Hidden Jewels in Pine River, Minnesota!

An article in our local newspaper was recently published about a community thrift store I support. I wanted to share it with you in case you have anything you'd like to donate, or if you're ever in need. They have clothing and other household related items. Read on.....


Center embraces PR-Backus
INITIATIVE AWARDS: OUTSTANDING NONPROFIT
By JODIE TWEED
Staff Writer

PINE RIVER - If the Pine River-Backus Family Center had arms, they would stretch out into a giant hug, encompassing the entire community.On Friday, the family center will be honored by the Initiative Foundation as the 2007 Outstanding Nonprofit for doing what it does best - listening and filling the needs that exist within the community.The center, one of five in Cass County, was established in 1996 with funding from the Initiative Foundation as a way to combat teen pregnancy in the community. Its programs now include drug prevention and education, youth summer programs, parent education, home visitation and basic family support. About 2 1/2 years ago, the family center opened the Hidden Jewels thrift store. The center was looking at ways to diversify its revenue stream to support its many programs and also realized a thrift store that was needed in Pine River.

Brenda Biever (left), manager of the Hidden Jewels Thrift store, and Leslie Bouchonville, executive director for the Pine River-Backus Family Center, recently looked over items for sale at the thrift store, which is part of the family center in downtown Pine River. The store provides revenue for the family center's programs and also serves a need in the community. Brainerd Dispatch/ Steve Kohls

Leslie Bouchonville, the family center's executive director, said there aren't a lot of shopping opportunities in Pine River, so local families usually travel to the Brainerd/Baxter area to shop. This can create a serious hardship for families living in poverty who can't afford the gasoline to travel to Brainerd, much less purchasing clothing for the entire family.Brenda Biever-Burbach, Hidden Jewels store manager, said prices are kept affordable on purpose. The most expensive item you'll find in the store costs $4.95. Most items cost 97 cents. A nice sweater may cost $2.95, she said.

Mary Plouffe, a part-time worker at the Hidden Jewels thrift store in Pine River, organized the shelves of dishware at the thrift store. The thrift store charges no more than $4.98 per item and most things cost 97 cents. Brainerd Dispatch/ Steve Kohls

All the items are donated from Pine River and surrounding cities. When a family loses its home in a house fire, the family center is there to offer their help with clothing and other items. A single mom with children may stop in and find a nice selection of school clothes for children of all ages. No one is turned away for an inability to pay."We're here to help the community," Biever-Burbach said. "I don't know another community that reaches out to the community like this."Bouchonville said the family center is more than just a store. People stop in to see what's new in stock, browse the ever-changing inventory and chat with other customers and volunteer staff. It's also a non-threatening entry point for individuals and families to learn about the other services the family center provides. The store has about 40 to 50 customers on a typical day and brings in about $26,000 a year to support family center programs.


Doris Knott, a part-time worker at the Hidden Jewels thrift store in Pine River, marked donated clothing earlier this month at the thrift store. Brainerd Dispatch/ Steve Kohls

Bouchonville said it's an honor to receive the award from the Initiative Foundation."The award is not only about the staff and the board, it's about the community," Bouchonville said. "I think it speaks to Pine River and Backus and how everyone is working together to make it a nice place to live. It's exciting."The thrift shop is in dire need of volunteers to help sort incoming donations and help with the store, Bouchonville said. The store has a nearby storage room that is filled with items that need to be sorted and priced. The family center also is looking for donations for its Christmas For Kids toy drive, which provides Christmas gifts for families in need in the community.
The Hidden Jewels thrift store is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesdays.
JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.