- April 25, 2024
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A large crowd, including Flagler Humane Society employees and volunteers, celebrates the new thrift store location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony through the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Paige Wilson
Palm Coast resident Dee Walker browses through the items in the thrift store. She donated some of her mother-in-law's belongings after her death in March to honor her love of animals. Photo by Paige Wilson
The store's new location is 480 Palm Coast Parkway SW. Photo by Paige Wilson
Flagler Humane Society first opened a thrift store in Palm Coast about a decade ago, and it's continued to bring in about 1/4 of the shelter's income since then, said FHS Executive Director Amy Wade-Carotenuto.
Before the first thrift store location opened near the shelter on U.S. 1, FHS volunteers coordinated weekend rummage sales, which were tiring and didn't raise enough money. The store then moved to its second location, just a little farther west in St. Joe's Plaza on Palm Coast Parkway than its current spot. Wade-Carotenuto said she thinks the store's new location at 480 Palm Coast Parkway SW will generate even more profits because this location is more prominently seen from the road.
The nonprofit held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 12, with the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate its new location. About 150 people browsed the donated items in the store, enjoyed food and drinks and listened to Chamber representatives and FHS employees and volunteers speak of the humane society's journey to this point. Guests received 25% off of purchases during the celebration and an additional 10% off for connecting with the nonprofit on social media and for being an FHS "hero."
"We definitely appreciate being part of the Chamber," Wade-Carotunento said.
As thrift store manager Beth Thomas cut the blue ribbon with the Chamber's large, gold scissors, the emotion on her face said it all; her hard work had paid off.
Wade-Carotenuto added that there are new programs coming to the humane society, including pet massages. Next summer, the nonprofit will also hold its first kids summer camp. Donations for the thrift store are always welcome. Visit https://flaglerhumanesociety.org.
