The SVDP Thrift Store at 2313 Davis Boulevard is closed as a result of major damage during Hurricane Irma. Damage includes structural, roof, 2nd floor dislocation, electrical, and HVAC items. The Davis Thrift Store represents more than 50% of our Thrift Store income and is used to support our many ministries including our Choice Pantry, Meals on Wheels Program, Financial Assistance, Scholarships, and our pilot Systemic Change initiative in support of the poor in Collier County.
The SVDP Naples District Council Board is announcing the following changes:
- Closure of the Family Assistance Center on Fridays.
- Reduce Family Assistance Center hours of operation to 10 a.m. — 1 p.m., Monday – Thursday.
- Evaluate alternative approaches to providing Meals on Wheels to homebound and disadvantaged seniors. Meals on Wheels is our most expensive program on a per person basis.
- Suspend our Scholarship program after June 2018.
- Eliminate positions and reduce hours for affected jobs.
- Ask volunteers to fill roles in our ministries that that were previously performed by Staff. For example, we are training volunteers to work at the front desk, welcoming those we serve to our Family Assistance Center.
- Actively looking for a second thrift store location.
- Looking for new funding sources to sustain our reduced programs.
We believe our financial issues are short term and that, when we have two operational thrift stores, we will move to improving our availability and services to those we serve. The Bonita store, located at 3725 Bonita Beach Road, is fully operational. If you would like to schedule a donation pickup, you can call the Bonita store at (239) 992-1899, choose Option (1). Donation of goods can also be dropped off at the Family Assistance Center, 4451 Mercantile Avenue, Naples. The number to call is 239-775-1667.
If you are able, please HELP US HELP OTHERS! We all know that Hurricane Irma has made life’s challenges for those we serve even more challenging. Please make a donation at http://www.svdpnaples.org