The NOAH (Neglected, Orphaned, Abused and Homeless animals) Foundation was formed in 1999, with the board of directors setting a goal of at least 25 years of giving to animal welfare organizations from the profits of its thrift store. A quarter-century and a second store later, it celebrated its longevity with a party for customers, volunteers and beneficiaries.
NOAH Thrift Store and NOAH, TOO, at 603 S. Granite St. in Prescott, marked the occasion June 22 with raffle prizes, “spin the wheel” for even more prizes, hot dogs, chips, music and slices of homemade chocolate and vanilla cake adorned with miniature animal figures. Several of their donation recipients were on hand to set up booths and handed out free memorabilia from their organization as well. Max, a beautiful macaw, oversaw the festivities.
There were plenty of smiles and a sense of pride from everyone attending and the stores posted extra sales throughout the day. Some of the attending organizations were United Animal Friends, Equine Emergency and Evacuation Services, Blue Moon Rescue, Yavapai Humane Trappers and the Heritage Park Zoo. These groups showed their gratitude by spreading information, goodwill and more free gifts.
The NOAH stores have reached their annual projected profits “more times than not” and several years have exceeded that for sharing, according to the board. In 2023 it divided $184,000 in proceeds to 10 designated animal welfare groups. The complete list is proudly displayed in each of the two stores and can change periodically.
Over 90% of the people at NOAH are volunteers, whose passion is to help, and all were women until the recent addition of its first male volunteer. Items sold are donated by the public and can be dropped off 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday in the parking lot shared by the stores.
The stores are open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. NOAH sells lower-priced items and has amazing bargains for shoppers, while NOAH, TOO offers higher-end objects including vintage and antiques. Their annual sale of Christmas items starts this month (November) and promises to be the biggest ever. Naturally, they are pet-friendly, with bowls of water and a treat or two for four-legged friends.
For more information call 928.708.0545 or visit the NOAH Thrift Store Facebook page.
