A thrift store many in Flandreau have come to count on for affordable clothing and household goods has temporarily closed.
The shop, operated by Interlakes Community Action Program (ICAP) with support from a grant through the National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA), learned late last week that federal funding cuts would force the closure.
The store relies solely on volunteers to be viable, said Eric Kunzweiler, ICAPs Chief Executive Officer. We have been fortunate to have a partnership with NICOA workers to help manage the store. These workers receive on-the-job training and a paid work experience in community settings to build skills and financial security (provided by a grant). This is the funding that has been eliminated or paused at this time.
For years, the thrift shop has been more than just a secondhand store. Its been a place for locals to donate gently used items and for families to shop close to home without having to drive out of town.
Weve really appreciated the support from this community, both from those whove donated and those whove shopped here, said one of the stores few employees, funded through the grant. Its been a resource for many, and its hard to see it go.
Kunzweiler said ICAP hopes the closure is only temporary.
We hope to find a volunteer base or have the NICOA funding restored.
Until further notice, the store will not accept donations. ICAP is urging those in need of assistance to reach out to their office directly for guidance on other available resources.
Other ICAP programs could also be impacted. Kunzweiler said the House and Senate are currently working on budget appropriations, with funding that typically supports ICAP programs set to expire at the end of the month.
These programs are very important to the communities we serve and at this time there are many unknowns on future funding levels. We continue to monitor and work through this.
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