Dear Friends,

On the evening of Thursday, July 7, there was a fire in the building of our Thrift Boutique, located at 307 Branchport Avenue, Long Branch.  The fire started in the apartment above the store and we are most grateful that no one was injured.

Firefighters chopped a hole in the roof of the building to direct the hoses with the result that water poured through the building down into the Thrift Boutique.  The store now has an overwhelming smoky odor; ceiling tiles became saturated, bulged, and broke onto the floor; the firewall between the apartment and the shop was compromised; and our inventory must be discarded.

We have contacted our insurance company and the adjuster has met with us at the shop.  At this point, we don’t know when we will be able to re-open but anticipate it will be several months.  We are unable to accept any donations at this time. 

Our Thrift Boutique would not exist without the wonderful generosity of our community, both those who bring clothing donations and those who shop in the store. In 2015 we received close to 900 donations!  Since 1909 FCS has served some of the most vulnerable people in Monmouth County and we now find ourselves in a vulnerable position as the income from the Thrift Boutique contributed to supporting our programs and services that prevent homelessness; care for the elderly and disabled; investigate cases of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation; support children’s literacy and more.  

I hope you will keep us in your thoughts as we move forward.  We encourage you to stay in touch via social media where we will keep you advised of how we are progressing.

Delly Beekman, CEO