From The Calvert Recorder, Friday April 1, 2005
New St. Leonard thrift shore hits the SPOT to save Spot.........
By Katelyn Turner, South County News, Special to the Recorder.
There's a new thrift store in town and it's on the right spot. Literally, the SPOT (Stop Pet Overpopulation Thrift shop).
And like all of the other thrift shops in Calvert County, the SPOT is a nonprofit store that supports a great cause - "an end to euthanasia of all healthy companion animals through low cost spay and neuter," according to their mission statement.
The thrift store, located in St. Leonard next to the Chesapeake Flea Market, has been open for less than a month. But the idea has been in the works for a long time, according to Ellen McCormak-Ament, manager of the SPOT.
McCormack-Ament is also the president of Southern Maryland Spay and Neuter Inc., a non-profit organization. McCormack-Ament's sister, Fabienne Ament, serves as vice president of the organization, and her mother, Mary Keeler is the director. Truly the organization is a family affair, rounded out with the help of Pat McKenett, also a director. In addition, all members have been a part of the Humane Society for more than 25 years.
With so much experience under their belts, members of Southern Maryland Spay and Neuter developed a concrete plan for their SPOT: profits made from the thrift shop would help provide both individuals and organization with funds for low cost spay and neuter, and ultimately fund the construction and operation of a high-quality and low-cost clinic specifically for spaying and neutering. Calvert County is the only county in the Southern Maryland area, according to McCormack, that does not have any concrete outlet for low-cost spay and neuter programs. Many animal devotees, like McCormack-Ament, know that if presented with the opportunity to spay or neuter their pets, more people will do so, thus aiding in population control.
The organization cited statistics that millions of healthy companion animals are put down [killed] every year because of overpopulation. Taxpayers and rescue organizations spend over a billion dollars each year on the "capture, impoundment and destruction of unwanted animals," according to SpayUSA. "Rescue is not enough," McCormack-Ament said.
So the thrift shop was started as he first step towards a much larger goal that all pets have a loving home. While it may be considered a small step, the group always keeps their larger goal in mind. "We need [more than] $100,000.00 to open the [low-cost spay and neuter] clinic," Keeler said.
"You just can't rely on grants," McCormack-Ament said.
In the meantime, the profits also help when other rescue organizations need additional funding. For example, this month Friends of Felines will receive funding from the SPOT shop.
"We wanted to make money for [our cause] in a way we could enjoy," said McCormack-Ament, a thrift shop fan herself.
The thrift shop itself is located in a separate building adjacent to the Chesapeake Flea Market. McCormack-Ament said the owners of the market offered them a great deal on the space. Keeler added that there's the added security to being under the wing of the market.
The shop is chock full of all sorts of treasures for the thrift shop aficionado - from books to candle holders to nice rugs - there's something for everyone. The shop appears to already have outgrown its space. McCormack-Ament said they've received so many nice donations from people who hear about their cause and want to help out in any way.
However, the SPOT cannot accept mattresses, large appliances, computers, car seats and stained or broken items.
Since the SPOT is a bit of a family affair, there is a bit of healthy family disagreement, but just over the price of merchandise. Fabinne Ament likes to label goods cut-price, but here sister McCormack-Ament, reminds her they need to raise funds for their ultimate goal. Of course, the price are still thrift-shop reasonable and she added they are willing to barter if someone really wants an item.
And like McCormack-Ament, many people are thrift shop enthusiasts looking for specific items. Keeler said one customer was looking for humpty dumpty paraphernalia while others asked for Jell-o molds. As Keller spoke, McCormack-Ament promised a gentleman she would call him when they received a donation of records.
The SPOT does have a wish list - - for more volunteers, specifically in public relations, bookkeeping, computer know-how and shoppers, shoppers and more shoppers.
The SPOT is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10:00a.am to 5:00 p.m. To contact the group to volunteer, donate or inquire about their wares, please call 410-562-6516 during store hours and 410-586-2063 off hours.
It looks like X marks the “place” where shoppers can go to help out a good cause and satisfy their treasure hunting needs at the SPOT shop.
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