Healthcare costs are taking a bite out of a Central Georgia nonprofit's budget.
Heart of Georgia Hospice isn't letting that put the squeeze on the number of clients they serve.
The end-of-life care group went shopping for another revenue source and found it in retail.
Norma Wilson is back in her element. She spent 30 years in retail, and after retiring, looked for a way back in.
She said, "Can I be honest? I prayed about it and asked for a worthy cause to take all my abilities for good use to help people."
That lead her to Heart of Georgia Hospiceand their new venture in Warner Robins. It's a thrift store that opens next Tuesday.
Hospice Director Tim Poole said, "I investigated and found that other non-profit hospices were operating thrift stores in the Western North Carolina area."
Poole found out those stores make money supplementing the budget. He says Heart of Georgia Hospice needs those dollars.
Poole said, "We've seen a challenging economy. We've seen increased competition from other hospice providers coming into the Middle Georgia area, and we've also seen Medicare providing cuts to our reimbursement rate."
He said they never turn families away who can't pay.
Shelida Smith knows that from experience.
Smith said, "Some years back, my husband had prostate cancer, and hospice care came in and helped us even after he passed."
She's trying to return the service and volunteering at the new store.
Smith is shopping a little, too.
She said, "Found my dog a doggy bag, a carrying case, a doggy bed. I'm a thrift store fanatic, so I'm in the right place."
Smith wants other folks to feel at home, knowing shopping could make a difference in how families live, while dealing with death.
The Heart of Georgia Hospice Thrift Store opens next Tuesday, June 11th at 10 a.m. Hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
It's located at 1851 Watson Boulevard in Warner Robins, behind the Chick-Fil-A.
Poole said they are also accepting donations at the store. Furniture, clothing, household items, medical equipment and electronics can be dropped off during regular business hours. Donations are tax deductible.
Call 478-953-5161 for more information.
