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Madrid’s ‘New Beginnings’ thrift shop undertaking fund-raising campaign for new building; family to match donations

Posted 10/27/12

MADRID -- As unemployment continues to plague St. Lawrence County, New Beginnings is asking everyone with steady income to give $12 to help to expand its services to families struggling to get by. …

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Madrid’s ‘New Beginnings’ thrift shop undertaking fund-raising campaign for new building; family to match donations

Posted

MADRID -- As unemployment continues to plague St. Lawrence County, New Beginnings is asking everyone with steady income to give $12 to help to expand its services to families struggling to get by.

“It’s hard to imagine how devastating it’s going to be for parents to wake up on Thanksgiving Day not knowing if and when there will be another pay check,” said Phyllis McDougall, Chair of the New Beginnings Board. “We’re thankful that we’ve been able to help so many people but we are limited in keeping pace with the growing need because of the dilapidated old barn we work out of.”

The call for people to give $12 is part of a campaign to raise money for a new building. So far $60,000 or half of the needed funds have been raised. McDougal said $12 is about the average amount you would spend for a pizza and a couple of sodas.

Finnegan family in Madrid has pledged to match each gift whether it’s $12 or more, up to a total of $2,500.

“We chose $12 because we’re in 2012 and we thought it was a reasonable amount that almost every employed person could afford. And most businesses in Madrid, Waddington, Massena, Norwood, Norfolk, Potsdam, Canton and Ogdensburg all have customers from the communities that are served by New Beginnings," McDougall said. "After the campaign we will recognize all those who participated. It will be a great cause for celebration around the county.”

Founded in 1989 by three local churches, McDougall said New Beginnings has been a place for families to find help to clothe their children and put food on the table.

So many of us have so much to be thankful for,” said McDougall. “With unemployment above 10 percent families are really struggling right now. So if your cupboards are full and your children are well nourished, before you rush out the door to get to work on time, please think about those who are desperately searching the want ads looking for a job. Please think about their children and please send a check on their behalf. It will make Thanksgiving Day all that much better for all of us.”

Please make checks out to New Beginnings Building Fund and mail to New Beginnings PO Box 142, Madrid, N.Y., 13660. All gifts are tax-deductible.