Business Details
42 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Thrift Store & Community Support in Sherwood Park
Founded in 1984, we are a community-driven nonprofit organization operating a thrift store that funds local grants, scholarships, and emergency support programs. Our mission focuses on empowering change through sustainable practices, community engagement, and financial assistance to Strathcona County residents. With over 40 years of combined experience in social services and community development, our team ensures transparency in operations while maintaining a commitment to ethical standards.We prioritize client satisfaction by offering affordable goods, free emergency shopping for eligible clients, and fostering volunteer opportunities that strengthen community ties. Our expertise in grant administration and scholarship programs demonstrates our dedication to improving quality of life through measurable, impactful initiatives.
Services
Thrift Store
Donation Acceptance
Community Grants
Apprenticeship Scholarships
Volunteer Programs
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We fund local grants and scholarships through thrift sales
- Our store accepts donations of gently-used items year-round
- We offer free shopping for clients in emergency situations
- We've supported Strathcona County residents since 1984
- Our volunteer programs create meaningful community engagement
Services
Thrift Store
Our thrift store sells gently-used clothing, toys, books, and household items at affordable prices. All proceeds directly fund community programs, scholarships, and emergency support initiatives in Strathcona County. The store provides both economic and environmental benefits through its reuse model.
Community Grants
We award grants to Strathcona County-based nonprofit organizations for innovative projects that enhance community well-being. Funding priorities include programs with volunteer components, demonstrated community support, and measurable impacts on residents' quality of life.
Apprenticeship Scholarships
Annual scholarships support individuals training in technical or trade programs within Strathcona County. Recipients are selected by the Alberta Apprenticeship Board, with awards prioritizing candidates ineligible for traditional academic scholarships.
Donation Acceptance
We accept donations of gently-used clothing, toys, games, books, and small household items. Donated goods are cleaned and resold, with profits reinvested into community programs. This service provides tax receipts for donors and reduces landfill waste.
Volunteer Programs
Volunteer opportunities include store operations, donation processing, and board membership. Participants gain experience in retail, nonprofit governance, and community development while supporting local social initiatives through hands-on involvement.
People
Pam Gellhaus
Chair
Chair of CCLF with 8 years of board experience. Former junior high teacher with 23 years in education. Active on Governance and Grant Committees. University of Saskatchewan graduate committed to community development.
Donna-Lynne Erickson
Board Secretary
Board Secretary with healthcare experience and grief counseling expertise. Facilitates communication initiatives and applies creative problem-solving from 19 years in health services to support CCLF's mission.
Cindy Selinske
Member at Large
Human resources professional with government and nonprofit experience. Focuses on board succession planning and policy development. Joined CCLF in 2017 after career in organizational development.
Maureen Stewart
Member at Large
Nonprofit sector veteran with 10.5 years at Salvation Army and 6 years with Canadian Diabetes Association. Community-focused leader committed to social enterprise models and local impact initiatives.
Questions
What items can I donate to County Clothes-Line?
We accept gently-used clothing, toys, games, books, small household items, and seasonal decorations. Please ensure donations are clean and in sellable condition.
How do grants get awarded to local organizations?
Applications are reviewed twice yearly with deadlines April 30 and October 31. Priority is given to projects with volunteer components and demonstrated community benefits in Strathcona County.
Are there volunteer opportunities available?
Yes! We offer store assistant roles, donation greeters, and board positions. Volunteers receive training and contribute directly to community support programs.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
Apprenticeship scholarships are awarded annually through the Alberta Apprenticeship Board based on training programs and residency in Strathcona County.
Can I shop for free in emergencies?
Clients referred by local agencies receive free shopping during crisis situations. This service is available during regular store hours with proper agency documentation.
