Thrifty Sisters, a not-for-profit thrift store in Richmond, is celebrating its ten-year anniversary of serving the community. Known for its eclectic collection of clothes, art, books, jewelry, and household furnishings, it’s also known for its unwavering support of the city’s elderly.
The shop was originally founded to provide financial aid to the Little Sisters of the Poor’s St. Joseph’s Home for seniors. When the Little Sisters left Richmond in late 2019, Thrifty Sisters began to look for a new organization with which to partner.
Its search led them to Saint Francis – Manchester, an assisted living community that provides care to those with limited financial means. It soon proved to be a match made in heaven, with both organizations benefitting from the partnership.
Thousands of customers have purchased used items at Thrifty Sisters, with net proceeds going directly to Saint Francis. In honor of Thrifty Sisters’ contributions, Saint Francis – Manchester recently dedicated its central courtyard to the shop, unveiling an engraved stone monument July 20.
Passion of volunteers
Thrifty Sisters has just two paid employees: an executive director and a clothing manager. The shop is largely supported by volunteers, many of whom have been there since the very beginning, with no plans to leave.
“They are still having fun!” said Beverly Binns, Thrifty Sisters’ executive director. “It is a sociable environment. We have built our own community and have become friends with each other, our donors, and our customers.”
Volunteers include experienced gardeners, woodworkers, accountants, and seamstresses who use their expertise in service of the store’s mission. Not only do volunteers work at the shop, but they help in other ways as well; some bring flowers and plants, make wreaths, and decorate to make the store more welcoming. Others pick up donations from people’s homes or donate batteries for items on sale.
Binns worked in estate sales for many years before joining Thrifty Sisters, first as a volunteer, then as an employee. She curates Thrifty Sisters’ vast collection with a trained eye, examining the many items that pass through the door. Donations are always overflowing, and what she doesn’t put on the sales floor, she passes on to other community organizations. She says she loves learning the stories behind the items.
“We have exceptional, unusual things and useful items at all price points. Moving through the constant flow of donations, pricing, display, and sale is a huge job,” said Binns. “It’s really the contributions of all involved – our volunteers, donors and shoppers that make this store successful.”
“Thrifty Sisters would not have the impact on the community or on Saint Francis without the power and passion of our volunteers,” echoed Gerard Shaia, who serves as Thrifty Sisters’ board president.
He felt called to join Thrifty Sisters years ago because of the store’s mission. He first served as treasurer before taking on the role of board president and has had a front row seat to watching the store flourish.
“One cannot help but be inspired by witnessing all that has happened at Thrifty Sisters and its impact on the community in just ten years,” he said.
Thrifty Sisters is marking this milestone by taking time to thank its volunteers with acts of kindness and by simply continuing its work. “Our only goal and mission is to continue a conscientious thrift store to provide affordable, loving, and quality assisted care to the elderly,” said Shaia.
Lillie Wauford volunteers as a cashier, transports donations, and helps out wherever else needed. “The rewards I receive as a volunteer are beyond measure. Working with our family of volunteers, our generous donors, and faithful shoppers gives me confidence in the goodness of all who come through our doors,” she said.
Wauford recalled how heartbroken the staff was when it first learned that the Little Sisters of the Poor were leaving town. Their sadness was soon replaced with joy at the promising relationship with Saint Francis – Manchester. “Resoundingly, we have learned when God closes one door, he opens another,” she said.
Timely partnership
Saint Francis’ original building was bought in 1973 by Bishop Walter F. Sullivan and the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. He purchased it specifically to help members of the community who couldn’t afford assisted living.
“In response to this special need, he established Saint Francis in a traditionally underserved area of Richmond,” said Bruce Slough, executive director of Saint Francis. Saint Francis has since expanded to include additional buildings, all of which flow in a circle around the courtyard and can accommodate more than 100 residents.
“Our cost of care now averages $4,100 per resident per month,” explained Slough. “The State’s room and board reimbursement for eligible residents is currently $1,682 per month. Thus, there is a gap of $2,418 per eligible resident per month. It is this gap that we attempt to offset through fundraising.”
While Saint Francis has had to overcome many hurdles in the past half-century, 2020 brought one of the biggest yet. Slough explained why the partnership with Thrifty Sisters couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.
“It’s just really been a godsend for us,” he said.” The pandemic really took a toll on Saint Francis.” He went on to explain that during the pandemic, Saint Francis had to grapple with a reduced number of residents, staffing shortages, and inflation. In addition, because of supply chain issues, the regular food donations they relied on from Feed More decreased dramatically, adding thousands of dollars to Saint Francis’ already skyrocketing monthly bills. They desperately needed help, and Thrifty Sisters was able to provide it.
“The financial support of Thrifty Sisters has helped us bridge the funding gap between what we receive in government subsidies and the growing cost of providing care,” said Slough.
Last year, the money donated by Thrifty Sisters was enough to subsidize the care of 15 residents. In addition to financial assistance, Thrifty Sisters also donates art to hang on Saint Francis’ walls, books for its library, and clothes for its residents.
Saint Francis even holds bazaars where residents can “shop” for items donated by Thrifty Sisters, and they do not have to pay for them.
Christy Heinen, development director at Saint Francis – Manchester, has a personal connection to Thrifty Sisters. She joined Saint Francis after working with the Little Sisters of the Poor for nearly two decades.
“From a personal perspective, it just feels right that they chose to remain true to their roots by partnering with another Catholic assisted living community whose mission so closely aligns with that of the Little Sisters, and that all of their efforts continue to help seniors in need right here in the greater Richmond area,” said Heinen.
“Their love of the residents and the varied ways they try to make a difference in their lives is incredibly inspiring,” Heinen added.
Dozens of volunteers, staff, and board members from Thrifty Sisters and Saint Francis attended the courtyard dedication. Jesuit Father Shay Auerbach, who is a member of Saint Francis’ board of directors, blessed the stone marker, which features an engraving of Thrifty Sisters’ logo.
This year marks both Thrifty Sisters’ ten-year anniversary and Saint Francis’ fiftieth anniversary – two milestones for two organizations to celebrate together.
“If you listen to the news, there are so many terrible things happening, you think the world is just disintegrating,” reflected Heinen. “But that’s why I love my job; I get to see the good in the world.”
To learn more, please visit saintfrancisrva.org and thriftysistersrva.org