BY GINNY PRIVITAR
NEWFOUNDLAND — Jennifer Petruccelli and a friend ran a clothing mission from her home, donating items to those in need. But, Petruccelli said, things got out of control and they wanted to find a way to store what they had and raise some money to help an even broader population of people. They hit on the idea of a thrift store, in addition to their home-based mission.
The Faithful Mission Thrift Store, which opened in April, is an independent entity, not affiliated with a particular church or group. Petruccelli said this allows them to choose where to help. They are currently using funds from the store to help send young people on mission trips. One of those trips is a medical mission to Haiti, with volunteers from Kings College in Pennsylvania. The store recently had an after-hours sale event to raise money for the trip.
There are no paid employees at Faithful Mission, just Petruccelli and a partner. They use their personal phones, so only the rent and electric bills come out of the money raised. Everything else goes to help others.
“Some people don’t want to take a handout; that’s part of the reason we started the thrift store," said Petruccelli. "If someone came in and bought something for two or three dollars, they would feel better about it. It helps them maintain their dignity. We didn’t really get that at first.”
Petruccelli said they wanted to do more, too, and they needed to raise cash to support other outreach efforts. They are currently thinking about their next project.
They accept donations of clean and usable housewares, clothing, toys and small electronics. Petruccelli pointed out that some people are starting over and need a lot of basics.
The store can use children’s clothing, men’s jeans and hooded sweatshirts; the latter two items help men in homeless shelters.
Although she lives in Kinnelon, Petruccelli grew up in West Milford. She and her husband, Michael, have four children and she’s always done volunteer work, Petruccelli said, for the Girl Scouts and at Chilton Hospital.
The Faithful Mission Thrift Store’s Facebook page is frequently updated with newly arrived merchandise. The following are usually on hand: clothing, housewares, toys, baby items and jewelry.
Petruccelli added that they help the environment, too, by keeping items out of the landfill, especially plastics and plastic toys.
“Give it to another child who can use it and prevent more items from being made which depletes our natural resources,” she said.
You can help by donating your items to the Faithful Mission Thrift Store.