Halifax Humane Society Thrift Store celebrates second anniversary

Ormond Beach Observer
News

The store celebrated with discounted items and adoptable pets.

Emma Morgese presses her face against the black-wired cage, and reaches her small, 8-year-old arms through the opening to give Tigger a soft pat on the head.

With three of her own cats at home, Morgese is somewhat of an expert when it comes to petting a feline. Though, for reasons still unknown, Tigger has made his home in the cardboard litter box in the corner of the cage, Morgese isn’t phased. And the cat seems to agree that her skills are above average.

“She’s really good at it,” Halifax Humane Society Volunteer Joanie Bass said. “You can tell she’s a cat lady.”

If it wasn’t for the petting, Morgese’s cat ear headband would have been another hint.

Tigger was just one of seven animals up for adoption at the Halifax Humane Society Thrift Store’s two-year anniversary party. Store Manager Meg Evans the store’s current location, 333 W. Granada Blvd., has been more successful for them than their previous locations in Holly Hill and South Daytona. The store has been in operation since 1998.

“It’s really changed the game for us,” Evans said. “We’ve tripled sales.”

With 82 cents of every dollar going back to the humane society, Evans said she’s able to pair her 17 years of high-end retail experience with her love of volunteering at humane societies.

“It was really like a perfect thing,” Evans said. “It was kind of like the universe just put it there for me. Things happen for a reason. I’ve been here three years and I love it.”

The rest of the store’s profit goes towards keeping up the store and paying a small staff. The majority of the business is run by local volunteers, and Evans said the store is a great help to the community itself.

“People are not throwing things away,” Evans said. “It’s a green business, and people can afford nice things nice. And it helps the the animals and highlights the problems they are having in this community. It gives a voice to the voiceless. The money that we raise directly helps their care and adoption.”

The store recently announced that they renewed their lease with Selby Realty for another three years.

“The community here has really helped us do some amazing things,” Evans said. “We were really lucky to move to Ormond.”