Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the ACTS Thrift Store?

A. We are a non-profit (application pending), 501c(3) organization making a difference in the Pasadena community. Our mission is to generate funds through the operations of ACTS Thrift Store to support at-risk youth, disadvantaged families and the homeless by recycling and selling donated clothing, furniture and other usable goods. For more information, please visit our website at www.ACTSThrift.org or call our office at (626) 577-4477.

Q. What is the goal of ACTS Thrift Store? Who does it benefit?

A. The goal of ACTS Thrift Store is to collect and provide a range of merchandise to generate funds that will support programs focused on at-risk youth, disadvantaged families and the homeless in Pasadena and the Foothill Communities.

Q. How can you help?

A. To help make our mission a success as we prepare to open the store, donations, especially clothing, are urgently needed. We will also gladly accept shoes, accessories, belts, household items, small appliances and furniture.

Q. How is it organized?

A. All Out Care, Inc. is a faith-based, non-profit 501c(3)(application pending) corporation formed to open and operate a thrift store.

Q. Who is operating the store?

A. ACTS Thrift Store has an implementation team headed by the Board of Directors (see below). The Board of Directors assumes the legal, fiduciary and financial responsibility for policy, business strategies and overall direction. The ACTS Thrift Store is a separate corporation from Lake Avenue Community Foundation, with its own 501c(3) non-profit status (application pending) as well as by-laws describing the rules and regulations that will govern the organization and operations according to California state law.

Q. What role does Lake Avenue Community Foundation have in the operation of the Thrift Store?

A. As a separate entity it has no legal or decision making role in the operation of the Thrift Store. The original idea and impetus for the store was birthed out of the Board of Lake Avenue Community Foundation. ACTS is committed to supporting financially the growing and exciting work of Lake Avenue Community Foundation. See information about Lake Avenue Community Foundation at their website: www.lakeavefoundation.org

Q: Who is donating goods to ACTS Thrift?

A. Local church members are the largest group of donors. We are receiving donations from residents of the Greater Foothill Community as well. ACTS Thrift Store is soliciting donations from multiple civic and religious groups.

Q. Will you receive donations of any type of goods?

A. No, we do not take major appliances or used mattresses. All other items are gratefully accepted. Items we cannot resell to the public are sold elsewhere to generate income to fulfill our mission.

Q. What is the opening date?

A. Dedication and the ribbon cutting is at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 17. The store opening will be at 10 a.m. The store closes at 8 p.m.

Q. What are the store hours?

A. ACTS Thrift Store hours of retail operation will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Q. Why is the store closed on Sunday?

A. The Board of Directors believes that volunteers and staff need one day of rest and refreshment per week.

Q. Who is the Store Manager and what is his experience?

A. Tony Reyes is the ACTS Thrift Store manager. Mr. Reyes has 20 years’ experience in the field of thrift stores. He was an All-American distance runner while attending Cal Poly Pomona. He currently serves as the “distance team coach” at the university. He can be reached at TonyReyes@ACTSThrift.org.

Q. How will the store be staffed?

A. ACTS Thrift Store will be staffed approximately 50 percent by community volunteers and 50 percent by paid employees.

Q. Where do the volunteers come from?

A. Volunteers must register on the ACTS Thrift website: http://www.actsthrift.org. The volunteer coordinator team will interview potential volunteers, who will be matched with their interests and time availability to tasks needed in ACTS Thrift Store mission.

Q. Who will be paid to work at ACTS Thrift Store?

A. Prospective employees will submit personal and work history on the ACTS Thrift website under “Employment.” All employees will be hired based on work history and availability. The store manager will have the final say in hiring.

Q. What types of merchandise do you carry?

A. ACTS Thrift Store carries clothes, shoes, accessories, belts, household items, small appliances and furniture.

Q. How did ACTS Thrift Store get started?

A. ACTS Thrift Store was envisioned and initially researched in 2003 and 2004. In July 2008 Lake Avenue Community Foundation formed a committee to develop a separate non-profit (application pending) thrift store business plan. This committee, chaired by Peter Schaller, included a team of seven people representing a wide range of expertise, beginning in August of that year, to produce a document identifying the purpose, benefits, financials, marketing and operations of an independent thrift store in Pasadena. The committee submitted the business plan to the Lake Avenue Community Foundation Board, which approved the proposal.

Q. Who funded the start-up of the store?

A. Nine individuals who support the service vision of ACTS Thrift Store each provided funds to assist with the startup. They will be repaid their “front money” from 50 percent of the store’s net income during its first years of operations.

Q. Can we have someone from ACTS Thrift Store speak to our organization or class?

A. ACTS Thrift has a Speakers Bureau and will gladly provide someone to speak on the history of the operation and on subjects that reflect the passion and mission of ACTS Thrift Store.

Q. Who are the Board of Directors?

A. The Board of Directors includes:

Bruce H. Bruinsma – Board Chairman and Director

Mr. Bruinsma is the CEO of Envoy Financial, a non-profit provider of financial services. He serves on the boards of non-profits Real Time Outreach, Global Outreach and the Lake Avenue Community Foundation. Mr. Bruinsma has served on church and other community boards for more than 30 years.

Michael Gray – Secretary and Director

Mr. Gray is a principal with Lambert Development. He serves on the advisory board of the San Francisco Development Agency, the Lake Avenue Community Foundation Board and local Boy Scouts of America. In addition, he is active in the community and in other charitable pursuits associated with his profession.

Peter Schaller – Treasurer and Director

Mr. Schaller is a retired businessman with expertise in non-profit organization and funding. He is knowledgeable and experienced in the structure and workings of thrift stores and other enterprises by which the organization plans to raise funds.

Larry Stone – Officer and Director

Mr. Stone is a principal of Stone Tapert Financial and Insurance Services. He is involved in many philanthropic activities in addition to the ACTS Thrift Store board of directors.

John Heck – Officer and Director

Mr. Heck spent 10 years working in Japan, and then commenced a 40+ year career assisting religious non-profit organizations meet their funding needs through estate panning and providing financial counsel. He has served on numerous philanthropic boards with organizations throughout the country.

Q. Who are the support people of ACTS Thrift Store?

A. Supporters of ACTS Thrift Store include:

CPA
W. Elizabeth Watts, MSA
2781 Highview Ave
Altadena, CA 91001
Phone/Fax: (626) 398-0019
lizwattscpa@sbcglobal.net

Attorney
Robert Wm. Sloat
Pasadena Financial Center, Suite 960
35 N Lake Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: (626) 296-3600
Fax: (626) 296-3636
robertwsloat@earthlink.net

Brandon Waybright – Social Media

Brian Kenyon – Muralist

Carol Schaller – Grand Opening

Dan Bissell – Interior Design

David Podley – Marketing Consultant

Dominique Franklin – Volunteers

Gerri Edson – Fundraiser

Greg Helton – Investor Relations

Jerry Nielsen: WebMaster, Internet Marketing

Judy Bruinsma – Volunteers

Nicole Aptekar – Public Relations

Oscar Verdugo – Contractor

Ray Flores – Building. Maintenance

Tony Reyes – Thrift Store Implementation Consultant/Manager

Q: How can I get additional information about the ACTS Thrift Store?

A. The ACTS Thrift Store website, www.ACTSThrift.org, will be the best place to keep up to date on ACTS Thrift Store activities. ACTS Thrift Store also has a presence on Facebook and Twitter.

Q. What is the most helpful step I can take to support the work of ACTS?

A. Tell your friends and promote the donation of goods to the store!