Donations enable FISH to help in the community

by Sharlene Irete

sirete@recordcourier.com

The FISH Thrift Store in Gardnerville houses more than 3,500 square feet of appliances, furniture, housewares, books, home decor, clothes, shoes, baby items and toys.

"We're full, but we could be fuller," said part-time FISH store employee Mary Belmonte. "We get a lot of exercise equipment, paperbacks, DVDs, 331⁄3 records, lamps, bikes, toys. We keep the children's books cheap to encourage kids to read books.

"Furniture can go quickly, and a lot of people need washers and dryers and other appliances," she said. "We sell a lot of vehicles. People need to get back and forth to work."

FISH, Friends in Service Helping, serves Douglas, Lyon, Storey and Carson City counties.

"The Gardnerville thrift store is one of our three thrift stores," said Jim Peckham, executive director of FISH. "We provide food and medical care and housing to people in need."

FISH has a medical facility and dining room in Carson City. Peckham said last year FISH provided 25,000 more meals than the previous year.

"Our goal is to bring a medical facility and dining room to Gardnerville," Peckham said.

"Douglas County Social Services discussed the need for a clinic and dining room and we're happy to help manage it. What we need are some interested medical professionals to train in Carson City. Then we need to find space here, but if we get medical professionals, things will start to happen.

"To make life better, we try to work with local social service organizations. If a service is not being provided we try to help," he said.

They try to help people by providing furniture, clothing and shoes.

"When people shop at our thrift stores, we are able to help local needy," he said. "The money stays in the community. We have to pay rent and utilities on the building, but if people have needs, we take care of it."

Ninety-five percent of the FISH budget is from donations, 5 percent from grants.

"In the past we had to turn donations away, but now someone donated a truck so we'll be able to do large item pick-ups," said Peckham.

Donated items need to be clean and in working condition since the store doesn't have a laundry or repair shop. Cars, trailers, boats in running order have been sold through the thrift stores. Donations of vacation homes may be used for raffle prizes at fundraising events.

Call 883-1455 to have large items picked up, or to find out about volunteer opportunities.

The FISH Thrift Store is at 1231 Service Drive, Gardnerville. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The FISH Let's All Eat program continues through the end of the month to benefit the needy and homeless of Douglas, Carson City, Lyon and Storey counties. Bring in your Let's All Eat card to receive 25 percent off FISH Thrift Store purchases. Information, nvfish.com or 882-3474.