THE NEED
The Holy Name Thrift Store has served the community’s poor since 1962 through the generosity of many community donors and over 40 unpaid volunteers who operate the Thrift Store.
The Thrift Store’s mission is: “To be of assistance to the less fortunate in the community and surrounding area by providing clothing and necessities at a reasonable cost.”  The Thrift Store provides needed items free of charge through their relationships with local organizations that serve Veterans and the needy.  Many, like the Veterans served by the Sheridan VA Healthcare System, need what the Thrift Store provides: winter coats and basic clothing items.  
The two buildings at 345 East Burkitt Street are overcrowded and not conducive to receiving donations, sorting items, and displaying items for clients.  The cramped quarters often lead the Thrift Store to suspend accepting donations and limiting donations to what will fit within the existing facilities.

THE PROJECT
The project is expanding the main Thrift Store building which is a metal pole barn on a concrete slab floor with a similar construction addition of about 2,688 square feet.  This addition will be on the east side of the existing metal building.  Holy Name will also demolish a house that is adjacent to the Thrift Store’s main building on the west which is in bad condition and beyond being renovated.  
The Thrift Store addition will extend the retail space of the front portion of the existing building, extend the sorting space of the back portion of the existing building and provide an ADA restroom and two dressing areas.  

THE DIFFERENCE
The Thrift Store volunteers provide a tremendous benefit to the community.  The sorting and distribution functions are labor-intensive but ensure that the most beneficial uses for donated items are achieved.  Volunteers sort and distribute items to several community non-profits.
All functions in the process will be improved with an expanded facility.  The larger sorting area will provide first-in-first-out efficiency in lieu of the first-in-last-out inefficient method now employed.  Currently, the retail areas are separated in two buildings and outside (for larger items).  Non-seasonal items are stored and brought out when appropriate.  The expanded retail space will allow for all items, even the larger ones like furniture, to be inside, arranged for shopping convenience.  This will be more efficient for shoppers and volunteers.  
 
THE URGENCY
Holy Name is reluctant to demolish the house even though it is in such bad condition because the space is needed for the volume of clothing and household items that come through the thrift store operation.  Since 1962, our Thrift Store has been completely staffed by dedicated volunteers.  The poor working conditions in the facilities have dampened enthusiasm for volunteering in this ministry.  The new construction of an addition will provide a better working environment and recognition of this important ministry.  
We submitted our petition to the Diocese of Cheyenne asking for project approval in early February 2023.  The Diocesan Building Commission reviewed our proposal and gave a positive recommendation on March 16.  Bishop Biegler has formally approved the project. 

THE COST
Estimated costs for the entire project are $550,000, an amount that includes a contingency in case the cost is higher than expected.  Holy Name Catholic Church has $275,000, or 50% of the estimated cost, in a building fund available for this project. 
We are asking Holy Name parishioners to help fund the remaining $275,000.  Please prayerfully consider a one-time donation or a pledge that can be paid during 2023.  
Thank you in advance for participating in this important social justice ministry,