"At times like this when money is tight, Whispering Pines friends and neighbors have managed to continue their generous donations of clothing and household items to the Whispering Pines Thrift Shop," says a spokesman. "Thanks to your donations and the tireless efforts of all our volunteers who work at the shop, we were able to give more than $18,500 to local Moore County charities for the first half of 2012.

(For a complete list of recipients, check the Thrift Shop bulletin board.)

Every week teams of volunteers add "new" items to the racks, reduce prices on certain merchandise, change displays and receive new donations.

"So, make your motto 'shop early and often' when it comes to the Whispering Pines Thrift Shop," says the spokesman.

The shop is located at the corner of Vass Carthage and Niagara Carthage roads. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Donations are accepted on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon.