By Alex Cooper

It seems like “shopping” and “spending” have been two words ultimately linked with environmental disaster. But wouldn’t it be great if it were the other way around? What if you also donated to a great cause without paying anything extra?

Got your attention?

Lucky for everyone, such a group exists. It’s called “The Fabulous Find”, and it was thought up by a friendly group of creative local women. The idea behind the group is that donated products would be offered to the public at low prices, with the resulting profits being donated to a different local nonprofit group each month.

Apart from determined environmentalists, the group includes a former thrift store manager and two business owners who have pledged to donate goods.

“I love being a part of creating community. I think that is what it’s all about,” explains Debby Ronnquist, one of the chief overseers of Just Us Chickens Gallery in Kittery and one of the founders of “The Fabulous Find”.

According to Ronnquist, the quality of the products received so far is exceptional.

Ronnquist is a veteran at opening nonprofit organizations. She started Fair Tide in Kittery, ME – a nonprofit that provides short-term housing for people who are homeless – along with Just Us Chickens.

Among the other women on board is Genevieve Benton, owner of York-based A Perfect Move. When her business clients need to get rid of anything from office supplies to furniture, she can now offer them both a green alternative to tossing it out, as well as a little piece of mind.

“It’s not easy to part with your belongings, but our initiative allows customers to feel better about it. When they donate, they know that they’re helping create a tremendous amount of good will for our community,” explains Benton.

Unlike other nonprofits that sometimes get top-heavy with executive salaries, The Fabulous Find has only two moderately-paid employees. The rest of their help comes from a good volunteer base and great support system of donations.

The board of directors chooses the monthly beneficiary. The recipients must have federally approved nonprofit status. The organizations are chosen because they are local and relatively new.

A few of the organizations lined up are: Food Prints Food Pantry, Fuel And More, A Safe Place and Community Connections. August will be the first month and it will benefit the Cape Neddick Wildlife Center.

The best past is you receive a tax receipt right as your donations are loaded onto the truck.

There has been a lot of enthusiasm among the group founders as well as community so far. “Volunteers have been flocking to help us,” says Ronnquist. “We get 2 to 3 a day, and the store hasn’t even opened yet.”

Though the idea is only a month old, the store is two weeks from opening its doors. There will be a party on July 31st to celebrate the grand opening. Kittery Estates, whose residents are a strong part of the donor base and volunteer support needed for the thrift store, will provide refreshments.

Come on down to show your support for a great cause, help the environment, enjoy free nourishments, and buy some cheap, thrifty goods. 

For more information on “The Fabulous Find”, email dronnquist@aol.com or gbenton@aperfectmover.net.