MADISON, Wis. — After 25 years of serving local families as a nonprofit hospice, Agrace had two solid reasons for opening—of all things—a thrift store! Not only would the store generate funds to support Agrace’s nonprofit mission, but it would also create a place for patients’ families to donate the accumulated household items their loved ones were leaving behind.
Agrace’s first thrift store opened August 26, 2006, on Madison’s west side—just one door down from its current space at 118 Junction Road.
Now, 15 years later, Agrace is a nonprofit health care organization that has grown to provide hospice as well as personal care, adult daytime care, supportive (palliative) care and grief support to people across southern Wisconsin. And the organization now has four resale stores—three traditional thrift stores in Madison and Janesville, and a home store in Madison that focuses on furniture and décor. There’s also a holiday “pop-up shop” and large-donation transportation service.
These stores have generated more than $3.5 million to support Agrace’s programs that serve area residents who are aging, ill, dying or grieving. “The keys to the success of these stores are the quality of donations, the loyalty of our customers and the utilization of volunteers,” said Judy Kerr, Agrace retail business manager. “Each location is run almost exclusively with the time and talent of wonderful, dedicated volunteers, some of which have been with us since 2006!”
15th Anniversary Celebration Sale Planned August 28
To celebrate the first store’s 15th anniversary, all four Agrace Thrift Store locations will host a 15th anniversary sale Saturday, August 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shoppers will receive 15% off their entire purchase, plus free refreshments and the chance to win a $50 thrift store gift card (no purchase necessary to enter).
For locations and more information about the Agrace Thrift Stores, visit agracethrift.org.
