ACTS Thrift Store Opens in Pasadena July 17

PASADENA, Calif. -- To help fund ministry to Pasadena’s growing population of at-risk youth, disadvantaged families and the homeless, All Out Caring, Inc., a faith-based non-profit, will open its new All-Out Caring Thrift Store (ACTS) with a ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m. July 17. Funds generated through the operations of the store will support the caring programs developed by Lake Avenue Community Foundation.

ACTS (www.actsthrift.org), located at 1382 Locust St. (Hill and the 210 Freeway) in Pasadena, urgently needs donations, which its volunteer team is accepting at the store. The 12,000-square-foot store includes 10,000 square feet of retail space and a receiving and processing area. In addition to at least 10,000 articles of clothing on opening day, the thrift store will need an ongoing supply of donated items as inventory is expected to turn over every two weeks, according to Tony Reyes, store manager.

ACTS Thrift Store is soliciting donations of clothing, including shoes and belts and other accessories, plus household items, furniture and small appliances from civic and religious groups and residents of the Greater Foothill Community. The store, however, will not be taking donations of major appliances or used mattresses.

“ACTS Thrift Store is receiving gently-used goods that are donated by those who care, and is making them available to those who love a bargain,” Reyes said. “Proceeds will be used to change the lives of at-risk children, their families, the homeless and others in need.” Donors will receive tax-deductible receipts for the value of the donations.

“Our hope is that more will join with us by donating what is now sitting in their closet or garage and help impact the lives of the next generation and those who struggle today,” said ACTS board chairman and director Bruce Bruinsma.

“The ACTS Thrift Store is a great example of how business can support ministry,” said Peter Schaller, ACTS treasurer and director.

LACF (www.lakeavefoundation.org) was founded in 2001 to provide financial support for programs that assist poor and disadvantaged families, children and the homeless. It serves a neighborhood with a high density of students with limited English proficiency.

LACF youth ministry provides academic, social, spiritual and emotional support to neighborhood students and their families through tutoring, mentoring, reading literacy, technology training, college prep and life skills. The foundation provides family support through parenting classes, counseling, support groups and nutrition education. Its homeless outreach focuses on breaking the cycle of poverty and hopelessness while encouraging and equipping men and women in developing intimate relationship with God, the church and their families.