Impact Thrift Named Nonprofit of the Year

Since its inception a decade ago, , Inc. has donated more than $1.5 million to 17 charities, and, along the way, touched the lives of countless individuals.

The Hatboro-based nonprofit’s commitment to the communities it serves in Montgomery and Bucks counties earned the organization the honor of 2012 Nonprofit of the Year. The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce has recognized one nonprofit member each year since 1998.

Impact’s award will be presented tonight during the Chamber's annual dinner and awards celebration at the William Penn Inn in Bluebell.

Al Chagan, Impact Thrift CFO, told Patch in an e-mail that since , the nonprofit has since contributed another half million dollars. In the last 12 months, Impact donated close to $325,000. 

“It's worth noting that, during that 12-month period, Impact received less than $2,900 in cash donations,” Chagan said. “The rest of our ‘support’ came in the form of gently-used, unneeded consumer merchandise donated by the local communities surrounding our four stores.” 

Most recently, in Feasterville in April, which employs 80 workers, he said.

“Our first priority has been getting the store operational and to begin building a local base of merchandise donations,” Chagan said. “If the Feasterville store performs up to our expectations, we hope to be increasing our donations to local charities by $150,000 a year.” 

Pam Kelly, President and CEO of the PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce, said Impact Thrift Stores was chosen as this year's award winner based on "the number of lives impacted" by their work.

"Not only through the donations to charities, but as an employer, and a provider of a low cost shopping opportunity in the community," Kelly said in a press release. "Impact Thrift enjoys a strong image in the community through the availability of community service opportunities and internships, and has demonstrated a growth in its facilities and employment over the past year."

Chagan is confident that with another store, Impact can improve upon its efforts – with some “collective effort” from its staff and the community.

“Currently, sales are building and we hope to be able to start increasing our level of financial support to local charities before too long,” Chagan said.