In celebration of the first anniversary of Bargain Box II, a charitable gift was made to the Association for Retarded Citizens of Moore County (ARC), a private nonprofit organization that has been providing services and support for more than 30 years to those with developmental disabilities.

Wendy Russell, executive director of the ARC of Moore County, said, "Funding for the ARC services comes from many sources. However, the demand nearly always surpasses the supply. We appreciate the generosity of Bargain Box II."

Bargain Box II is a nonprofit thrift shop dedicated to supporting the charities of Moore County.

The original Bargain Box was organized in 1952 by Hemmie Tufts, of the Tufts family which founded Pinehurst, to aid the less fortunate of Moore County through the resale of donated merchandise.

It was located for many years in a small cottage in the Village of Pinehurst.

The donation to the ARC is the fourth contribution made by Bargain Box II to a Moore County organization in 2008. The others are: a nursing scholarship at Sandhills Community College, Moore Buddies, and the Sandhills Animal Rescue League.

The first anniversary was also marked by the gift from a generous donor of two large signs to mark the new location of Bargain Box II, which is north of Pinehurst in the Eastwood area, on U.S. 15-501 next to Wylie's Golf Carts. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

"Donations are always welcome," said a spokesman.

For more information, call Dot Evans at (910) 246-1688.