Thanks to an unanticipated cash donation, non-profit Homemaker Thrift Shop gave $9,000 to its six Branford charities in November. Together with Homemaker's June, 2017 donation of $6,000 split among the same six charities, the non-profit has gifted a total of $15,000 to the community in 2017 alone.

Organized in1976, non-profit Homemaker Thrift Shop is currently celebrating its 41st year. Over the past four decades, the Branford volunteer organization has raised over $400,000 which has gone back to the community.

In November, Homemaker's president Pat Mansfield and members of the board delivered checks of $1,500 each to Branford Food Pantry, Community Dining Room, Orchard House Adult Medical Day Care, Branford Emergency Fuel Assistance Fund, Branford Medical Transportation, and Branford Counseling Center's "Basic Needs" program.

Mansfield said Homemaker's $9,000 November contribution exceeded the organization's $6,000 goal thanks to a very generous donation received in the fourth quarter of the year.

Homemaker Thrift Shop raises funds by taking in contributions of items for resale through the store, located at 4 Brushy Plains Road. All thrift shop sale proceeds benefit local Branford charitable causes. Homemaker volunteers donate their time to help stock inventory contributed by community members and others. Many of the volunteers have been with Homemaker's for 15 to 25 years.

Homemaker Thrift Shop is located at 4 Brushy Plain Road in the Brushy Plain Plaza (Unit 115).　Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, call (203) 481-5161.