First & Second Thrift Store distributes over $180,000 to Cook County non-profits

Dressed in their finest thrifted attire, First and Second Thrift Store volunteers distributed over $180,000 during the Feb. 6 payout gathering at Johnson’s Heritage Post in Grand Marais.

The local thrift store, established in 2007, operates on a volunteer basis.
At the end of each year, after operating costs have been subtracted, volunteers choose how to donate the proceeds, based on accrued volunteer hours.

In 2024, volunteers earned an hourly wage of $27.51. The thrift store had 45 volunteers totaling 6542 hours for the year.

During the Feb. 6 payout event, a total of 33 checks were distributed to Cook County nonprofits and organizations.

“Our biggest winner this year is Hamilton Habitat. Which will be receiving over $27,000,” Ann Mershon, a First & Second volunteer and board member, said. “Which is terrific.”

Other organizations and nonprofits that received substantial money are Arrowhead Animal Rescue at $12,195, Grand Marais Playhouse at $14,172, and Bethlehem Lutheran Church at $11,572.

A complete list is below.

• American Legion Auxiliary Post 413 $5,126
• Arrowhead Animal Rescue $12,195
• Bethlehem Lutheran Church $11,572
• Care Partners of Cook County $9,836
• Coldwater Found. (Mink Lake Camp) $1,127
• CC Council on Aging $6,725
• CC Food Shelf (AEOA) $2,532
• CC Higher Education $1,334
• CC Historical Society $556
• CC Local Energy Project $1,282
• CC Tennis Association $1,646
• CC YMCA $145
• Empty Bowls of Cook County $867
• Evangelical Free Church $8,830
• First Congregational Church $15,625
• Go Dog North Shore $69
• Grand Marais Art Colony $82
• Grand Marais Playhouse $14,172
• Great Expectations Foundation $8,455
• Great Expectations School $5,401
• Hamilton Habitat $27,182
• ISD 166-Angel Fund $8,394
• ISD 166-Chemistry Dept $732
• Library Friends of Cook County $3,906
• Maple Hill Fire Relief Association $2,244
• Minnesota Children’s Press $1,766
• North Point, Inc. $861
• Ruby’s Pantry $1,874
• St. John’s Catholic Church $3,309
• Tofte Historical Society $6,136
• Violence Prevention Center $11,801
• WISE $1,880
• WTIP $2,341

Photos by Kalli Hawkins of the Feb. 6 event are below.

WTIP’s Chuck Olsen sat down with Ann Mershon before the Feb. 6 First & Second Thrift Store payout. The audio from the interview is below.

Kalli Hawkins February 7, 2025