7 days a week. In support of their mission they also have 3 people with disabilities who are paid staff. The current staff of about 200 volunteers includes about a dozen people with disabilities some of whom have been volunteering there for 5 years or more.
What a fantastic organization! They certainly deserve our continued support! Visit their website by clicking the link below, or go and visit them at their store!
Bethesda Thrift Shop
4749 County Road 101
Minnetonka, MN. 55345