MADRID -- Just one year after the capital campaign kickoff, New Beginnings Food and Clothing Outreach, Inc., Madrid, is ready to break ground.

The ceremony will be held at 3605 County Route 14, Madrid, the site of the current thrift store and future new building, on June 2, 2013 at 2 p.m.

All are invited to attend.

New Beginnings was established in 1989, and serves people throughout St. Lawrence County and beyond.

Sponsored and governed by the union of three local churches and staffed by volunteers, the store and food pantry operate out of a small-dilapidated carriage barn.

Plans for a new facility have been supported by donations, fundraisers and grants.

Fundraising efforts continue for the last $25,000 needed to complete the project.

Ongoing fundraisers include a metal drive and a bottles and cans collection. Scrap iron and metal, including stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers, lawn mowers, may be taken to the dumpster at the Madrid Town Barn.

Redeemable cans and bottles may be taken to Bella’s on Route 310 in Madrid. Let them know you are donating the proceeds to New Beginnings.

Upcoming fundraising events include a food concession and silent auction at the Vendor Blender to be held on July 20 at the Madrid Library. There will also be two rummage sales on the same day, the proceeds of which will go to the building fund.

To make a donation to the building fund, send your check payable to New Beginnings, Inc. to PO Box 142, Madrid, NY 13660.

New Beginnings Food and Clothing Outreach, Inc. seeks to ease the burden of poverty by providing gently used clothing, household items and food to those in need. Hours of operation are Saturdays, 9 a.m. - noon. Emergency food service is available by calling 322-4307.