Pictured is the June 6 ribbon cutting. In the center, holding a certificate is Hilary Oak . Bonnie Boyd is cutting the ribbon.

POTSDAM -- A grand re-opening celebration of the Best Friends Thrift Shop, 8 Raymond St., was held on June 6.

The Potsdam Chamber assisted with an official ribbon cutting.

Hilary Oak, who has been assisting the Potsdam Humane Society as a consultant, addressed those gathered.

She thanked the more than 75 community members that have volunteered their time and talents to help renovate the shop and get every up and running.

Oak had some special thank you’s as well: Tim & Cathy Connelly for having the vision to start the business in the first place, an anonymous donor who provided a financial safety net to help meet re- opening startup costs, Laura Passmore and Otto Czerepak for the location of the shop. Others that were thanked for their time and efforts were Frank Gonyea, Steve Warr, Chris Smutz, Norma Thomas, Lynda Lawrence, Leila Thurston, Bonnie Boyd the board of the Potsdam Humane Society, and everyone who donated items and customers that come shopping.

The thrift store has conducted more than $8,000 in sales in the first two months.

“This means that together, we have contributed approximately $4,000 to support the animals at the Potsdam Humane Society,” Oak told those assembled.

The Best Friends Thrift Shop is open Tuesday –Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

They take donations during business hours only. The shop takes only good used household items except for clothing, old electronics, large furniture or baby items.

To learn more about the programs and services of the humane society or the animals that are currently available for adoption, call the shelter at 265-3199.