Community Volunteers Power Willow Creek Thrifty Treasures Store Opening in Clymer

The Community Support Group of Southwestern NY (CSGSWNY) is delighted to announce a pivotal moment in their mission to serve local needs, marked by the upcoming launch of Willow Creek Thrifty Treasures, a new mission-based thrift store in Clymer. This exciting project has been significantly bolstered by a grant from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, enabling crucial foundational work for the new venture.

The CSGSWNY has long envisioned opening a mission-based thrift store to generate sustainable funding for vital community programs. The first of these, Willow Creek Thrifty Treasures, located at the newly renovated Willow Creek Pavilion in Clymer, is on track to open this summer. Proceeds from the store's operations will directly benefit essential community needs in Clymer, French Creek, and Mina, including vital programs and services like the youth summer recreation program, library, historical society, and fire department. A second store is planned for Findley Lake at a later date.

Finding the perfect location for Willow Creek Thrifty Treasures was a long search, culminating in the ideal Willow Creek Pavilion. This centrally located building, with its sizable parking lot and ample interior space, has undergone significant renovations, including new metal siding, insulation, and finished interior walls, transforming it into a year-round asset for the community. The initial startup costs to get the new venture moving were largely needed to renovate and winterize the structure. The grant from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation was instrumental in supporting the installation of the heating system and finishing the cement floors, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming environment for shoppers and volunteers alike.

“We are pleased to be able to help support this new project with initial startup costs," stated Elizabeth Jones, Community Impact Officer at Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. “Community Support Group is taking a proactive approach to supporting their own programs and ongoing needs across their rural communities.”

The true heart of Willow Creek Thrifty Treasures, however, lies in the overwhelming community response in financial support for this project and volunteer hours.

"We are so grateful to the volunteers, local companies and community for their time, expertise and support to get this project up and going," said Deb White of the CSGSWNY. “It has been a long-time dream that is coming to fruition and will benefit our community in so many ways.”

Indeed, the community has rallied with incredible enthusiasm, showcasing a humble and eager volunteer spirit. Over thirty volunteers ranging from 12 to 85 years old have and continue to generously dedicate their time, helping to receive and sort merchandise, assist with pricing and stocking, act as cashiers, and lend a hand with essential maintenance and cleaning tasks. Volunteers will receive store credit for their hours and have the opportunity to actively participate in the monthly voting process to determine which community projects the store proceeds will support.

In anticipation of their opening Community Support Group has hired two managers, Lisa White and Amy Marrs, to run the day-to-day operations of the store and oversee volunteers. The effort has also benefited from the mentorship of Vicky Stetson from the 4 Nine Thrift Shop in North East, PA, whose 20 years of experience are proving invaluable.

The community came together with great generosity to help Willow Creek Thrifty Treasurers meet its initial fundraising goal for startup costs. As with many projects, some unexpected and additional costs have emerged. The Community Support Group is continuing to accept donations and recruit volunteers to help ensure the store’s successful launch and long-term sustainability.

For more information on how you can support this project, find Willow Creek Thrifty Treasurers on Facebook or stop in-person at 492 Clymer Corry Road, Clymer NY.