Four

years ago, The Clothes Less Traveled community

thrift shop in Peachtree City opened its doors to

local bargain hunters and began awarding grants

to nonprofit groups from the proceeds of its

sales.

Today,

the store occupies four connected storefronts and

has dispensed about $43,000 in donations and

scholarships which typically range between $1,500

and $2,000 apiece.

Joan

Velsmid, who sits on the board of The Clothes

Less Traveled and continues to help oversee its

daily operation, said it takes $1,500 per month

to maintain the store, noting that every penny

over that amount is donated to Fayette County

organizations.

Some

of the groups which have benefited from the store

include Camp Ivy, a summer camp for diabetic

children, The Joseph Sams School, Fayette County

Senior Services and the Asden-Johnson home for

youth in crisis. Grants are issued quarterly, and

awarded based on the merits of a submitted

application.

deserving Fayette County high school senior will

also receive a $1,500 scholarship from the board

this month based on volunteer services to the

community, SAT scores, scholastic ranking and a

written essay, Velsmid added.

Mary

Ann Cox, Velsmid, and several other volunteers

from Holy Trinity Catholic Church spearheaded the

opening of The Clothes Less Traveled in January

1996. Since that time, tons of clothing and

household items have changed hands in the

donation process.

Everything

from skis and computers to Ralph Lauren blazers

and talking Santas have come through the shop's

doors. Families and individuals in need have made

a new start with articles obtained at the

community thrift shop.

The

one thing that has never changed, however, is the

need for volunteers and gently worn goods to

stock the shop. Summer clothing in good condition

is now being accepted between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Monday through Saturday at the store located on

the corner of Huddleston Road and Fulton Court.

Persons interested in volunteering for three-hour

shift can phone Norma at 770-487-8875 for a time

slot.

For

directions or information about The Clothes Less

Traveled phone the store between 10 a.m. and 4

p.m. at 770-486-8517.

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