For over 120 years, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society has provided financial and other assistance to active-duty and retired Sailors, Marines and their families during times of financial stress.
According to Director of Volunteer Support for NMCRS Sara Griffin, NMCRS Thrift Shops are another way to help Sailors, Marines and their families stay financially shipshape while supporting the society’s mission.
“The main mission of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is to provide interest-free loans and grants to Sailors, Marines and eligible family members experiencing financial hardship,” she said. “We really want to be the first resource and not the last resort.”
Financial hardships encompass everything from unexpected car repairs to covering travel expenses due to a family emergency.
“The money brought in by our thrift shops goes right back to provide loans and grants to Sailors and Marines,” Griffin said. “We believe that financial readiness has a direct impact to mission readiness.”
The original NMCRS Thrift Shop opened in 1939 at Naval Base San Diego, where it continues its mission of serving families today, Griffin said. There are currently 30 thrift shops and uniform lockers located on Naval and Marine bases nationwide and overseas.
“Our thrift shops have everything from military gear, clothing, sporting goods, baby items and household items. We have dishes, she said. “It’s such an amazing resource.”
Donated items are repurposed and resold, keeping them out of the waste stream and helping military families stretch their budgets, explained Griffin.
NMCRS Thrift Shops and uniform lockers welcomed 144,679 shoppers and generated $2 million in revenue last year — all of which goes directly toward NMCRS programs and services.
“We are a volunteer-centered organization,” she said. “We have about 1,200 volunteers.”
NMCRS also provides financial counseling, including a Budget for Baby workshop for new and soon-to-be parents, added Griffin.
To learn more about becoming an NMCRS volunteer, visit its website here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.