In an effort to focus resources on the burgeoning demand of our mission-driven programs, particularly basic needs, the board of directors for Volunteers of America Western Washington voted Tuesday to close thrift store operations. As difficult as this decision is, it is a natural part of our growing process as we responsibly steward resources for the 350,000 people we serve every year.
Our purpose for operating the thrift stores is to generate funds for Basic Need Services and other mission-related programs. And frankly, they do not. It is just not cost effective for us to generate cash through the selling of donated goods.
We are proud of the role the thrift stores played in the formation of Volunteers of America Western Washington as an agency, and recognize the hard work and dedication of the many current and past employees. Please be assured that those who use the thrift stores as a resource will have many other options within the community – with agencies who have this as a core service. We will work with current thrift store employees to do all we can to assist in their transition.
The past three years have been a period of tremendous growth for Volunteers of America. In addition, this year we will be adding and expanding in three service areas. Needless to say, it is a very exciting time of growth and change for our organization. We are growing at a rate that is requiring us to direct all our resources in the most efficient and effective way possible.
In fiscal year 2005 our Everett and Greenwood food banks received more than 2 million pounds of in-kind donations of food valued at $3,527,654. In addition we received more than $750,000 in cash contributions to support our Basic Need Services, Family and Children Services, Senior Companion Program, Summer Camp for low-income children and adults with disabilities, and other programs. All these programs still need the support of our very generous donors.
We value your support and input and want you and our community to have all the information needed to understand our decision. More details regarding this decision and its impact to our community are available on our Web site, www.voaww.org. Please feel free to contact Phil Smith, director of communications and development, at psmith@voaww.org with any other questions that you may have.
Thank you for your support.
Tom Robinson is president/CEO of Volunteers of America Western Washington.
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