With support from a Marshfield Area Community Foundation Community Grant, Second Chances Thrift Store is able to continue providing clothing, household goods, furniture, and other essentials at little–or zero cost for those in need.
The shop benefits Tractors for Autism, a local nonprofit that supports children and families affected by autism and other disabilities, but also serves as a place to meet needs for those who may not even be able to afford used items. In a rural area with limited retail options, the store has become an important resource for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. Shoppers who are able to pay help keep the store going, while grant support helps make it possible to provide items directly to people in crisis. A standing fixture of Second Chances is to offer normalcy, dignity, and a reminder that every person deserves care.
This work is made possible by a network of caring people: donors, volunteers who haul furniture, a landlord who believes in the mission, church partners who provide meeting space, and community members who spread the word. Volunteers keep a running record of items given away through the grant-supported program, ensuring that funds are carefully stewarded while remaining accessible to people who need support.
“There are lots of partners,” Volunteer Judy Morrow shared. “There’s a whole lot of connection.”
Close partnerships with other local organizations and individuals to allow for response as needs arise. The store partners with House of Mercy, a transitional home for women with children located nearby. When residents move into permanent housing, they can take furniture and household items with them, helping them begin again with the practical basics many of us take for granted. A single mother seeking “a fresh start from an abusive situation” found just that in central Wisconsin. With help from Second Chances, she outfitted a new home with clothing for her kids, small appliances, dishes, and household supplies, and has since found steady employment. In her words, “now we are doing amazing.”
The Marshfield Area Community Foundation is proud to support the work of Second Chances through its Community Grants program. This grant helps the organization continue meeting immediate needs while strengthening the broader network of support that helps Loyal-area families stay connected and resilient.
To learn more about our Community Grants program, visit here.
To donate to our Community Grants fund, visit here.