In March 2010, Surface Creek Animal Shelter launched The Shelter Shoppe, a thrift store designed to provide supplementary funding. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a nine-member board.

 

100% of all profits are dedicated to supporting their mission of providing the best care for homeless pets and helping them become ready to find their forever homes.

 

Since then, we have experienced growth, accounting for 52% of SCAS's total operating revenue in 2024. We also host an annual parking lot sale, which raised $14,000 this year. This year, SCAS costs for supplies, food, veterinary care, and general operating expenses have increased significantly. In addition to fundraisers, the shelter applies for grants and depends on support from local government agencies. It relies on generous cash donations to provide care for cats and dogs seeking permanent homes.

 

Although the store’s primary goal is to support the shelter financially, we also strive to offer opportunities and resources to the community. We provide a platform for community members to demonstrate their generosity by volunteering at the store, enabling them to contribute to a cause they care about and support animals in need. We are grateful to have 30 dedicated volunteers who commit a minimum of three hours per week, with some volunteering up to ten hours to help cover the schedule. These individuals contribute approximately 90 hours per week through activities such as donation intake, garment steaming and ironing, cleaning and stocking merchandise, and managing customer service. Their dedication is essential to the operation of our store. Additionally, we employ three part-time paid staff members.

 

The store’s inventory relies on donations from individuals, which are tax-deductible. As a successful small business, we also contribute to the community of Cedaredge. When customers visit the store, they often browse or dine at other local establishments, thereby supporting the broader regional economy. Most of our customers are local residents, but we also have regular visitors from Montrose and Grand Junction, as well as vacationers from various locations. When they are in town, they make a point to stop by.

 

The Shelter Shoppe offers a diverse selection of merchandise at affordable prices. Thrifting is an environmentally beneficial practice that promotes recycling, reselling, repurposing, and reusing, thereby reducing waste and maximizing the efficient use of resources before considering disposal. Given the limited access to high-quality, low-cost items in our area, we are committed to providing this essential service to the community.

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