Looking for helping hands in offering a helping hand

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Noah’s Ark Board President Harold Fisher hands a $250 check to Mineral Wells ISD Special Education Director Parisa Lerma (not shown here) for the district’s special education scholarship fund.

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December 17, 2012

Looking for helping hands in offering a helping hand

Anonymous Mineral Wells Index The Mineral Wells Index Mon Dec 17, 2012, 08:37 AM CST

By LIBBY CLUETT

Although the Mineral Wells non-profit thrift store has been in operation for about nine months, with help from Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors Thursday marked the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for Noah’s Ark.

The concept is to have a place where people can donate clean, usable items – clothing, electronics and household items – that Noah’s Ark can sell or, in times of crisis, give to families with an immediate need. Fisher said even seemingly worn out clothes bring the store some revenue and “are sent to other countries for repurposing.”

In addition, the local non-profit organization accepts monetary donations, with all proceeds benefiting local charities and organizations. Decisions regarding the thrift store and its operations are made by a local board. The founding board members include President Harold Fisher, Secretary Lynn Waddy, Treasurer Shelley Rasmsey and members Tammy Lovell, Betty Fisher, Lori Mays, Beth Williams and Joe Novak.

Fisher told a crowd at Thursday’s ribbon cutting that there have been some great donated finds in the store, including new, with-the-tags-on Coldwater Creek clothing as well as other items customers found on the racks.

Noah’s Ark accepts donations strictly during business hours, which are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The store takes most items, but Fisher said, “We have a little difficulty handling large furniture due to space constraints.”

Lovell said the thrift store is looking for citizen’s help by either shopping, donating goods, money or time. The store is all volunteer run.

“We need volunteers,” she said.

A main feature of the store’s mission is to give back to the community. After Thursday’s ceremony, Fisher presented $250 checks to several non-profit organizations, including the Mineral Wells ISD Special Education Scholarship Fund, Meals on Wheels of Palo Pinto County, Palo Pinto County Rainbow Room and the Palo Pinto County Humane Society.

Lovell said that Noah’s Ark also contributed $500 to the Mineral Wells High School Thespian Troop so drama students could take their local production of “Tombstone” to the state convention in Houston at the end of November.

Currently Noah’s Ark is located at 208 N.W. 2nd St., in the same building as the United Way of Palo Pinto County. Lovell said they need a much larger store. To find out more information or to contribute, visit the store or call (940) 452-3160.