BNJacksonGA

Stone Mountain, GA -- Just in time for holiday shopping, Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC, www.fodac.org), a national, pioneering non-profit which helps disabled adults, children and seniors regain mobility and independence, will reopen its popular Thrift Store Friday, Nov. 12 following a major renovation and expansion of the organization’s headquarters in Stone Mountain. As part of the renovation, the space housing the Thrift Store was expanded to 11,040 square feet and reconfigured in order to more effectively showcase the merchandise. Walls were moved and ceilings were raised, and a new heated and cooled warehouse has been built where volunteers can comfortably sort donated items for the store.

“FODAC’s Thrift Store offers shoppers the best deals around,” said Chris Brand, executive director of FODAC. ‘Because our merchandise is donated, we can offer it to the public at greatly reduced costs. We sell clothing, books, music, furniture, decorative items, electronics, house wares and much more. Proceeds from Thrift Store sales contribute about 20 percent of our annual revenue, which is used to provide mobility equipment and other assistive technology to people with disabilities to help them regain their independence. We also gladly accept donations of merchandise for the store, and will pick up large items and large loads of donated merchandise. All donations are tax-deductible.”

FODAC is in the final stages of a $1.5 million capital campaign to finance the renovation of its headquarters at 4900 Lewis Road in Stone Mountain. In addition to expanding the Thrift Store, FODAC has added lobby space and an atrium for unloading and reloading clients at the front entrance, along with enhanced waiting areas, a children’s matching room, updated offices and more efficient warehouse space.

“The renovation has provided us with very nice space for volunteers to work in,” said Brand. “We are reaching out to churches, groups and individuals to encourage them to make a volunteer commitment to our Thrift Store. Whatever time someone can give – whether it’s a daily, weekly or monthly commitment – is very much appreciated,” he said.

The FODAC Thrift Store is open to the public from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday - Friday and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturdays. For directions, visit www.fodac.org.

About Friends of Disabled Adults and Children:

FODAC helps children, adults and seniors with disabilities regain their mobility, independence and quality of life. The non-profit organization provides more than $9 million annually in refurbished durable medical equipment (DME) and home modifications, all at little or no cost to the community. Recipients live in Georgia and across the U.S. A pioneer in re-use, FODAC keeps 100 tons of materials out of landfills each year by refurbishing and reissuing over 300 DME items every month, and is recognized nationally for best practices. Funding comes from grants, private foundations, corporations and individuals.

The organization was started by volunteers who began refurbishing and giving away wheelchairs to needy Atlantans. With the financial support of Mount Carmel Christian Church, Friends of Disabled Adults was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 1986. Since then, the organization has grown to include a staff of 24 and an average of 35 volunteers per week, and an annual budget of over $1 million. Chris Brand serves as Executive Director.

FODAC is the equipment provider for the Southeastern Assistive Technology Access and ReUse Network (STAR) which serves individuals with disabilities throughout the Southeast. To date, FODAC has provided clients with over $60 million in medical equipment including over 20,000 wheelchairs. The organization is supported through grants and corporate and private donations. FODAC is headquartered at 4900 Lewis Road, Stone Mountain, Ga., 30083. For more information, visit www.fodac.org.

Tags: Atlanta, Dekalb County, DME, Durable Medical Equipment, FODAC, Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Georgia, Mount Carmel Christian Church, Southeast, Southeastern Assistive Technology Access and ReUse Network, STAR, Stone Mountain, Thrift Store, United States