A long-standing tradition continued recently when Anne Friesen, shelter manager for Friend to Friend in Carthage, accepted a contribution from Mark Twilla, chairman of the board for the Bargain Box II thrift shop in Pinehurst.

Friend to Friend is an important and valuable institution that through the years has offered a life-saving hand to those with troubled lives. Jackie Thamm, executive director of the organization, says that Friend to Friend is able to provide free counseling, a 24-hour crisis line, safe shelter, support groups, programs for children, court advocacy, court accompaniment, and community education.

"The support of individuals, churches, and organizations such as Bargain Box II help them to build healthy, safe, strong families with strong futures," says Thamm.

The association with Friend to Friend began in 1989 when the original Bargain Box was under the auspices of The Village Chapel. It was that year that the plight of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Moore County came to the attention of the Bargain Box committee. This knowledge prompted members of the committee to interview Friend to Friend organizers to learn their mission and what assistance the Bargain Box could offer.

The needs of those being mistreated were great in the 1980s. The case loads were heavy and clients seeking a safe haven had to be referred to Montgomery County. There was no "safe house" in Moore County.

When Dr. Doris Bullen became chairman of Friend to Friend in the area, one of her aims was to provide a safe facility for this county. Learning of the need, the Bargain Box committee arranged to make a donation to the struggling organization.

"The initial donation from the Bargain Box was $3,000," says Dorothy Evans, who chaired the Bargain Box Committee at that time. "It became 'seed money' that enabled Friend to Friend to qualify for a mortgage."

With this financial aid, the purchase of a "safe house" in Moore County was assured.

The Friend to Friend charity continued to be important to the Bargain Box. In checking past records from 1989 through 2005, Evans says that contributions totaled $90,000. This long-standing tradition of helping to provide funds for Friend to Friend projects will be continued by Bargain Box II.

Bargain Box II, the nonprofit thrift shop, is administered by a board of directors, and its incorporation was approved by the State of North Carolina in 2007. Funds derived from the sale of donated merchandise, including furniture, clothing, household goods, and jewelry, are used for nursing scholarships and worthwhile charities in Moore County.

The shop is located on U.S. 15-501 (in back of Wylie's Golf Carts). Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.