By Terry Jacoby/weloveannarbor.com
The Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop has a few million reasons to celebrate 25 years of supporting the outstanding students who have walked the halls of the Ann Arbor Public Schools. And everyone is invited!
On Sunday, Aug. 12, the thrift shop will celebrate everything they’ve accomplished as a shop and a community in support of Ann Arbor Public Schools with an Open House at the shop from 4 to 7 p.m. The well-deserved celebration will include light refreshments, live music and friendly conversation.
The shop will be open during their regular Sunday hours (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) but will remain open until 7 p.m. for the open house celebration.
Since 1993, the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop has been supporting Ann Arbor Public Schools students, contributing more than $1.4 million over the last eight years alone to the Ann Arbor Public Schools. The shop turns community donated items into direct contributions to the parent teacher organizations (PTOs) in order to help fund field trips, classroom enrichment activities, clubs, and sports.
What began as a used clothing sale in the cafeteria of Tappan Middle School, the PTO Thrift Shop was a way for parents and community members to support their schools and the school PTOs. Since its inception, the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop has rented space in several locations in Ann Arbor. The current location at 2280 S. Industrial includes a 22,000 square-foot space in an area known as “Re-Sale Row.”
The organization’s vision is for a diverse and thriving community in which every Ann Arbor Public Schools student has equitable access to enrichment opportunities inside and outside the classroom.
Their guiding principles include: To strengthen the ability of the Ann Arbor Public Schools to provide a broad spectrum of student enrichment activities.
- To maintain safe, ethical and sustainable business practices.
- To provide a professional and inclusive work environment.
- To create an enjoyable and affordable shopping experience.
- To promote service and volunteer opportunities.
- To encourage responsible stewardship of the environment.
- To respect our community of stakeholders.
In support of the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop mission, profits from sales are distributed to participating AAPS school PTOs, PTSOs, and 501(c)(3) supporting clubs, organizations, and teams, for student enrichment activities in their schools. Fundraising support from the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop is based on participation — they rely on the support of school PTOs and their communities for inventory and promotion.
Be the first to comment