The Recorder · October 31, 2013 Community News 11 BEAM expands services with new thrift store Unique thrift store will support BEAM’s ongoing e! orts in the community.

Lindsey Kilbride Special to The Recorder Starting Nov. 1, First Coast residents will have a new second-hand destina- tion to shop—the ! rst Beaches Emer- gency Assistance Ministry thrift store. BEAM is a Beaches-based non-prof- it organization that helps low-income families with rent, utility assistance and a food pantry. All aid is for local families who live in the ! ve beaches ZIP codes. BEAM’s mission is the keep families in their homes and help them become self-suf! cient. According to the executive director, Susan King, the thrift store is just one more opportunity to stretch what BEAM already does so well. Not only will the money earned in the thrift store help Photos by Lindsey Kilbride/Special to The Recorder families with utilities and rent, but items BEAM Executive Director Susan King and Susan Taylor, operations manager of the new thrift store — opening Nov. 1. can be donated directly to families. For example, if there is a house ! re or a woman leaving an abusive relationship, with each room organized in its own agencies and churches that BEAM part- theme. There is nursery room, a library ners with will conduct home visits and and even a man cave. Taylor described request items to assist the individuals. the man cave as everything someone According to King, BEAM is well re- would ! nd in a garage and more. ceived in the community and people “One of the coolest things I see is are accustomed to giving to the non- when a volunteer falls in love with a pro! t. little corner. They just own it. They want “Often people give us things that we to make sure it’s the prettiest depart- were never able to really utilize in any ment in the store and the most orga- way because we didn’t have a facility,” nized,” Taylor said. King said. “We’ve become kind of a Volunteers are needed immediately. clearing house for a lot of things that Taylor will be conducting volunteer are both needed in the community or training the last week of October. The resold to fund programs in the commu- store hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. nity.” on Tuesdays through Saturdays and vol- Donations are being taken now at The BEAM Thrift Store is located at 1110 Shetter Ave. in Jacksonville Beach the BEAM thrift store, located at 1110 BEAM continues on Page 51 Shetter Ave. in Jacksonville Beach. The ideal type of donation is an item in good working order. For instance, small Rodgers & Hammerstein’s appliances like a can opener, home de- cor, jewelry and especially furniture. THE BEST SEATS IN TOWN! King added, “If you would loan it to a friend, we would love you to donate it but we will make do with anything.” Larger items are also available for pick- up. King said she does not want to limit anyone. There are a few items not accepted at Starring BEAM, including electronics. The thrift store will also not sell strollers, cribs or car seats. However, it will recycle un- Eddie Mekka, usable donations or refer some items it from will not sell to other agencies. BEAM is not only looking for dona- Laverne & Shirley tions—it is also looking for volunteers. TheThe classicclassic musicalmusical returnreturn Susan Taylor, the operations manager of ss the store. needs passionate volunteers October 23 – December 1 to organize, cashier and help customers ! nd the perfect additions to their homes PRESENTED BY and wardrobes. The thrift store is a treat to explore