Second Chance
The Nassau Humane Society will ring in the new year with a new retail store to raise much-needed funds for its animal shelter on Airport Road.
The Second Chance store at 318 S. 8th St. will offer "gently used" items such as clothing, household items, furniture, collectibles, books and videos. The grand opening is set for this Monday, Jan. 2 at 10 a.m.
"All proceeds from this store will go to help the homeless animals at our shelter get a second chance at life," said Penny Landregan, a longtime NHS volunteer who will be the shop's manager.
It will also build on the success of the humane society's annual "flea and tick" garage sales and book sales at the Fernandina Beach airport. "We'll have great bargains here, just like at the 'flea and tick' sales, but now you can get them every day instead of just twice a year," Landregan said.
All of the staff will be volunteers and all of the merchandise will be donated, she said. As volunteers worked to ready the shop for its grand opening, items on display included everything from patio furniture and couches to housewares and dog bowls. The store will also feature a book room where buyers can browse books and videos, and a children's room with toys, games and baby items.
"The merchandise will change daily as we get new donations," Landregan said. Donations are always needed, and anyone with items to donate is asked to call the store at (904) 321-0022. (Please no TV's or computers.) Second Chance, next door to Half Time Sports Bar, will be open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"This store has been my dream for the humane society ever since I started volunteering with them" eight years ago, said Landregan, who also organizes the "flea and tick" garage sales at the airport -- a mammoth logistical task. The next one will be Feb. 17-18. "This store will be an easier, more consistent way to raise money for the shelter, and more convenient for customers," she said.
The sales have been vital fund-raisers for the humane society's operations, and Landregan said she's confident the new store will also become a valuable revenue source. "The homeless dogs and cats at our shelter will get more food, more treats, more medical care because of money raised through Second Chance," she said.
She's no stranger to operating such a store -- she owned a successful consignment shop in Kentucky, "so I have plenty of experience at this." It has also been plenty of work, and she credits the loyal corps of volunteers at NHS for making it happen. "We couldn't do it without them," she said.
With the grand opening just a few days away, the shop is full and all of the volunteers are eager to get started. Landregan hopes everyone will drop by to check out the bargains and help the local animal shelter give homeless pets a second chance.
"This is going to be successful," she said. "We have such a wonderful community, and there's so much support for the humane society. And we have a great location -- you couldn't ask for a better location. We're ready, and we can't wait till Monday."
Drop off any donations to the store starting Monday, Jan. 2 from 10-5PM every day Monday – Saturday.
NHS Dog pArk